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< Back Shaila Pilarte, M.S.Ed, MHC-LP Mental Health Counselor Shaila recently joined Minette Psychotherapy as a mental health counseling intern. I am committed to providing culturally competent, bilingual support to diverse populations, including Latinx, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ individuals, children, adolescents, and families. My approach integrates client-centered, strengths-based interventions to address trauma, anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges. With expertise in social-emotional learning, crisis intervention, and autism support, I strive to create a safe, empowering space for healing and personal growth. Fluent in English and Spanish, I am dedicated to fostering accessibility and inclusivity in mental health care. Shaila's specialties include play therapy with children, Therapy with adolescents, Trauma-informed therapy, Family Therapy, Parent Coaching, Marital and Couples Therapy, clients with Autism, and clients who self-harm. She has expertise in both Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. She has experience with holding space in group counseling as well. She holds an M.S.ED. Master of Science in Education with advanced training from Alfred University, where she received an advanced certificate in mental health counseling. She also received an advanced certificate in Bilingual School Counseling from the New York Institute of Technology, a master's degree in School Counseling from Alfred University, and a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Utica University. To schedule an appointment with Shaila, please contact the clinic directly. Shaila se unió recientemente a Minette Psychotherapy como pasante de consejería en salud mental. Está comprometida a brindar apoyo bilingüe y culturalmente competente a poblaciones diversas, incluyendo individuos Latinx, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, así como niños, adolescentes y familias. Su enfoque integra intervenciones centradas en el cliente y basadas en fortalezas para abordar temas como el trauma, la ansiedad, la depresión y los desafíos en las relaciones. Con experiencia en aprendizaje socioemocional, intervención en crisis y apoyo a personas con autismo, Shaila se esfuerza por crear un espacio seguro y empoderador para la sanación y el crecimiento personal. Habla inglés y español con fluidez y está comprometida con promover la accesibilidad y la inclusividad en el cuidado de la salud mental. Las especialidades de Shaila incluyen terapia de juego con niños, terapia con adolescentes, terapia informada en trauma, terapia familiar, coaching para padres, terapia de pareja y matrimonial, atención a personas con autismo y a personas con conductas autolesivas. Tiene experiencia en Terapia Cognitivo-Conductual (CBT) y Terapia Dialéctico-Conductual (DBT), y también ha trabajado en consejería grupal. Shaila posee un M.S.Ed. (Maestría en Ciencias de la Educación) con formación avanzada en consejería de salud mental de Alfred University, donde también recibió un certificado avanzado en el área. Además, obtuvo un certificado avanzado en Consejería Escolar Bilingüe del New York Institute of Technology, una maestría en Consejería Escolar de Alfred University y una licenciatura en Justicia Criminal de Utica University. Para agendar una cita con Shaila, por favor comunícate directamente con la clínica. minettetherapy@gmail.com (201) 274-5489

Hola! Soy Mary... Hello! I'm Mary Mary Taveras Garcia is a bilingual licensed clinical social worker and accomplished leader, with more than 20 years of experience in mental health advocacy, program innovation, and delivering culturally competent care. Mary brings over 32 years of experience in individual, group, and family therapy. She has held various roles at Inwood Community Services, including clinician in the Youthlink, Drop-In, and Mental Health Clinics, before becoming Unit Director in 2012. Mary is also a skilled psychotherapist in the Mental Health Program and has served as a substance abuse counselor in the Comprehensive Outpatient Addiction Program. In addition, Mary conducts clinical and developmental evaluations for children aged 0-3 referred by the NYC Early Intervention Program. Areas of Expertise: Mary addresses a wide range of behavioral health concerns, including adjustment disorders, ADHD, learning disabilities, conduct disorders, aging issues, couples/marriage counseling, compulsive behaviors, crisis/trauma, mood disorders, depression, anxiety, panic disorders, family conflicts, grief/loss, LGBTQ+ issues, parenting challenges, personal growth, personality disorders, relationship concerns, sexual abuse, substance abuse, PTSD, and life transitions. Treatment Approaches: Mary utilizes evidence-based methodologies such as play therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, family systems therapy, supportive psychotherapy, solution-focused therapy, and brief therapy. Certifications and Assessment Tools: Licenses: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-R) – New York and New Jersey; Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) – New York Assessment Tools: Hawaii Early Learning Profile (HELP), Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), Developmental Assessment of Young Children (DAYC), Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule 2 (ADOS) Back TESTIMONIALS Eric Erickson I have known Ms. Taveras-Garcia for almost my entire 20-year career as a social worker. In fact, she was one of the most influential figures early I my career. She not only provided me with her expertise in clinical work during my 10 years working for the Washington Heights Community, but also modeled the ideals of social work in her practice. Her dedication has inspired me to continue my work in Northern Manhattan and has shaped the way I assist New Clinicians in the field as a Clinical Supervisor. LinkedIn - Mary Taveras, LCSW, CASAC

