Cultural Identity/Anxiety Therapy - Weekends

You're in a work meeting, being decisive and clear. Then, you get a text from your mom and your chest tightens. By the time you call her, you’re a different person. You push your feelings aside while you manage hers. The anxiety, burnout and guilt that come from living between your family's expectations and your ambitions as a first-generation Latina are not the same as regular stress. This is the cost of code-switching between two versions of yourself, every single day.

As a first-generation Latina, I have lived this exhaustion. In our therapy sessions, we explore how belonging to two cultures shaped you, why guilt and self-sacrifice are running the show and what it would look like to create room for your ambitions without losing your family. You'll learn that having needs doesn't make you a bad daughter.

If you’re ready to stop splitting yourself in two, this is where we start. You don’t have to choose between who you are at home and who you want to become. Email me for a free consultation and we will figure out the rest together. I'm here to help you thrive.

Call or Email Cultural Identity/Anxiety Therapy - Weekends now for a free 15 minute consultation - (929) 460-9756

Practice at a Glance

Available online only

New York, NY 10128

New York, NY 10019

I offer weekly online therapy sessions on Sundays. Call or email me today to schedule a free 15-minute consultation.

I specialize in First-gen Latina burnout, Grief and Anxiety

$300 Per Session

Individual one-on-one therapy

Helping burned out Latinas find their voice, reclaim their energy and move forward with purpose. Email me today.

Cultural Identity/Anxiety Therapy - Weekends

Let's Connect (929) 460-9756

Practice at a Glance

Available online only

New York, NY 10128

New York, NY 10019

Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT

I offer weekly online therapy sessions on Sundays. Call or email me today to schedule a free 15-minute consultation.

I specialize in First-gen Latina burnout, Grief and Anxiety

$300 Per Session

Individual one-on-one therapy

Helping burned out Latinas find their voice, reclaim their energy and move forward with purpose. Email me today.

Finances

Fees

Individual Sessions $300

Payment Methods

Zelle

Insurance

Out of Network

I am an out-of-network provider and charge my full fee up front. I can provide you with a superbill, which you can submit to your insurance plan for reimbursement.

Cultural Identity/Anxiety Therapy - Weekends

Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW

Call or Email us for a free 15 minute consultation now - (929) 460-9756

I am an out-of-network provider and charge my full fee up front. I can provide you with a superbill, which you can submit to your insurance plan for reimbursement.

Cultural Identity/Anxiety Therapy - Weekends

Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW

Call or Email us for a free 15 minute consultation now - (929) 460-9756

Qualifications

Clinical Social Work/Therapist: Monica Polanco

Verified by Psychology Today Licensed by State of New York / 084483-1 Monica Polanco

Education and Years In Practice

In Practice for 14 years

Attended New York University, Graduated 2012

I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in New York specializing in cultural identity development and bicultural adjustment for first-generation Latina professionals. My work supports women searching for therapy for burnout, cultural identity struggles, depression and anxiety.

Cultural Identity/Anxiety Therapy - Weekends

Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW

Call or Email us for a free 15 minute consultation now - (929) 460-9756

Cultural Identity/Anxiety Therapy - Weekends

Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW

Call or Email us for a free 15 minute consultation now - (929) 460-9756

Specialties and Expertise

Top Specialties

First-gen Latina burnout
Grief
Anxiety

Expertise

Depression
Family Conflict
Life Transitions
Peer Relationships
Racial Identity
Self Esteem
Spirituality
Stress
Women's Issues

I help bicultural, professional Latinas understand why they feel burned out, stuck and angry. I explore the conflicts between your American and Latina values and help you discover your true values. I help you find your voice, reclaim your energy and create healthy boundaries. I use practical tools, including breathwork, to calm your nervous system and improve concentration.

