Chronic Illness Therapists in New York, NY
My expertise include treating anxiety, trauma, depression, oncology, grief and loss, life transitions, relationships, and chronic illness.
You do not have to struggle in silence, healing requires becoming more aware and learning behavior patterns and traits that may no longer serve you. My practice consists of individualized psychotherapy treatment and the journey of being more present and in tune with yourself, your cognitions, your emotions, and your behaviors. Individualized psychotherapy treatment is an opportunity for your growth, healing, and transformation. Take the first step in your growth by taking care of your mental health.
My expertise include treating anxiety, trauma, depression, oncology, grief and loss, life transitions, relationships, and chronic illness.
You do not have to struggle in silence, healing requires becoming more aware and learning behavior patterns and traits that may no longer serve you. My practice consists of individualized psychotherapy treatment and the journey of being more present and in tune with yourself, your cognitions, your emotions, and your behaviors. Individualized psychotherapy treatment is an opportunity for your growth, healing, and transformation. Take the first step in your growth by taking care of your mental health.
Amber Pitoniak
Licensed Master Social Worker, LMSW, BS, GC-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
As a licensed clinician and Grief Certified Counselor through the American Academy of Grief Counseling and American Institute of Health Care Professionals, I specialize in providing comprehensive mental health care with a particular focus on grief, loss, chronic illness, and bereavement.
For those struggling to cope with the experience of loss, it is important to know there is hope and healing amidst grief. Together, we will formulate a compassionate care plan to facilitate well-being. Acknowledging how daunting it can be to initiate treatment, I commend you for choosing therapy and welcome you to schedule a consultation.
As a licensed clinician and Grief Certified Counselor through the American Academy of Grief Counseling and American Institute of Health Care Professionals, I specialize in providing comprehensive mental health care with a particular focus on grief, loss, chronic illness, and bereavement.
For those struggling to cope with the experience of loss, it is important to know there is hope and healing amidst grief. Together, we will formulate a compassionate care plan to facilitate well-being. Acknowledging how daunting it can be to initiate treatment, I commend you for choosing therapy and welcome you to schedule a consultation.
Specifically, I can best help with issues like the death of a loved one, acute and chronic illness, life transitions, relationship issues, eating disorders and weight management, self-esteem vulnerabilities, social media confrontations, depression, and general life anxieties.
Therapy, to me, is a place for internal growth and development where we learn about ourselves in order to find the most beneficial strategies to cope. I see people as individuals with unique stories and souls—and I believe in treating them as such.
Specifically, I can best help with issues like the death of a loved one, acute and chronic illness, life transitions, relationship issues, eating disorders and weight management, self-esteem vulnerabilities, social media confrontations, depression, and general life anxieties.
Therapy, to me, is a place for internal growth and development where we learn about ourselves in order to find the most beneficial strategies to cope. I see people as individuals with unique stories and souls—and I believe in treating them as such.
I help people pleasers coping with chronic stress, including burnout and chronic illness, get “unstuck
Therapy is a partnership. We work together to enhance your strengths and change the thoughts/behaviors that are no longer serving you. I tailor my treatment approach to meet your specific goals/needs. I am intensively trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). I have experience in DBT, CBT, mindfulness, and strengths-based approaches.
I help people pleasers coping with chronic stress, including burnout and chronic illness, get “unstuck
Therapy is a partnership. We work together to enhance your strengths and change the thoughts/behaviors that are no longer serving you. I tailor my treatment approach to meet your specific goals/needs. I am intensively trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). I have experience in DBT, CBT, mindfulness, and strengths-based approaches.
Utilizing social constructionist, anti-oppressive, and trauma-informed lenses, I focus on supporting individuals, couples/polycules from the queer, kink, and neurodiverse communities, with additional specialties working with individuals socialized as boys and individuals managing chronic illness (EDS competent).
Are you someone who feels alone or like others may not fully understand your pain or experience? Are you feeling like an outcast or like you aren’t seen or heard? Are you a couple or polycule finding it difficult to communicate big feelings? Whether you're wrestling with identity, feeling isolated in your journey of self-discovery, or working through challenges in your relationships, I offer support for individuals and couples/polycules seeking to rebuild trust, intimacy, and emotional connection in a world that often feels at odds with your true self.
