Nikita Fernandes

Mental Health Counselor, LMHC, CST, MA (she, her)

Verified by Psychology Today Verified by Psychology Today

8 Endorsed

New York, NY 10013

Photo of Nikita Fernandes, Mental Health Counselor, LMHC, CST, MA

For oppressed people to intentionally cultivate pleasure is an act of resistance - Ingrid LaFleur. As a Psychotherapist and Certified Sex Therapist, I specialize in providing culturally sensitive, trauma-informed, poly & kink-friendly, and queer-affirming therapy. My journey as a queer, non-monogamous South Asian neurodivergent woman, along with the experiences of those close to me, deeply shape my approach. I draw on my first-hand knowledge of navigating kink/sex-positive environments. It's important to me to approach therapy with a sense of curiosity and openness so that I can better understand and support my clients.

I view each individual within the context of their environment, recognizing the complex intersections of their various identities. I rely on evidenced-based methods that consider the impact of trauma and practices that are attuned to diverse cultural perspectives. I am now also offering Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy as a therapeutic option in my practice.

Building an authentic relationship with my clients is my highest priority. Jiddu Krishnamurti said that it is no measure of health to be adjusted to a society that is profoundly sick and I do not see therapy as a way to numb the pain that is caused by systemic oppression but rather a way to empower clients to have compassion for themselves.

Call or Email Nikita Fernandes now for a free 15 minute consultation - (332) 263-3731

My Practice at a Glance

Available both in-person and online

New York, NY 10013

(332) 263-3731

I offer virtual, hybrid, and in-person therapy sessions. I am available Tuesday through Friday from about 12pm-7pm

I specialize in Sex Therapy, Open Relationships Non-Monogamy and Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy

$220 Per Session

I see individuals and couples

Let's Connect (332) 263-3731

My Practice at a Glance

Available both in-person and online

New York, NY 10013

(332) 263-3731

I offer virtual, hybrid, and in-person therapy sessions. I am available Tuesday through Friday from about 12pm-7pm

I specialize in Sex Therapy, Open Relationships Non-Monogamy and Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy

$220 Per Session

I see individuals and couples

Finances

Fees

Individual Sessions $220
Couple Sessions $275
Sliding scale: apply if you may be eligible

Payment Methods

American Express, Check, Discover, Health Savings Account, Mastercard, Visa

Insurance

Out of Network

I participate in out-of-network insurance, which typically covers a large portion of the session fees. I also give clients superbills.

Nikita Fernandes

Mental Health Counselor, LMHC, CST, MA

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (332) 263-3731

I participate in out-of-network insurance, which typically covers a large portion of the session fees. I also give clients superbills.

Nikita Fernandes

Mental Health Counselor, LMHC, CST, MA

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (332) 263-3731

Qualifications

Verified by Psychology Today Licensed by State of New York / 014995 Nikita Fernandes

Education and Years In Practice

Attended New York University, M.A in Mental Health Counseling

Additional Credentials

Licensed by State of New York / 014995

Certificate from AASECT Certified Sex Therapist American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists / 2024

Certificate from Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapist from Journey Clinical 2024

I am a certified sex therapist and ketamine assisted psychotherapy provider

Nikita Fernandes

Mental Health Counselor, LMHC, CST, MA

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (332) 263-3731

I am a certified sex therapist and ketamine assisted psychotherapy provider

Nikita Fernandes

Mental Health Counselor, LMHC, CST, MA

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (332) 263-3731

Specialties and Expertise

Top Specialties

Sex Therapy
Open Relationships Non-Monogamy
Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy

Expertise

ADHD
Anxiety
Bisexual
Body Positivity
Coping Skills
Emotional Disturbance
Infidelity
Lesbian
LGBTQ+
Life Transitions
Marital and Premarital
Men's Issues
Peer Relationships
Racial Identity
Racial Trauma, Immigration & Anti-Oppression
Relationship Issues
Self Esteem
Sex-Positive, Kink Allied
Sexual Abuse
Transgender
Women's Issues

The unique experiences I've had as a brown, queer, Indian immigrant, coupled with my knowledge of sexual and gender theory impact my work as a mental health therapist. I am trained to support people who are looking for culturally sensitive, poly & kink-friendly, and gender-affirming therapists. Most of my clients gain a great deal of self-awareness and emotional regulation within months of work.

Nikita Fernandes

Mental Health Counselor, LMHC, CST, MA

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (332) 263-3731

Nikita Fernandes

Mental Health Counselor, LMHC, CST, MA

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (332) 263-3731

8 Endorsements

Lisa Cavallerano

Counselor, MACMHC, NCC, LMHC

Nikita is a specialist in sex therapy and a powerful advocate for the queer community. Nikita approaches therapy with a multi-cultural and feminist approach.

