Find a therapist in Utica, NY — covered by insurance

I started my work with infants and young children, guided by a simple belief: when we understand the meaning behind behavior, everything in a family can begin to shift. I use play as a primary way to connect with children and understand their inner world. Through play, children express thoughts and feelings they may not yet have words for. By joining them in this space, I’m able to better understand their experiences and help them feel seen, supported, and safe.

My path to becoming a therapist began in children’s media, where I spent fifteen years project managing educational content. That experience shaped how I see children today—curious, expressive, and constantly communicating, even without words.

I went on to earn my Master’s degree from New York University, training at the Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Center, where I deepened my understanding of how music and play can help children feel seen, regulated, and understood.

My clinical work has included early intervention, a specialized school for autistic children and young adults, and an elementary school supporting students with hearing loss and communication differences. Across these settings, I saw how powerful it is when a child is truly met where they are.

In 2023, I founded Sound Mind to create a more individualized, relationship-based practice—one where I can connect deeply and tailor my work to each child and family.

I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner serving clients in Texas, Maryland & New York. I work with diverse kinds of clients (Age 18 +) with different cultural backgrounds and mental health problems. I specialize in depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, Insomnia, bipolar disorder, eating disorder, personality disorder and much more. I am a compassionate provider with a passion for patients with mental illness.

Hello. My name is Manar, a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I support clients struggling with depression, anxiety, OCD, ADHD, PTSD, Bipolar and more. I like to create a safe, supportive space through honesty, empathy, and collaboration. I provide personalized, whole-person care that helps clients feel understood, empowered, and equipped to navigate life’s challenges and improve their well-being.

I’m Jen DiGianni, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with adolescents and adults through individual, family, and couples therapy. I help clients navigate anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, life transitions, and women’s mental health concerns, including postpartum anxiety and depression.

I believe that the strength and confidence you’re looking for already exist within you. My role is to help you uncover those strengths and build the tools needed to manage life’s challenges with greater clarity and confidence. I provide a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you can feel heard, understood, and empowered to grow.

I’m a trauma-informed therapist, leader, and advocate with over a decade of experience supporting children, families, and adults navigating life after hard things.

My work is rooted in helping people heal from trauma, manage anxiety and stress, and rebuild a sense of identity and stability during major life transitions. I specialize in working with individuals who carry a lot caregivers, professionals, survivors of interpersonal trauma, and people from historically marginalized communities who are often used to being strong for everyone else. I also specialize in addressing and healing generational trauma for black communities.

Amy Afua Smith is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who graduated from Wheelock College with a Master's Degree in Social Work. Ms. Smith’s diverse background includes working with homeless individuals and families in a variety of community settings including hospitals, shelters and within the child welfare system.

Her clinical social work with families ignited her interest in psychotherapy. Ms. Smith’s background as the daughter of immigrant African parents makes her perceptive to the issues facing individuals and communities of various backgrounds especially as it impacts human rights and social justice. Ms. Smith specializes in suicide prevention, domestic violence, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and trauma.

Ms. Smith is dedicated to lowering barriers to receiving mental health services. Ms. Smith’s background and work experiences have propelled her to create a group for women of color to reduce the stigma of mental health and access. Ms. Smith is the creator and founder of W.O.K.E. (Women of Kolour Empowered). The group was established in 2018 and has over 1300 members nationwide. Her work was featured in O Magazine (The Oprah Magazine) in June 2019’s edition.

I’m a licensed mental health counselor who works with adults, couples, and young adults navigating anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, and life transitions. I’ve trained across schools, community mental health, and outpatient settings, and I bring a grounded, real-world perspective into the therapy space. My work is culturally responsive and shaped by a strong commitment to equity, identity, and whole-person care. I aim to create a space where you feel understood, supported, and able to grow.