Utilizing social constructionist, anti-oppressive, and trauma-informed lenses, I focus on supporting individuals, couples/polycules from the queer, kink, and neurodiverse communities, with additional specialties working with individuals socialized as boys and individuals managing chronic illness (EDS competent).
Are you someone who feels alone or like others may not fully understand your pain or experience? Are you feeling like an outcast or like you aren’t seen or heard? Are you a couple or polycule finding it difficult to communicate big feelings? Whether you're wrestling with identity, feeling isolated in your journey of self-discovery, or working through challenges in your relationships, I offer support for individuals and couples/polycules seeking to rebuild trust, intimacy, and emotional connection in a world that often feels at odds with your true self.
Abby Frank
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New York, NY 10013
Are you struggling with the impact of a chronic illness in your 20s, 30s or beyond?
I have lived experience with chronic illness and use my knowledge of chronic illness & pain conditions to work with individuals to experience less emotional suffering and live a life in line with your values. I also specialize in working with social anxiety related concerns as well as provide you with strategies to reduce the impact of generalized anxiety.
Are you struggling with the impact of a chronic illness in your 20s, 30s or beyond?
I have lived experience with chronic illness and use my knowledge of chronic illness & pain conditions to work with individuals to experience less emotional suffering and live a life in line with your values. I also specialize in working with social anxiety related concerns as well as provide you with strategies to reduce the impact of generalized anxiety.
You are a high achieving woman who is dealing with chronic illness, infertility, the grief of a diagnosis, anxiety or pregnancy loss while juggling it all: a career, family, a partner, friends, dating and your health.
Kelsey is specialized in women's health issues and chronic illness like endometriosis, chronic pelvic pain, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and more. Kelsey understands the challenge to find stability after a diagnosis and utilizes an integrative approach with CBT, DBT and ACT tools. Kelsey's group practice, New York Women's CBT, offers individual and group therapy.
You are a high achieving woman who is dealing with chronic illness, infertility, the grief of a diagnosis, anxiety or pregnancy loss while juggling it all: a career, family, a partner, friends, dating and your health.
Kelsey is specialized in women's health issues and chronic illness like endometriosis, chronic pelvic pain, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and more. Kelsey understands the challenge to find stability after a diagnosis and utilizes an integrative approach with CBT, DBT and ACT tools. Kelsey's group practice, New York Women's CBT, offers individual and group therapy.
I specialize in working with individuals coping with anxiety, interpersonal conflicts, relationship issues, complex trauma, chronic illness, and chronic pain.
I provide both talk therapy and art therapy with a focus on trauma-informed and psychodynamic approaches, examining how past experiences may affect present ones. As a queer disabled person, my therapeutic approach emphasizes human connection, collaboration, and fostering a sense of safety and empowerment. I view therapy as a way to support my clients in slowing down and finding ways to adapt their environments to fit their unique needs. Therapy can feel daunting, especially when experiences are too difficult or exhausting to initially put into words. Working as a team can alleviate some of that fear and pressure.
I specialize in working with individuals coping with anxiety, interpersonal conflicts, relationship issues, complex trauma, chronic illness, and chronic pain.
I provide both talk therapy and art therapy with a focus on trauma-informed and psychodynamic approaches, examining how past experiences may affect present ones. As a queer disabled person, my therapeutic approach emphasizes human connection, collaboration, and fostering a sense of safety and empowerment. I view therapy as a way to support my clients in slowing down and finding ways to adapt their environments to fit their unique needs. Therapy can feel daunting, especially when experiences are too difficult or exhausting to initially put into words. Working as a team can alleviate some of that fear and pressure.
I have experience supporting people through a number of challenges including anxiety, panic attacks, chronic illness, phobias, OCD, insomnia, depression, grief, life transitions, trauma, substance use, personal growth, and navigating relationships.
Sometimes it feels like we're moving through life on auto-pilot. With work and other stressors, it is hard to find time to slow down, to breathe, to focus on the present. I believe therapy is about letting go of the things we are trying to control and making choices towards a more fulfilling life. To facilitate this, I help clients openly face life’s challenges and create lasting changes. I offer a collaborative, non-judgmental, and safe space for my clients to facilitate behavior change and self-exploration.
