Who We Are
Our Therapeutic Practice
Our experience enables us to offer effective outpatient, individualized, psychological care. We treat a number of mental health disorders, and provide a neutral ground to individuals, families, and couples.
Our Treatment Focus
Our focus is to help individuals and couples heal, reflect, and become more aware of their inner strengths. We achieve this by providing a neutral safe space, listening to your concerns, and customizing a treatment plan.
Our Patient Promise
We promise to be there for you every step of your journey. Our goal is to help you grow from your struggles, heal from your pain, and move forward to where you want to be in your life.
Meet Our Staff
Laura Lamontanaro, PsyD
Specialties: Individual, Couples, Spanish-Speaking
I am a creative, compassionate and versatile clinical psychologist with more than twenty five years of experience working with adults, adolescents and children in individual, family and group psychotherapy. Relationship problems bring many individuals into treatment. I work actively in treatment with my clients to increase their self-awareness so that they can identify and overcome emotional blocks and self-image problems that negatively impact their relationships and impede their sense of happiness and personal satisfaction.
My approach is active and collaborative; I believe a strong working alliance with my patients is critical to help achieve emotional insights in treatment that lead to positive and lasting change. I also help identify patterns of behavior that hold them back from leading fulfilling lives, both intimately and professionally.
My areas of expertise include helping patients deal with issues related to emotional, familial and/or sexual abuse. I am fluent in Spanish and in addition to my general practice, I have a long and successful history of bilingual therapeutic treatment.
Casey Dowdell, PsyD
Specialties: Children & Adolescents
I am a graduate from Pace University’s School-Clinical Child Psychology Doctoral program and have experience treating children, adolescents, and adults experiencing a wide range of stressors and mental health difficulties in various outpatient and inpatient settings. Additionally, I have experience providing treatment within school settings, which has given me a unique perspective in understanding how to best advocate for the educational needs of children and families I work with. My focus has been providing treatment informed by relational and psychodynamic understanding, including both play and cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques when developmentally appropriate. I believe in the importance of developing a strong therapeutic relationship with the individuals and families I work with to achieve progress in a nonjudgmental, supportive manner. I strive to understand the distinctive challenges faced by each individual I work with by creating a therapeutic space built on empathy, collaboration, and mutual understanding into goals that facilitate positive change.
Irene Merring, PsyD
Specialties: Teens, Adults & Couples, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+,
I earned my doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University. I bring a distinct, innovative approach to therapy, recognizing that each individual’s journey is unique and requires a tailored approach.
I adapt therapy to your specific needs and embrace the values of radical self-acceptance, valuing you for who you are in the present. Therapy with me is a collaborative journey, blending my expertise with your personal knowledge and experiences to guide you. My office is a safe space for exploring all aspects of your identity. I am affirming of BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ identities and have a special affinity for artists and musicians.
My therapeutic process considers the whole person, including factors like race, ethnicity, sexuality, culture, values, perspective, trauma, socioeconomic status, family history, and relationships. My approach is integrative and rooted in humanistic principles, but I incorporate psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, and attachment-based methods as needed. For couples, I utilize Imago and Gottman’s theories. With a background as a musician, I also integrate music and art for emotional processing when appropriate.
Jen Millman, PsyD
Specialties: Children and Adolescents, Parent-Training and Family, Anxiety and Depression
As a graduate of the School and Community Psy.D program at Hofstra University, I have extensive experience working with children and adolescents, both in the educational setting as well as on an outpatient basis. I have also worked with couples and families to facilitate a more cohesive family unit. I am a cognitive behavioral therapist, and much of my work with adolescents and adults focuses on connecting thoughts to behaviors. While working with children I employ a play therapy approach in order to make them as comfortable as possible, and really get to know them as individuals. I have a substantial applied behavioral analysis background, which works well when assisting with parenting issues. My training and experience has also focused heavily on psycho-educational evaluations to help students reach their educational potential by assessing their individual strengths and needs. I am adept at evaluating both ability and achievement. I look forward to working with you to help you attain all of your goals, even if you are uncertain as to what your goals and needs may be at this time.
