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

Hi, I’m Chamin!

I bring over 25 years of experience to my work with individuals, couples, and groups, helping them move from feeling overwhelmed to truly empowered. My expertise has led to regular media contributions on platforms like The TODAY Show and CBS Sunday Morning, and I am the author of Seeking Soulmate: Ditch the Dating Game and Find Real Connection. I founded Chamin Ajjan Psychotherapy to provide a warm, welcoming, and supportive space where clinical excellence meets compassionate care and a little pop culture when I can throw it in. We are the regional clinic for the National Social Anxiety Center providing evidence-based treatment that upholds the rigorous standards of the organization. I am dedicated to helping you navigate life's challenges with a collaboration rooted in deep experience and practical, effective tools.

Our couples or relationship therapy framework is designed for partners seeking to rebuild intimacy, improve communication, and navigate life transitions. Please note: Our outpatient practice does not provide crisis intervention, court-mandated counseling, high-conflict mediation, or active separation/divorce litigation services.

I am a clinical psychotherapist with almost a decade of experience working with couples and adults who want to better understand themselves, and work towards creating the lives and relationships they crave. I am passionate about helping people reconnect to themselves, their hopes, and their autonomy. I specialize in relational/marital challenges, anxiety, grief, addiction, eating disorders, and trauma.

I've worked successfully with race-and class-diverse, LGBT and straight clients from teens to seniors. Many are new to NYC or in other life transitions. Clients come with anxiety, identity issues, relationship or work problems, trouble managing anger...My style is warm yet analytical, and interactive. I encourage laughter! I find that people want to understand themselves, break free from self-damaging patterns, and live more fully--and joyfully.

Creativity and mental health are deeply connected, and I've built my career at that intersection. I'm a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, a Distinguished Graduate of NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing, and adjunct faculty there today.

I'm also a working standup comedian who has performed at Gotham Comedy Club and New York Comedy Club, so I know firsthand the pressure, rejection, unpredictable schedules, and big highs and lows that come with a creative life.

In 2014 I founded MetroNP, a boutique psychiatric practice in Manhattan's Gramercy/Flatiron neighborhood designed specifically for creative people. Our clients include artists, designers, actors, writers, students, and members of the LGBTQI+ community, people who want a provider who truly gets their world

I work with artists of all backgrounds regarding struggles around creativity and self expression. I offer an affirming, safe space for people who identify as POC and LGBTQIA+ to explore their identities and deconstruct their own narrative within the larger lens of society. I treat both individuals, and couples, ranging from ages 15-40+.

I have been trained in expressive arts therapy and is a certified gestalt therapist. I utilizes the arts according to each person’s abilities to imagine and develop body awareness. My eclectic approach suits people who seek to find themselves in mental health. As a blind Japanese immigrant, I work especially well with differently-abled people and Pan Asians.