< Back Guadalupe Heisecke Echeverria, MHC-LP Mental Health Counselor Guadalupe Heisecke, MHC-LP, earned a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh. She specializes in working with adolescents, young adults, adults, and seniors, providing support for depression, anxiety, grief, and trauma, in addition to issues related to immigration and acculturation. Fluent in both Spanish and English, Guadalupe is dedicated to offering culturally sensitive and accessible care. Her approach integrates crisis intervention and emotional-support therapy with evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and elements of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). She strives to create a safe, genuine space where clients feel supported in exploring their emotions and empowered to discover their inner strengths. What inspires Guadalupe most about her work is witnessing the resilience of her clients and being part of their journey toward healing and growth. If you would like to schedule an appointment with Guadalupe, please don't hesitate to contact the clinic directly for assistance. Guadalupe Heisecke, MHC-LP, obtuvo una maestría Mental Health Counseling en The State University of New York at Plattsburgh. Se especializa en trabajar con adolescentes, adultos jóvenes, adultos y personas mayores, brindando apoyo en casos de depresión, ansiedad, duelo y trauma, además de dificultades relacionadas con la inmigración y la aculturación. Bilingüe en español e inglés, Guadalupe está comprometida a ofrecer una atención culturalmente sensible y accesible. Su enfoque integra la intervención en crisis y la terapia de apoyo emocional con prácticas basadas en evidencia, como la Terapia Cognitivo-Conductual (TCC) y elementos de la Terapia Dialéctico-Conductual (TDC). Su objetivo es crear un espacio seguro y genuino donde los clientes se sientan acompañados para explorar sus emociones y empoderados para descubrir sus fortalezas internas. Lo que más inspira a Guadalupe en su trabajo es ser testigo de la resiliencia de sus clientes y acompañarlos en su camino hacia la sanación y el crecimiento personal. Si desea programar una cita con Guadalupe, no dude en comunicarse directamente con la clínica para recibir asistencia. minettetherapy@gmail.com (201) 724-5489

< Back Vilma Miranda, LCSW-R Licensed Clinical Social Worker Vilma Miranda, LCSW-R, earned both her Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Social Work from Fordham University. She specializes in providing therapy for young adults aged 19-29 and adults aged 30 and above, with a focus on treating depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, phobias, anger management, and domestic violence. Vilma utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI) to assist clients in overcoming life's challenges and achieving mental well-being. She is a compassionate and caring therapist, fluent in English and Spanish. To schedule an appointment with Vilma, please get in touch with the clinic directly. Vilma Miranda, LCSW-R, obtuvo tanto su maestría como su licenciatura en Trabajo Social en Fordham University. Está especializada en brindar terapia a adultos jóvenes (de 19 a 29 años) y adultos de 30 años en adelante, enfocándose en el tratamiento de la depresión, ansiedad, duelo, trauma, fobias, manejo de la ira y violencia doméstica. Vilma utiliza enfoques terapéuticos como la Terapia Cognitivo-Conductual (CBT), la Terapia Dialéctico-Conductual (DBT) y la Entrevista Motivacional (MI) para ayudar a sus clientes a enfrentar los desafíos de la vida y alcanzar el bienestar emocional. Es una terapeuta compasiva y dedicada, y domina tanto el español como el inglés con fluidez. Para agendar una cita con Vilma, por favor comunícate directamente con la clínica. minettetherapy@gmail.com (201) 724-5489