I have experience supporting people through a number of challenges including anxiety, panic attacks, chronic illness, phobias, OCD, insomnia, depression, grief, life transitions, trauma, substance use, personal growth, and navigating relationships.
Sometimes it feels like we're moving through life on auto-pilot. With work and other stressors, it is hard to find time to slow down, to breathe, to focus on the present. I believe therapy is about letting go of the things we are trying to control and making choices towards a more fulfilling life. To facilitate this, I help clients openly face life’s challenges and create lasting changes. I offer a collaborative, non-judgmental, and safe space for my clients to facilitate behavior change and self-exploration.
I specialize in working with people who struggle with chronic illness as well as anxiety and trauma.
I have a rich background in working with people with chronic illness as well as trauma and anxiety. Through personal and professional experience i know that navigating the mental health side of chronic illness can be difficult. I understand the many sides of life trauma or chronic illness can impact.
I specialize in working with people who struggle with chronic illness as well as anxiety and trauma.
I have a rich background in working with people with chronic illness as well as trauma and anxiety. Through personal and professional experience i know that navigating the mental health side of chronic illness can be difficult. I understand the many sides of life trauma or chronic illness can impact.
With 10 years of intensive, hospital-based experience in palliative care, I provide psychotherapy for patients and their loved ones navigating serious/ chronic illness, as well as those suffering from caregiver distress, new or persistent grief over losses, and the difficult life transition aging presents.
Serious illness can be frightening and overwhelming. With so much uncertainty, a patient or caregiver can feel confused and isolated. I can help you through this difficult journey by addressing important illness-related concerns, including advance care planning, medical decision making, functional decline, emotional struggles, caregiving, life/family stressors, role changes, or bereavement following the death of a loved one (or upon other significant changes or losses in life, such as pet loss, divorce, job loss, or family estrangement). I also specialize in helping older adults cope with and adapt to the challenges of aging.
With 10 years of intensive, hospital-based experience in palliative care, I provide psychotherapy for patients and their loved ones navigating serious/ chronic illness, as well as those suffering from caregiver distress, new or persistent grief over losses, and the difficult life transition aging presents.
Serious illness can be frightening and overwhelming. With so much uncertainty, a patient or caregiver can feel confused and isolated. I can help you through this difficult journey by addressing important illness-related concerns, including advance care planning, medical decision making, functional decline, emotional struggles, caregiving, life/family stressors, role changes, or bereavement following the death of a loved one (or upon other significant changes or losses in life, such as pet loss, divorce, job loss, or family estrangement). I also specialize in helping older adults cope with and adapt to the challenges of aging.
Meet Our Chronic Illness Therapists
Dana Reszutek
Licensed Master Social Worker, MSW, LMSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
New York, NY 10016
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the daily challenges of managing a chronic illness or struggling with the emotional toll it takes on your mental health?
My approach is person-centered and inclusive, and I also offer care in areas like mood disorders, stress management, LGBTQ+ affirming therapy, addiction, and trauma. Together, we'll develop personalized strategies that foster healing, wellness, and self-compassion.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the daily challenges of managing a chronic illness or struggling with the emotional toll it takes on your mental health?
My approach is person-centered and inclusive, and I also offer care in areas like mood disorders, stress management, LGBTQ+ affirming therapy, addiction, and trauma. Together, we'll develop personalized strategies that foster healing, wellness, and self-compassion.
With extensive experience holding space for grief, loss, caregiving, and chronic illness, I am skilled in supporting you.
100% of us will experience loss multiple times in our lifetimes; this fact unites us all as does the mind’s intrinsic drive to form attachments and bonds, which in turn can cause so much pain when they are severed. Whether you have lost a loved one, a sense of self or of purpose, or are in a period of great change, I am here to help you.
With extensive experience holding space for grief, loss, caregiving, and chronic illness, I am skilled in supporting you.
100% of us will experience loss multiple times in our lifetimes; this fact unites us all as does the mind’s intrinsic drive to form attachments and bonds, which in turn can cause so much pain when they are severed. Whether you have lost a loved one, a sense of self or of purpose, or are in a period of great change, I am here to help you.
My practice specializes in supporting individuals facing anxiety, depression, grief/loss, chronic illness, life transitions, and pregnancy/postpartum support.
Viewing therapy as a sacred space, I accept wherever you are in your journey and work with you to co-create an authentic, healing relationship necessary for growth both in and outside of the therapeutic space.
