Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Poughkeepsie, NY covered by Aetna

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (NY & CA) with an MSW from NYU and a BA in Communications from Northwestern. With 14 years as a professional actor and teaching artist, I incorporate creativity into my eclectic therapeutic approach, which includes CBT, mindfulness, expressive arts, and psychodynamics. I specialize in supporting clients with anxiety, depression, identity exploration, relational challenges, and personal growth.

I work from a strength based perspective to provide solution-focused counseling for a range of life issues. By focusing on needs and goals we begin to uncover strengths and resources to help create a sustainable future.

When you feel the need to connect with a professional in order to address any issues or begin building a bridge to your next life goal, please reach out.

Brian Alvarez is an empathetic provider who understands. His goal is to ensure that you do not go through your challenges alone. While working with Brian, you can expect to learn a variety of coping skills for each and every difficulty you are facing. Coping skills are tips and tricks that we can use throughout our days, weeks, months, years that work towards reducing uncomfortable emotions and that allow us to be the best version of ourselves. Brian believes that all deserve to be happy.

I believe that healing happens through connection, curiosity, and self-compassion. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, I work with adults navigating anxiety, trauma, life transitions, relationship challenges, grief, burnout, and the lasting effects of difficult life experiences.

My approach is authentic, collaborative, and down to earth. I strive to create a space where clients feel safe showing up exactly as they are, without judgement or pressure to have everything figured out. I have training in Brainspotting and Internal Family Systems (IFS), and I enjoy helping clients deepen their understanding of themselves while building practical tools for everyday life.

Outside of therapy, I value nature, creativity, and the belief that healing can happen in many forms. My goal is to help clients reconnect with their strengths, gain insight, and create meaningful change that feels sustainable.

As a board-certified mental health counselor with over five years of experience, I’m passionate about helping individuals live as their most authentic and fulfilled selves. I believe that prioritizing mental health is one of the most meaningful investments you can make in your life. My goal is to create a supportive and collaborative space where you feel understood, empowered, and ready to grow.

I support adults through life transitions including grief, loss, relationship challenges, panic, job loss, empty nest, medical trauma & other upsetting & traumatic events. I'm a talk therapist, EMDR therapy certified & advanced Flash Technique trained - tools that I incorporate to help my clients navigate emotions in the days and weeks following and ongoing.

Hi there and welcome!

My priority is supporting clients on their journeys towards personal healing & growth.

In 2010, I received my MSW/LMSW. While doing outpatient clinical work at the NYC non-profit agency JBFCS, I became an LCSW. In 2016, I began to establish my private psychotherapy practice, focusing on young and professional adults presenting with a broad variety of life challenges.

If you have been feeling overwhelmed, stuck in patterns you cannot seem to break, or

simply ready for something to feel different, I would be glad to work alongside you. I am a

Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New York with 17 years of experience supporting

individuals, couples, and families through anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, grief,

and major life transitions. I work collaboratively, drawing on evidence-based approaches

tailored to each person's unique situation, because no two people navigate their inner

world the same way. I offer a warm, direct space where you can feel genuinely heard and

move toward real change.

I get it. You’re tired of feeling stuck, exhausted, and like nothing’s really changing. You’ve been carrying a lot, and it’s starting to feel heavy. As a psychotherapist in practice for over 10 years, I’m passionate about walking alongside adults on their healing journey, especially those navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, and major life transitions. Whether you're a professional burning out, a veteran facing emotional pain, or a student trying to find your footing, I offer support rooted in compassion and real tools like EMDR and CBT. More importantly, I create a space where you can show up just as you are and feel truly seen, safe, and supported.

Life’s challenges can feel overwhelming — whether it’s anxiety, ADHD, school stress, or simply navigating life's ups and downs. Maybe you're feeling stuck in relationships, school, or work and your goal is to feel more balanced, confident, and capable of handling daily challenges while building long-term resilience and growth. Regardless of what you're facing, I'm here to help. I’m Dr. Alex Luna, a Columbia and Cornell trained psychiatrist specializing in the care of adults, children, and adolescents.

I’m a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner who began my career at the Dent Neurologic Institute, where I focused on the connection between brain function and mental health. I am a good listener and devote much of my appointment time to understanding patient concerns and treatment expectations. This helps me provide consistently positive outcomes without relying on polypharmacy or a hit-and-trial approach. My psychiatric practice is rooted in my knowledge of how different neurotransmitters influence mood, memory, intellect, and cognition, shaping each person’s unique experience.

I utilize a multi-theoretical basis for all my clients. For my practice, trust, warmth and communication are the foundations of a good therapeutic relationship. I have a specialty in child/adolescent/family issues. However, I see many young adults who have issues feeling at ease and confident in their relationships and workplace. I endeavor to lift my clients out of the dark place that may be weighing them down to finding the solutions that will enable them to live freely.