< Back Cristel Garcia, LMSW Licensed Master Social Worker Cristel Garcia, LMSW, earned her master's degree in social work from Fordham University. Her expertise is in working with teens and adults. Her specialties include working with adolescents, clients with ADD/ADHD, depression, anxiety/panic/phobias, trauma, self-harming, eating/weight issues, and immigrants/acculturation issues. Her framework includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Christian or Faith-Based therapies. Cristel says the best piece of advice she has ever been given is "Failure doesn't determine your success. The more you fail, the more you learn. The more you learn, the closer to succeeding you will be". Her friends/family and coworkers describe her as being a good listener, is funny, caring and hardworking. Her inspiration comes from making a difference in people's lives. Providing them with support when they didn't have any. Cristel is Bilingual, Fluent in Spanish To schedule an appointment with Cristel, please contact the clinic directly. minettetherapy@gmail.com (201) 724-5489

< Back Shelly Browne, MHC-LP Mental Health Counselor Shelly Browne is a school counselor, community advocate, speaker/host, and creative coordinator who is dedicated to revolutionizing mental health counseling through culturally competent practices. With extensive experience in administration and management within healthcare and afterschool programs, Shelly is devoted to driving systemic change and inspiring resilience in the communities she serves and educates. As a skilled clinician, she specializes in working with young and older adults, focusing on treating depression, conducting individual and group therapy for adolescents, and employing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing with her clients. Shelly has led initiatives focused on the well-being of young individuals. At Andries Hudde I.S. 240 & CAMBA, she conducts wellness workshops for underrepresented students and adults in the Flatbush and Sheepshead Bay areas. She authored a podcast journal for those interested in the podcasting industry. Shelly has also participated in speaking engagements about community wellness. Shelly intends to pursue a career in counseling and leadership to establish a small practice for the community. If you would like to schedule an appointment with Shelly, please contact the clinic directly and one of our staff members will assist you. Thank you. minettetherapy@gmail.com (201) 274-5489

< Back Eleana Leiva, MHC Intern Mental Health Counseling Intern Eleana Leiva is a School Counselor and a Board Certified Christian Counselor who is currently a mental health counseling intern at New York Institute of Technology Advance Certification Program with a strong passion for whole-person development, emotional wellness, and purposeful living. Her background includes extensive work with children, teens, and adults across various settings, and I specialize in personal development, trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, social-emotional learning, and faith-based counseling. As a Board Certified Christian Counselor, Eleana integrates spiritual and emotional alignment for clients who desire a faith-centered approach, while also providing evidence-based therapies such as CBT, SFT, motivational interviewing, play therapy, and parent coaching. Eleana holds an M.S. Master of Science in School Counseling from Mercy College. She is a Board Certified Christian Counselor BCCC, from National Association of Christian Counselors. She is choosing to pursue clinical counseling because she never wants to be limited in how she support people. Her goal is to offer the highest level of care - care that meets clients where they are, honors their story, and helps them grow into the strongest, clearest, and most aligned version of themselves. Helping people heal and develop is not just her work; it’s her calling. To schedule an appointment with Eleana, known for her expertise and dedication to patient care, please reach out to the clinic directly at (201) 724-5489. When you call, you will be greeted by our friendly reception staff, who are available to assist you in finding a suitable time for your visit. They can provide you with information regarding Eleana's availability, the services she offers, and any specific preparations you may need to consider before your appointment. Additionally, if you have any questions about the clinic's policies, insurance acceptance, or the types of treatments available, the reception team will be more than happy to help clarify those details for you. We encourage you to call during our business hours for the most efficient service, and we look forward to welcoming you to our clinic soon.

< Back Janae Connerly, MHC-LP Licensed Mental Health Counselor Janae Connerly, MHC-LP obtained her master's degree in school counseling and her bachelor's degree from St. John's University. Her therapy practice includes working with young children, teens/adolescents, young adults, adults, and seniors, specializing in depression, anxiety, grief, phobias, and trauma. Janae employs cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI) with clients and uses play therapy for young children. She is also a parent coach, providing support to parents and guardians. Currently, she works with individuals across all age groups, from teenagers to seniors. Clients that work with Janae say that she creates a comfortable atmosphere that allows them to be transparent, heard and identifies a path towards health and clarity. During her experience her clients have also said they feel affirmed and attain the tools to sustain their mental wellness. She continues to be inspired by her clients' transformations. To schedule an appointment, please contact the clinic directly. minettetherapy@gmail.com (201) 724-5489