Rachel Czosniak, PsyD
Specialities: Individual and Couples, Relationship Issues, Depression & Bipolar
I am a graduate from Yeshiva University’s Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology. I have a wide range of experience treating individuals across the lifespan (child, adult and older adults) in various settings including outpatient, community mental health, and city and state inpatient units. My approach is to provide flexible treatment informed by psychodynamic understanding while incorporating cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavioral techniques as I strive to meet my clients where they are at emotionally. I believe that in order for psychotherapy to lead to positive changes there needs to be a strong, supportive and genuine relationship between therapist and client. Having this therapeutic bond can allow clients to feel safe as we collaboratively explore the deeper meanings behind their presenting concerns, view of self, and relational patterns. I hope to provide each of my clients with the security to go out in the world knowing that they have our space as their safe haven.
Laura Bowles, PsyD
Specialties: Individual, Couples, LGBTQ
I am a graduate from The George Washington University’s Professional Psychology Doctoral program and have experience treating adults and adolescents with a wide-ranging concerns. I have provided individual and group therapy within inpatient, partial hospital, and outpatient settings. My approach is primarily psychodynamic, focusing on how early experiences and relationships might contribute to concerns and difficulties today, while also exploring concrete solutions. I have particular success in working with people who find themselves disappointed or unsatisfied within relationships. I believe in the importance of a warm, collaborative, genuine, and supportive therapeutic relationship with the individuals I work with, and I strive to provide a safe and open environment within therapy. In addition, I have a passion for providing affirmative care for those within the LGBTQIA+ community, and recognize that many individuals within the community may have had negative experiences with therapy in the past. I also have focused experience working with clients who have survived physical, emotional, and sexual trauma. .
Korey Abbriano, PsyD
Specialties: Complex Trauma and Life Transitions
I am a graduate from the Nova Southeastern University’s psychology doctoral program and have experience treating children, adolescents, and adults with a variety of mental health difficulties. I have provided individual and group therapy within inpatient and outpatient settings. Additionally, I have experience conducting psychodiagnostic and psychoeducational assessments. My approach to treatment tends to be flexible to best meet the needs of my clients. I have had success in utilizing an integrative approach and incorporating relational and attachment-based therapies to empower clients and explore how early attachment styles may influence their current relational patterns. I also integrate aspects of cognitive-behavioral, dialectal, and acceptance and commitment therapies to provide clients the skills and tools to work towards their individual goals. Additionally, I incorporate compassion-focused and gender-affirmative approaches to provide care to individuals particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. My previous training and research interests have focused on treating individuals with a history of complex trauma as well as those who may be undergoing various life transitions. I prioritize the therapeutic alliance and strive to create a collaborative, warm and supportive therapeutic environment to facilitate lasting and meaningful change.
Susan Cooney, PhD
Specialties: Complex Trauma, Couples Therapy, Anxiety, Depression and Grief
I am a Certified Trauma Professional and Behavioral Health Therapist with over 20 years experience of treating patients. My past clinical experience includes almost two decades in a Level One Trauma Center followed by years of seeing clients for long-term psychotherapy. I integrate empathy with the evidence-based modalities of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and strengths-based psychotherapy with individuals, couples and families. I aim to convey unconditional positive regard while focusing on the therapeutic relationship to help my clients experiencing depression, anxiety, relationship concerns and loss. My techniques focus on interventions, interpersonal interactions, intrapsychic dynamics, and life management issues. I start where the client is and explore their goals for therapy, recognizing that it is a privilege to work with patients while striving to empower them to achieve their best quality of mental health.