Cultural Identity/Anxiety Therapy - Weekends

Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW

Call or Email us for a free 15 minute consultation now - (929) 460-9756

Cultural Identity/Anxiety Therapy - Weekends

Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW

Call or Email us for a free 15 minute consultation now - (929) 460-9756

42 Endorsements

Roua Eltayeib

Monica brings warmth, sincerity, and a thoughtful presence to her work with clients and is committed to guiding with empathy and care. She offers a steady, human presence through even the heaviest chapters of grief.

Dr. Adrian Scharfetter

Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, CST

Monica brings a warmth and dedication to her work around anxiety, burnout, and holding boundaries. Her work is approachable with care and understanding, and I highly endorse her as a therapist working with these issues.

Patricia Valencia

Counselor, LMHC, LPC

Exhausted from always putting others first? Monica will help you finally prioritizeyourself. Creating a warm, judgment-free space for Latinas to voice thoughts and feelings you've buried to keep the peace. Monica understands the unique stressors of Latinas

Dr. Jenna Brownfield LGBTQ Therapist

Psychologist, PhD, LP

Monica's work helping bicultural Latinas with anxiety and burnout is amazing. She gets what it's like to juggle family expectations and workplace demands. If you're tired of doubting yourself and want to feel more grounded in who you are, contact Monica!

Jessica Thomas . Mymindset

Mental Health Counselor, MA, LMHC

I highly recommend Monica for fellow 1st Gen. Latinx women struggling with bicultural identity and boundary issues. Her empathetic energy creates a supportive space that will help you feel less alone to navigate finding your inner light and voice again.

Michael Angelo Tumbarello

Kelly Shanley Intriligator

Mental Health Counselor, LMHC, MA

Suzanne Pasette

Art Therapist, LCAT, ATR

Jennifer Griesbach

Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PhD

Samara Muniz: Trauma, Cultural & Immigration

Counselor, LMHC

As a Latina, I highly value Monica Polanco's expertise. She truly gets the first-generation Latina experience, helping us navigate anxiety and burnout without losing our roots. Monica is a vital, culturally attuned guide for reclaiming our well-being.

Olympia Georgeson - Relationships and Trauma

Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, MFA, LPC, LMHC

Monica offers culturally informed support that resonates especially with Latinas navigating the pressures of bicultural life and identity while addressing issues like anxiety and burnout. She will help you set healthy boundaries rooted in values & goals.

Olivia Korn, Trauma, Anxiety & EMDR

Changing Tides: Couples/ADHD/Trauma

Monica is outstanding in her work supporting people navigating anxiety, burnout, and the unique challenges faced by first-generation Latinas. Her approach is both compassionate and culturally attuned, a space where clients feel seen and heard.

Wes Francois, Black Male Therapist Offering EMDR

Monica has such a thoughtful approach with first- generation issues. She is mindful of each individual situation, but also considerate of the first generation stereotypes that lend a difficult hand in balancing two different cultures.

The DBT Center of Pennsylvania-Erin O'Brien

Monica is a skilled and compassionate therapist who specializes in working with anxiety and first-generation Latinas. Her culturally responsive, bilingual approach creates a safe space for clients to feel understood, supported, and empowered to grow.

Licensed Professional Counselor, M.Phil, LPC, DBT-LBC

Monica is an incredible bilingual NY based therapist who is skilled in working with first-gen. Latinas who are struggling with anxiety and guilt. We know these issues also lead to burnout and Monica is gifted in treating that as well! Highly recommend!

Mattilyn Millman - Trauma, EMDR, Empowerment

Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT

Monica is a first-generation Latina bilingual therapist who understands the complexities of transitioning between two cultures. Her approach to helping you understand your anxiety, or other life transitions, is warm, empathetic, and caring.

EMDR, trauma, anxiety/adhd- Courtney Warren, LCSW

Jada LaBounty, Trauma, Attachment & EMDR Therapy

Monica creates a welcoming, affirming space for first-generation Latinas navigating anxiety. Offering bilingual therapy, she blends cultural understanding with practical tools, helping clients feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow with confidence.