< Back Ambar Ortiz, LMSW Licensed Master Social Worker Ambar Ortiz, LMSW, received her master's degree from Fordham University Graduate School of Social Work. She specializes in therapy for young adults, adults, and seniors, with a focus on treating depression, anxiety, grief, and trauma. Ambar is bilingual in Spanish. Ambar's most inspiring part of her job with clients is witnessing individuals reconnect with their most innate, true, full selves. The world can disconnect us from our essence and inherent worth, but walking alongside courageous individuals who choose to stand on their own is what I truly love about being a therapist. Her proficiency in dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) and Motivational Interviewing fosters growth and assists clients in navigating life's challenges to attain mental well-being. To arrange an appointment, please call the clinic using the phone number below. minettetherapy@gmail.com (201) 724-5489

< Back Vanessa Garcia, MHC-LP Mental Health Counselor Vanessa Garcia, MHC-LP (Mental Health Counselor - Limited Permit). She has a Master of Arts in Counseling from New Jersey City University. Her expertise lies in working with clients with ADD/ADHD and anxiety/panic/phobias. She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as her preferred psychodynamic modalities of treatment. She has experience working with children, teens, young adults and adults. The most inspiring advice she has ever received is "Laugh at your mistakes and enjoy each little moment as much as your big ones". Vanessa enjoys working with her clients and finds it her mission or life's work to help others. To schedule an appointment with Vanessa, please contact the clinic directly at the phone number provided below. Vanessa García, MHC-LP (Consejera de Salud Mental con Permiso Limitado), tiene una Maestría en Artes en Consejería de New Jersey City University. Su experiencia se enfoca en trabajar con personas que viven con ADD/ADHD y ansiedad/pánico/fobias. Su modalidad preferida de tratamiento es la Terapia Cognitivo-Conductual (CBT) dentro de un enfoque psicodinámico. Vanessa tiene experiencia trabajando con niños, adolescentes, adultos jóvenes y adultos. El consejo más inspirador que ha recibido es: “Ríete de tus errores y disfruta cada pequeño momento tanto como los grandes.” Disfruta profundamente su trabajo con los clientes y considera que su misión en la vida es ayudar a los demás. Para agendar una cita con Vanessa, por favor comunícate directamente con la clínica al número de teléfono que aparece más abajo. minettetherapy@gmail.com (201) 724-5489

< Back Christina Howell, LMSW Licensed Master Social Worker Christina Howell, LMSW, received her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from The City University of New York (Queens College). After working in the field for a year with different organizations, both competitively employed and through volunteer work, Christina gained experience in different specialties and populations. She has experience with individual therapy, group therapy, grief counseling, stress management, play therapy, aging, special needs (autism, intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities), and case management. Christina decided to further her education at Adelphi University and returned for her Master's degree in social work and counseling. Christina is currently working with individuals with special needs, individuals who are medically frail, and the aging population. Her work allows her to provide services to people experiencing adjustments in their life, and seniors in the community by allowing them to stay in their homes, as well as provide group therapy for individuals who are going through a separation or divorce, or newly bereaved, and caregiver support. Christina is known for her hands-on approach and provides her clients with evidence-based knowledge, in addition to extra support that they may need to get through their difficult time or event. To schedule an appointment with Christina, please contact the clinic directly. minettetherapy@gmail.com (201) 724-5489

< Back Jessica Echeverria, MHC-LP Licensed Mental Health Counselor Jessica Echeverria, MHC-LP, has a master's certificate in Advanced Study in Mental Health Counseling from Alfred University and a Bachelor Degree in Forensic Psychology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, CUNY. Her expertise lies in working with clients with ADD/ADHD, depression, anxiety/panic/phobias, substance use/alcohol use, grief, and trauma, in addition to clients who are LGBTQ+ affirming. She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Christian/Faith-Based Therapy as her preferred psychodynamic modalities of treatment. The most inspiring part of her work as a Latine-informed trauma specialist is witnessing the transformation and resilience of her clients. She loves creating a safe and affirming space where individuals feel truly seen, valued, and empowered to explore their strengths. Helping people navigate anxiety, depression, complex PTSD, grief and the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ communities is deeply meaningful to her. Seeing clients heal, rediscover their inner strength, and embrace their full potential is what drives her every day. She is also passionate about guiding clients towards building self-worth, fostering healthy relationships, and achieving personal growth. To schedule an appointment with Jessica, please contact the clinic directly. minettetherapy@gmail.com (201) 724-5489