Ev Kotowska, PsyD
Specialties: Trauma and Holistic Wellness
My passion as a clinician is to orient you towards a healing path that provides you with a deeper sense of purpose and meaning. I am patient-centered and welcome individuals from all walks of life, irrespective of race, gender identity, and sexual orientation. I’ve completed my undergraduate studies at the University at Buffalo and obtained my Masters of Arts and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Columbia University and William James College, respectively. I have a particular interest in the interplay between neuroscience and holistic wellness, incorporating the mind-body and spirit in my practice. I have specific training and experience in integrating contemporary psychotherapy with eastern meditative, spiritual, and indigenous traditions. I have worked across the lifespan-from infants to elderly adults in multiple settings treating a wide range of mental health and behavioral difficulties including: depression, anxiety, panic disorder, terminal illness, complicated grief, complex trauma, identity concerns, and other disabilities that interfere with daily living. I am committed to creating a safe and warm environment wherein I utilize evidenced-based techniques and interdisciplinary research to inform my practice and to help clients move toward their desired outcome. I carefully employ techniques that serve the unique and individual needs of each client, stressing the importance of the therapeutic relationship as being a vital component for successful treatment.
Janie Howard, PsyD
Specialties: Children, Adolescents & Adults
Since I graduated from Hofstra University with a doctorate in School and Community Psychology I have been working extensively with children, adolescents, families, and adults. I specialize in anxiety, depression, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and behavioral disorders using a strengths based approach. My clinical practice includes cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness and regulation techniques and play therapy to help my clients learn problem-solving methods & build resilience. Additionally, my background as a school psychologist enables me to assist students and parents with the special education process and Individualized Education Plans. I strongly believe that every person is on a journey to learn and accept themselves and then use this self-knowledge to navigate and adapt to life circumstances.
Debbie Weinstock, PhD
Specialties: Adults with Anxiety, Marital/Relationship Issues & Trauma
Taking the first step to reach out for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! I am a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in adults struggling with anxiety, stress-related health issues, relationship difficulties and post traumatic stress (PTSD). I help individuals, couples and families improve the quality of their relationships, find equitable solutions to problematic situations and achieve greater harmony and understanding. Blending the best techniques and insights from clinical psychology and mindfulness, I work closely with my clients via teletherapy to formulate effective solutions to resolve interpersonal friction and help you develop and maintain healthy relationships with family members, co-workers and intimate partners. Change the patterns that have kept you stuck and you’ll find a whole new level of success and satisfaction. You can feel safe knowing that our sessions are a confidential and judgment-free space where you can work through challenging issues, develop useful insights and learn new coping skills.
Tonnette Alcide, PsyD
Specialties: Anxiety, Post-Partum Depression, Trauma & BIPOC Issues
I have diverse experience working in health psychology, hospital settings, prison settings, inpatient psychiatric wards, medical hospitals and community clinics. My training at Saint Elizabeth University’s psychology doctoral program focused on the foundational value of social justice that shapes and distinguishes efforts in developing effective psychotherapeutic relationships. I have a longstanding history of working with adolescents and adults through individual and group therapy. I use cognitive-behavioral, dialectical behavior, psychodynamic approaches, and culturally sensitive tools. I work hard to build a strong, trusting relationship with all of my clients while getting to know their strengths and what areas will benefit from growth. My research projects have investigated issues related to postpartum depression and anxiety and I’ve had particular success working with individuals with anxiety, women who experience postpartum depression and racial trauma, and providing compassionate care to Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC). I believe in tailoring treatment to the individual client, specifically helping them change self-defeating behavior patterns while developing more positive forms of behavior. I would be thrilled to hear from you if you are seeking teletherapy and I am committed to helping you.
Karley Gabriel, PsyD
Specialties: Children, Pre-Teens, Teens, Young Adults, Parent Training, Anxiety, Trauma, Autism, ADHD, LGBTQ+, Disability
I received my doctorate in School-Community Psychology from Hofstra University and have a range of clinical experience working in outpatient clinic, home-based care, school-based and university settings. I bring a warm, compassionate, and authentic approach to therapy that is strengths-based and person-centered. I adjust my treatment based on your goals and what will best support your growth. I create treatment plans using elements of CBT, DBT, ACT, play therapy, and expressive art therapy. I have experience treating children as young as 2 years old, adolescents, and young adults with various concerns including anxiety, chronic illness/disability, autism, depression, ADHD, and trauma. I also provide parent counseling in conjunction with individual counseling for children. I am passionate about providing care that supports all different walks of life and identities, and I use my lived experience to help empower neurodivergent, LGBTQ+, and chronically ill/disabled individuals. I look forward to getting to know you!