Counselor, LPC-IT

Monica supports first-generation Latina clients navigating anxiety, burnout, and guilt. She creates a culturally attuned, compassionate space to explore identity, family expectations, and build balance and self-trust. I highly recommend Monica!

Yarisell Hernandez -Trauma & Relationship Therapy

LMHC-D, MA

Monica help Latinas like me feel truly seen while navigating burnout, cultural expectations, and identity conflicts. Her warm, grounded approach empowers clients to reclaim their voice, energy, and boundaries.

Relationships and Couples-Priya Mukhopadhyay

Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC

I highly recommend Monica if you're a first generation Latina navigating dual identities and cultures. She's highly skilled at helping clients work through anxiety, guilt and burnout. She's an excellent clinician.

Lauren Cortez, EMDR & Brainspotting

Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT

I really appreciate how deeply she understands the pressure and emotional exhaustion that can come with navigating family expectations as a first-generation Latina. Her approach feels validating and culturally attuned. Highly recommend!

Postpartum & Hormonal Therapist -Talor Hawkins

Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LCSW

Monica creates a supportive, culturally aware space for first-generation Latinas navigating anxiety, burnout, and family expectations. She helps clients build boundaries, confidence, emotional clarity, and self-trust.

Haley Alexander

Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, C-DBT

Monica brings both lived experience and clinical expertise to working with first-generation Latina clients. She is a compassionate therapist and an amazing resource to anyone seeking therapy for anxiety, burnout, and bicultural stress.

Katie Dublirer Perez, Anxiety Therapist

Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, SAC, MSW

If you are a first-generation Latina, dealing with anxiety, burnout and/or guilt Monica is the therapist for you. Monica is a highly skilled professional and provides great care to her clients.

Jasmine Perez- First Gen Stress & Overthinking

Skye Ross - Therapist for Healthcare Professionals

If you are navigating anxiety, family pressure, and carrying responsibilities that others may not fully see or understand, Monica can support you with exploring the complexities of belonging to two cultures.You don't have to paint the picture, she gets it.

Kelsie Moore - Anxiety and Trauma Therapist

If you're a Latina experiencing burnout and anxiety, see Monica. She offers insight and genuine kindness to help you break through the guilt you feel when you're managing your family's expectations with your own needs. You'll find your path to acceptance.

Psychologist, MACP, BA

If you are a first-gen latina struggling with burnout, Monica is your girl! She truly understands what it's like to be in your shoes and has the skills and strategies to help you become who you want to be without losing sight of your family values.

Shariyfa Polite

Help With Anxiety, Depression, Relationship Stress

She provides a supportive space for Latinas navigating anxiety, burnout, guilt, and heavy family expectations. Her warm, validating approach helps clients feel understood while building boundaries, confidence, and emotional balance.

Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW

Struggling with anxiety & burnout? Monica helps first-generation Latinas navigate complex family expectations and set healthy boundaries. Reclaim your peace in a safe, culturally affirming space. Reach out today.

Mandy Lam: Anxiety, People-Pleasing & Trauma

Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCAT, MT-BC

Monica brings lived experience and clinical skill to her work with first-gen Latinas navigating burnout, anxiety, and the weight of holding two cultures at once. Her approach is warm, culturally attuned, and helps clients reconnect with themselves.

Jenn Frake- Anxiety Therapy

Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, RYT

Monica creates a compassionate and culturally attuned space for Latinas navigating anxiety, burnout, and the pressure of living in two worlds. Her warmth, and understanding help clients feel seen, supported, and empowered to reconnect with themselves

Alexandra Askenazi - Trauma, Relationships, & Loss

Counselor, LMHC-D

I wholeheartedly recommend Monica as a fellow Latina therapist. She is warm, knowledgeable, culturally attuned, and incredibly talented!