Tex Gibson

Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW

Nikita is a talented & compassionate therapist, providing affirming AND competent care that attends to many people’s lived experiences, therapeutic goals, identities & alt-communities— a rare find in a single therapist or therapeutic relationship.

Nyx Melody

Counselor, MA, EdM, LMHC-D

Nikita is one of the most thoughtful and compassionate providers I have met in my career, who is dedicated to the health and well-being of historically marginalized folks. Nikita is deeply engaged in processes to dismantle systems of oppression.

Tanya Marwaha

MCH-LP, EdM, MA

Nikita provides affirming and culturally competent care for individuals holding a myriad of identities. She draws from her own lived experiences to help clients gain insight, develop skills, and navigate challenges. I recommend her as a therapist!

Sherry Chowdhury

Pre-Licensed Professional, MHC-LP, MA

Nikita is insightful, warm, and headstrong in her approach to providing mental health services to folks within marginalized communities. She works at the much needed intersections of kink & poly communities and affirming, multicultural competency.

Resilience Lab Psychotherapy

Clinical Social Work/Therapist

Elle Deacon

Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC

Nikita infuses her creativity, openness, and curiosity in her work. Through sex and relationship therapy, Nikita approaches couples and individuals with a person-centered approach and really highlights strengths of each client. Go Nikita!

Liza Witmer

Licensed Master Social Worker, LMSW

Nikita's warm and approachable manner can set anyone at ease. She combines a passion for advocacy with a rich knowledge of the unique needs of kinky, queer, and nonmonogamous individuals to create an affirming and non-judgmental therapeutic environment.

Client Focus

Age

Adults

Participants

Individuals ,

Couples

Communities

Bisexual Allied ,

Gay Allied ,

HIV / AIDS Allied ,

Intersex Allied ,

Lesbian Allied ,

Non-Binary Allied ,

Queer Allied ,

Racial Justice Allied ,

Sex Worker Allied ,

Transgender Allied

Ethnicity

Asian ,

Black and African American

Age

Adults

Participants

Individuals ,

Couples

Communities

Bisexual Allied ,

Gay Allied ,

HIV / AIDS Allied ,

Intersex Allied ,

Lesbian Allied ,

Non-Binary Allied ,

Queer Allied ,

Racial Justice Allied ,

Sex Worker Allied ,

Transgender Allied

Ethnicity

Asian ,

Black and African American

Treatment Approach

Types of Therapy

Attachment-based
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Compassion Focused
Culturally Sensitive
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
Emotionally Focused
Feminist
Humanistic
Multicultural
Narrative
Psychodynamic
Relational
Sex therapy
Trauma Focused
Triads and Polycules

I draw from multicultural therapy, feminist therapy, mindfulness-based stress reduction, and emotional-focused therapy in my work. In our sessions together, I'll help you build self-awareness by helping you identify your emotions and work through them. Using intersectionality and trauma-informed approaches, I help clients work through sexual healing and grow their sexual confidence.

Nikita Fernandes

Mental Health Counselor, LMHC, CST, MA

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (332) 263-3731

Nikita Fernandes

Mental Health Counselor, LMHC, CST, MA

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (332) 263-3731

Groups

SW'er Support Group

Hosted by

Nikita Fernandes

Welcome to our Support Group for Sex Workers—a confidential, safe space designed for connection, empowerment, and understanding. Our group welcomes sex workers of all backgrounds and experiences who are open to both offering and receiving support in a collective setting. We also welcome individuals from all areas of the sex work industry who recognize the impact of whorephobia and are committed to personal growth in order to promote inclusivity and respect for their diverse peers. With meetings facilitated by professionals who understand the unique challenges you face, our group is here to provide advice, solidarity, and a safe space to be heard.

Expertise

Peer Relationships

Age

Adults

Session Cost

$20-$30

Group Meets

Every Thu 5 P.M. - 6:15 P.M.

Email Nikita Fernandes about this group or call - (332) 263-3731

Location

Primary Location

New York, NY 10013

(332) 263-3731

Email me

My website

Nearby Areas

Cities

Counties

Zips

Neighborhoods

I offer virtual, hybrid, and in-person therapy sessions. I am available Tuesday through Friday from about 12pm-7pm

Nikita Fernandes

Mental Health Counselor, LMHC, CST, MA

Call for a free consultation now - (332) 263-3731

I offer virtual, hybrid, and in-person therapy sessions. I am available Tuesday through Friday from about 12pm-7pm

Nikita Fernandes

Mental Health Counselor, LMHC, CST, MA

Call for a free consultation now - (332) 263-3731