My practice specializes in supporting individuals facing anxiety, depression, grief/loss, chronic illness, life transitions, and pregnancy/postpartum support.
Viewing therapy as a sacred space, I accept wherever you are in your journey and work with you to co-create an authentic, healing relationship necessary for growth both in and outside of the therapeutic space.
I specialize in grief and loss, coping with serious/ chronic illness, life transitions, anxiety, perinatal mental health, and caregiver distress/burnout.
I believe that it takes courage to ask for help, and I am here to accompany you on this path. Everything you need is already within you, and together we will develop tools to assist you in harnessing your inner strength in an effort to live your most fulfilling and authentic life. I believe that by working together, we can identify and enhance your strengths while exploring strategies that allow you to address the root causes of your identified challenges and build meaningful social connections.
I specialize in grief and loss, coping with serious/ chronic illness, life transitions, anxiety, perinatal mental health, and caregiver distress/burnout.
I believe that it takes courage to ask for help, and I am here to accompany you on this path. Everything you need is already within you, and together we will develop tools to assist you in harnessing your inner strength in an effort to live your most fulfilling and authentic life. I believe that by working together, we can identify and enhance your strengths while exploring strategies that allow you to address the root causes of your identified challenges and build meaningful social connections.
Shannon Schureman - Insight & Action Therapy
MHC-LP, MSEd
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
New York, NY 10016
I work with people navigating the complexities of neurodivergence, chronic illness and/or disability (with or without a formal diagnosis).
Talk therapy can be a powerful resource for addressing these challenges. I will provide a safe space where you can express what you’re going through, verbally process the emotional impact & empower coping strategies. As an appreciative ally, I will ensure that all aspects of who you are are considered, valued & celebrated throughout our work together!
I work with people navigating the complexities of neurodivergence, chronic illness and/or disability (with or without a formal diagnosis).
Talk therapy can be a powerful resource for addressing these challenges. I will provide a safe space where you can express what you’re going through, verbally process the emotional impact & empower coping strategies. As an appreciative ally, I will ensure that all aspects of who you are are considered, valued & celebrated throughout our work together!
I specialize in working with Complex Trauma, all Dissociative Disorders (DP/DR, OSDD, DID), Chronic Illness, and Eating Disorders.
Our past experiences and significant relationships shape our present, and the therapeutic relationship provides a space to explore these relational patterns and create new, healing experiences within a safe, trusting environment. Through non-judgmental, curious exploration of feelings, thoughts, behaviors, and relational dynamics, we foster greater empathy for ourselves and others, enhance our capacity for meaningful change, and navigate challenges that arise.
I specialize in working with Complex Trauma, all Dissociative Disorders (DP/DR, OSDD, DID), Chronic Illness, and Eating Disorders.
Our past experiences and significant relationships shape our present, and the therapeutic relationship provides a space to explore these relational patterns and create new, healing experiences within a safe, trusting environment. Through non-judgmental, curious exploration of feelings, thoughts, behaviors, and relational dynamics, we foster greater empathy for ourselves and others, enhance our capacity for meaningful change, and navigate challenges that arise.
In addition to working with folks who have a cancer or chronic illness diagnosis, I of course work with individuals and couples without such a diagnosis.
If there ever was a good time to "do" you, this is it. Research documents that social connection and emotional wellbeing play an important role in staving off recurrence and even reversing physical illness - said another way, your mental state can work both for or against your physical health. People come to see me to unpack emotions that've been weighing them down sometimes for years as well as to deal with the uncertainty they're feeling in the present. Perhaps this includes discovering a sense of purpose that has eluded them till now. I don’t just work to help people get out of pain: I work to help them thrive.
In addition to working with folks who have a cancer or chronic illness diagnosis, I of course work with individuals and couples without such a diagnosis.
If there ever was a good time to "do" you, this is it. Research documents that social connection and emotional wellbeing play an important role in staving off recurrence and even reversing physical illness - said another way, your mental state can work both for or against your physical health. People come to see me to unpack emotions that've been weighing them down sometimes for years as well as to deal with the uncertainty they're feeling in the present. Perhaps this includes discovering a sense of purpose that has eluded them till now. I don’t just work to help people get out of pain: I work to help them thrive.
