Grief counselors and therapists in New York

Are you a woman or a couple struggling with the deep impact of trauma, anxiety, or relationship stress? Do you hear that voice saying, "I'm not good enough; I don’t deserve happiness"? I want you to know those ingrained beliefs aren't facts! They are coping mechanisms that are now keeping you stuck. They're often just patterns learned in old relationships. I help women and couples move past old habits towards safe attachment and acceptance within. You have untapped inner strengths, and you absolutely can go from just coping to thriving and living a full-hearted life.

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Bilingual School Psychologist with 17 years of psychotherapy experience and 20 years working as a school psychologist. This background gives me a deep understanding of how emotional patterns develop across childhood, adolescence, and adulthood, and how past experiences continue to shape a person’s current challenges.

Before becoming a therapist, I spent over 20 years in the corporate sector. That experience allows me to understand the pressures, expectations, and identity struggles faced by working professionals, especially those dealing with anxiety, burnout, and relationship stress.

I specialize in anxiety, depression, life transitions, and identity‐related concerns. I work effectively with millennials, Gen Z, Gen X, and baby boomers — anyone navigating change, uncertainty, or a sense of not fitting in. Born and raised in New York City, I bring a grounded, compassionate, and down‐to‐earth presence to therapy. I offer sessions in both English and Spanish and strive to create a warm, nonjudgmental space where clients feel safe to explore, heal, and grow.

As a licensed mental health professional, my dedication lies in supporting you to reach your personal goals through a personalized approach. I draw from a diverse range of therapeutic methods, carefully tailored to fit your unique preferences and needs. My areas of focus include aging, health and general anxiety, depression, substance use, self harm, eating disorders, and couples counseling. I understand that facing mental health can be challenging and at times daunting or uncomfortable.

My name is Melissa DePaolo, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I received my BSW from Mansfield University and my MSW from Marywood University. I have 20+ years of experience providing therapeutic services to children/youth, adults, and families in outpatient mental health/public schools. Currently, I am a School Social Worker with experience at the elementary and secondary levels. Other experience includes geriatric, criminal justice, and clinical administration.

I’m a Licensed Mental Health Counselor offering in person therapy. Therapy means we’re going to intentionally face the difficulties going on in your life (which requires amazing courage)! If you are looking for a genuine and compassionate person to be your ally and guide, I would love to help you create a life that feels more in line with your values.

My journey to becoming a mental health provider began with a desire to help others achieve greater self-insight and personal growth. Witnessing the impact that understanding oneself and developing effective coping strategies can have on one's life inspired me to pursue this path. After earning my degree from Columbia University and gaining experience in various settings, I became committed to gaining the skills needed to support individuals in their personal development and emotional well-being.

I am a member of a prestigious group of therapists at NY Mental Health Center. We understand that it takes courage to speak with a therapist, but the potential rewards outweigh the risk of opening up. I have experience helping clients with anxiety, mood disorders, relationship problems, addictions, trauma, and coping with disease, among other concerns. I work with each patient to forge a strong relationship and I strive to create a safe and comfortable environment for open communication.