Nathan Fordsham, PsyD
Specialties: Adult Individuals, Relationship Issues, Identity, and Life Transitions
My style of therapy is comfortable and collaborative. This means that I will work with you at your pace, to explore difficult subjects and gain insight into thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Good therapy is hard work. I will do my best to walk through it with you. While I am most informed by psychodynamic psychotherapy, I am trained in a variety of approaches (i.e., CBT, DBT) and will tailor treatment to your specific needs and circumstances. A strong working alliance is central to any treatment, so I value your input and collaboration along the way to achieving lasting therapeutic change. I received my master and doctorate degrees in clinical psychology from Long Island University and I have worked in a variety of mental health settings across the greater New York area. I am trained to work with patients across the lifespan, but I am currently focused on working with adults navigating difficulties with relationships, identity, and life transitions.
Annie Moten, PsyD
Specialties: Individual, Teens, Pre-Teens, Adults, Borderline Personality Disorder, Trauma, Spirituality and Multicultural Issues, LGBTQIA+
Since earning my doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Rutgers University, I have approached therapy as a collaborative journey, walking alongside my clients to help them understand their experiences without judgment. My goal is to support individuals in creating a life that acknowledges both their pain and their potential for growth.
As a bi-ethnic Pakistani-Indonesian woman raised by undocumented, low-income parents, I have a deep understanding of the complexities of thriving within systemic oppression. I integrate radical self-care and tools for personal success into my work.
I strive to build trust through straightforwardness, kindness, irreverence, and humor, creating a space that is both safe and empowering. Drawing on my extensive DBT training and lived experience, I foster emotional containment and autonomy. I also incorporate creative outlets like music into therapy, helping clients express feelings beyond words.
Jennifer Halpern, PhD
Specialties: Individual, Couples & Family, LGBTQ+, Complex Trauma
I am a graduate of The New School for Social Research with a PhD in Clinical Psychology. My clinical experience includes individual, parent-child, family and couples, and group therapy within inpatient, partial-hospital, and outpatient settings. I am comfortable working with a wide range of emotional and relational challenges, including complex trauma, depression, anxiety, grief and interpersonal conflicts. I am affirming of all sexual orientations, gender identities and relationship structures and provide a safe, respectful, and affirming space for LGBTQ and TGN individuals. My approach to therapy is primarily psychodynamic with an attachment lens and trauma-informed approach. While lasting change usually takes time and patience, I also aim for symptom relief through practical, short-term adjustments tailored uniquely to you. I meet my clients with warmth, and a healthy dose of humor to build a trusting, unique, and collaborative bond. In doing so, I aim to co-create a space with my clients where they feel comfortable exploring difficult memories of their past, connecting them to their present experience, and exploring how those earlier experiences serve as a blueprint for future relationships.
Samantha Eve Kaufman, PsyD
Specialties: Pre-teens, Teens & Adults, ADHD, Anxiety & Depression
I received my Doctor of Psychology degree from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. I believe in creating a warm, enthusiastic, informative, and authentic environment for individuals to enable them to reach their goals and fullest potential - whatever that may be. I embrace people’s individuality and do not believe that one size fits all. Although I am trained in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) I consider myself an eclectic psychologist and utilize research based techniques from various subfields of psychology.
I work with pre-adolescents, adolescents, young adults, and adults. Although I am well-versed in various mental health conditions, I specialize in ADHD, Executive Functioning, Disruptive Behavior Disorders, Personality Disorders, Depression, and different types of Anxiety. I am also able to provide diagnostic and psychoeducational evaluations.