Amanda Korff

Psychologist, PsyD

Monica offers an affirming space for Latinas navigating anxiety, burnout, and family expectations. She deeply understands the pressure of balancing culture, ambition, and boundaries, helping clients feel empowered, grounded, and understood.

Alexa Owen, EMDR, Anxiety and Trauma Therapist

Clinical Social Work Candidate, MSW, SWC, C-IAYT

Monica centers the struggles of those living in two worlds and knows that this is a key piece in supporting her clients. Her culturally-informed approach to working with anxiety and burnout is warm, grounded, and dynamic. I highly recommend Monica!

Chloe Kinman - Anxiety, Trauma & Chronic Illness

Elisenda Asencio- Fulfilling Relationships

Monica is extremely skilled with helping you with burnout. She is warm, compassionate and approaches her work with empathy and understanding. I highly recommend her!

Lindsey Schmidt, Neuro-affirming, brainspotting

Monica offers a deeply affirming space for first-generation Latina women navigating cultural pressure, guilt, and identity struggles. She helps clients honor their ambitions, set healthier boundaries, and feel more connected to themselves.

Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT

Monica is a warm and compassionate therapist who specializes in supporting first-generation Latinas, anxiety, and burn-out. She creates a supportive space where clients feel seen and understood. I highly recommend her!

Caroline Tudor-- Couples, Anxiety, Substance Use

Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT

Monica has a deep understanding of what it means to be a First-Gen Latina straddling two worlds. She is deeply invested in her clients' well-being, and offers the opportunity to gain insight, clarity, and confidence in a safe space. I highly recommend her.

Innae Julia Kim - EMDR & Trauma Therapist NYC & NJ

Art Therapist, MA, ATR-BC, LCAT, LPAT

Monica helps first-generation Latinas navigate anxiety, burnout, and family expectations with compassion and insight. If you're feeling overwhelmed or stuck in self-doubt, she can help you feel more grounded, confident, and connected to yourself!

Sayra C. Therapy, Divorce & Life Transitions

Michelle Savage- Bilingual Infertility and Couples

Monica is a direct, warm, and deeply attuned therapist who just gets it like a real New Yorker. She supports first-generation clients navigating anxiety and guilt with clarity and compassion. I highly recommend her as both a clinician and colleague.

Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, PMHC, QS

Monica helps first-generation Latinas navigate anxiety, burnout, guilt, and the pressure of balancing family expectations with personal ambition. She creates a deeply validating space for clients to reconnect with themselves beyond survival mode.

Jessica EMDR, Trauma & Life Transitions Therapist

Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC

Monica has a deep understanding of challenges first-generation Latina professionals often face, including balancing cultural expectations, identity development, burnout, anxiety, and depression. Her approach creates a supportive space for her clients.

Client Focus

Age

Adults ,

Elders (65+)

Participants

Individuals

Communities

Racial Justice Allied

Ethnicity

Hispanic and Latino

I also speak

Spanish

Age

Adults ,

Elders (65+)

Participants

Individuals

Communities

Racial Justice Allied

Ethnicity

Hispanic and Latino

I also speak

Spanish

Treatment Approach

Types of Therapy

Culturally Sensitive
Eclectic
Gestalt
Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Older Adults
Motivational Interviewing
Person-Centered
Psychodynamic
Relational
Strength-Based

I use a multi-cultural approach that honors your experiences. During your first session, we will complete an assessment that will help us choose the best approach for your healing. We will explore how belonging to two cultures has shaped you and what you want to accomplish. I'll help you acknowledge your needs and create a new roadmap for your future.

Cultural Identity/Anxiety Therapy - Weekends

Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW

Call or Email us for a free 15 minute consultation now - (929) 460-9756

Cultural Identity/Anxiety Therapy - Weekends

Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW

Call or Email us for a free 15 minute consultation now - (929) 460-9756

Location

Primary Location

New York, NY 10128

Email Us

Additional Location

New York, NY 10019