Personal specialties include: Adults and Adolescents with Depression, Anxiety, Trauma Recovery, Couples Counseling, LGBTQ focus, and Chronic Illness Recovery.
As far back as I can remember I've always had an innate desire to help others and see their needs while being both patient and positive. This led me to a career in therapy and early on in this career I was fascinated with seeing the power of exposing people's inner strengths, allowing them a safe place to vent and work on coping skills. After a few years I continued to have a lingering feeling like I could be doing more for my clients. This led me to combine these existing techniques with a new theory called Emergence.
Personal specialties include: Adults and Adolescents with Depression, Anxiety, Trauma Recovery, Couples Counseling, LGBTQ focus, and Chronic Illness Recovery.
As far back as I can remember I've always had an innate desire to help others and see their needs while being both patient and positive. This led me to a career in therapy and early on in this career I was fascinated with seeing the power of exposing people's inner strengths, allowing them a safe place to vent and work on coping skills. After a few years I continued to have a lingering feeling like I could be doing more for my clients. This led me to combine these existing techniques with a new theory called Emergence.
I work with adults (25 and up) experiencing depression or anxiety, and I also specialize in those coping with cancer and chronic illness.
Many people come to therapy unsure about what’s wrong. All you know is you don’t feel like yourself. It could be many things – a stressful situation, a troubled relationship, or a past event you haven’t fully processed. We’ll work at your pace to figure out what’s making you feel out of sorts. My approach is supportive, collaborative, and flexible to accommodate your needs. Together we’ll set achievable goals with a treatment plan to decrease your emotional struggles, and help you navigate life with more confidence, meaning, and purpose.
I work with adults (25 and up) experiencing depression or anxiety, and I also specialize in those coping with cancer and chronic illness.
Many people come to therapy unsure about what’s wrong. All you know is you don’t feel like yourself. It could be many things – a stressful situation, a troubled relationship, or a past event you haven’t fully processed. We’ll work at your pace to figure out what’s making you feel out of sorts. My approach is supportive, collaborative, and flexible to accommodate your needs. Together we’ll set achievable goals with a treatment plan to decrease your emotional struggles, and help you navigate life with more confidence, meaning, and purpose.
See more therapy options for New York
Nearby Chronic Illness Therapists Searches for New York
- Astoria
- Brooklyn
- Corona
- Elmhurst
- Jackson Heights
- Long Island City
- Maspeth
- Middle Village
- Rego Park
- Ridgewood
- Sunnyside
- Woodside
Chronic Illness Therapists
How does therapy for chronic illness work?
Many people living with a chronic illness may feel they cannot speak honestly about their experience out of embarrassment or fear of being a burden, or because those close to them do not understand, for example, that they may “look good” even if they do not feel good. Therapy sessions are an opportunity to speak openly with someone who knows their symptoms are not in their head and who can offer practical, proven suggestions for managing feelings of grief, shame, or fatigue, such as techniques to challenge unhelpful thoughts about symptoms and develop new ways to respond to them, such as distraction or calming breathing practices.
Can therapy help with physical symptoms of chronic illness?
Yes, especially if an individual with chronic illness has developed depression. People with depression are less likely to maintain their health treatment regimens or to take positive steps to manage physical symptoms when they arise, thereby potentially complicating their medical prognosis. Treatment of depression, through talk therapy, medication, or both, will often improve one’s physical state as it eases the emotional burden of illness.
What are the most effective treatment options for chronic illness?
No one living with a chronic illness, or their loved ones, should see depression as an unavoidable result of their condition. Instead, they should actively seek treatment. Research shows that people with depression are less likely to devote the required time and effort to maintaining or monitoring their health, and so therapy to limit the risk of depression can be vital for physical health as well. Therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based stress reduction have been found to help individuals reduce stress and anxiety.
How long does therapy for chronic illness take?
There is no set timeline for therapy for people living with chronic illnesses, but many will see a therapist for a number of weeks or months, typically spanning at least 12 weekly sessions. Some people feel that they experience progress faster than others but even some who quickly feel improvement may continue with sessions for months or years. Some people may benefit from maintenance therapy if their symptoms change or they experience a decline in physical health. Others find that the skills learned in short-term therapy can be used on an ongoing basis, even after therapy has concluded.