Therapists in Rensselaer, NY
Hi, I'm Jen. I'm a clinical social worker who has worked with children, adolescents and parents for twenty years. My goal in each session is to make my patients feel comfortable and identify their feelings. Each session begins with an emotional check-in and an update of what has happened in life since the last session. From there, together we can determine what the specific goal of the session will be, or continue to expand on skills and strategies introduced earlier. I believe in the need to be flexible depending on what the needs are in the moment of the patient. I craft a judgment free zone to help people be their best self.
Hi, I'm Jen. I'm a clinical social worker who has worked with children, adolescents and parents for twenty years. My goal in each session is to make my patients feel comfortable and identify their feelings. Each session begins with an emotional check-in and an update of what has happened in life since the last session. From there, together we can determine what the specific goal of the session will be, or continue to expand on skills and strategies introduced earlier. I believe in the need to be flexible depending on what the needs are in the moment of the patient. I craft a judgment free zone to help people be their best self.
Pakatar LCSW Counseling Services, PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
My approach to therapy is client centered, compassionate and non judgmental. I focus on helping you understand the roots of your current struggle and helping you use your inner resources to develop ways to respond to the world that benefit your life and relationships. I will work with you to practice techniques to enhance peace of mind and gain a sense of calm as well as gaining perspective on your life experiences and understand their context. I do this by using multiple treatment modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Strength Based approaches, Solution Focused techniques, and mindfulness practices.
My approach to therapy is client centered, compassionate and non judgmental. I focus on helping you understand the roots of your current struggle and helping you use your inner resources to develop ways to respond to the world that benefit your life and relationships. I will work with you to practice techniques to enhance peace of mind and gain a sense of calm as well as gaining perspective on your life experiences and understand their context. I do this by using multiple treatment modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Strength Based approaches, Solution Focused techniques, and mindfulness practices.
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor dedicated to helping individuals better understand themselves, navigate challenges, and create meaningful, lasting change in their lives. My approach to therapy is grounded in the belief that each person already possesses the capacity for growth—sometimes they just need the right support, tools, and space to access it.
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor dedicated to helping individuals better understand themselves, navigate challenges, and create meaningful, lasting change in their lives. My approach to therapy is grounded in the belief that each person already possesses the capacity for growth—sometimes they just need the right support, tools, and space to access it.
You deserve a space where you feel seen, heard, and supported. Life can be lonely, overwhelming, and hard at times. My approach is rooted in empathy, curiosity, and collaboration. I’m here to listen and help you move toward the happiness and contentment you seek. I became a therapist because I’m passionate about helping people feel understood and empowered to grow. I bring compassion, cultural sensitivity, and my clinical experience includes working with diverse populations, including older adults, immigrants, and trauma survivors. I am deeply committed to supporting each client’s well-being and personal growth.
You deserve a space where you feel seen, heard, and supported. Life can be lonely, overwhelming, and hard at times. My approach is rooted in empathy, curiosity, and collaboration. I’m here to listen and help you move toward the happiness and contentment you seek. I became a therapist because I’m passionate about helping people feel understood and empowered to grow. I bring compassion, cultural sensitivity, and my clinical experience includes working with diverse populations, including older adults, immigrants, and trauma survivors. I am deeply committed to supporting each client’s well-being and personal growth.
Do you feel overwhelmed by trying to do it all and balancing the responsibilities of work, family & friendships? Do you feel constant pressure to be the one that always holds everything together and if you don’t, everything around you will fall apart? Do you find that you spend so much of your time taking care of everyone and everything else that you don’t know who you are anymore? Do you struggle with maintaining healthy relationships and wonder, “when will I ever get it right?” If you answered yes to any of these questions, you are not alone!
Do you feel overwhelmed by trying to do it all and balancing the responsibilities of work, family & friendships? Do you feel constant pressure to be the one that always holds everything together and if you don’t, everything around you will fall apart? Do you find that you spend so much of your time taking care of everyone and everything else that you don’t know who you are anymore? Do you struggle with maintaining healthy relationships and wonder, “when will I ever get it right?” If you answered yes to any of these questions, you are not alone!
Are you your own worst enemy? Stuck replaying the same conversation at 2 a.m., or moving through your days just existing rather than actually living? If so, you're not alone — and you don't have to do this alone. I work with adults and teens navigating anxiety and depression, grief and loss, religious deconstruction and leaving rigid traditions, and the disorientation that comes with major life transitions. I'm most energized by people who are motivated to explore, to heal from old wounds, and to move toward the life they actually want.
Are you your own worst enemy? Stuck replaying the same conversation at 2 a.m., or moving through your days just existing rather than actually living? If so, you're not alone — and you don't have to do this alone. I work with adults and teens navigating anxiety and depression, grief and loss, religious deconstruction and leaving rigid traditions, and the disorientation that comes with major life transitions. I'm most energized by people who are motivated to explore, to heal from old wounds, and to move toward the life they actually want.
We all go through struggles that may get us “stuck.” My approach is to support you in becoming “unstuck” ” I tend to use the cognitive solution focused model. I’ve worked with patients struggling with depression, addiction, ADHD, anxiety, PTSD, anger, relationships, phobias and parenting; just to name a few. It’s my objective to support you in reaching your goals at your own pace, although it may seem like I’m pushing you sometimes. I will support you in times you need to vent, but also shift you back to focus and teach you new ways to cope. I’m here to facilitate personal growth when you are feeling like it might not be reachable.
We all go through struggles that may get us “stuck.” My approach is to support you in becoming “unstuck” ” I tend to use the cognitive solution focused model. I’ve worked with patients struggling with depression, addiction, ADHD, anxiety, PTSD, anger, relationships, phobias and parenting; just to name a few. It’s my objective to support you in reaching your goals at your own pace, although it may seem like I’m pushing you sometimes. I will support you in times you need to vent, but also shift you back to focus and teach you new ways to cope. I’m here to facilitate personal growth when you are feeling like it might not be reachable.
In the role of therapist, my initial priority is creating the safety and familiarity that is crucial to do real work together. I look at the therapeutic process as an opportunity to work with the person coming to me in need of support, and tackle their issues as a team. I bring a nonjudgmental, open-minded approach to my clients and emphasize the importance of clients feeling secure enough to say anything they need to in the space we curate together. I believe that you already have everything inside of you that you need in order to heal, you just need the tools to help you access those parts of yourself.
In the role of therapist, my initial priority is creating the safety and familiarity that is crucial to do real work together. I look at the therapeutic process as an opportunity to work with the person coming to me in need of support, and tackle their issues as a team. I bring a nonjudgmental, open-minded approach to my clients and emphasize the importance of clients feeling secure enough to say anything they need to in the space we curate together. I believe that you already have everything inside of you that you need in order to heal, you just need the tools to help you access those parts of yourself.
My ideal client is someone—individual, couple, or family—who is yearning for deeper connection & more honest communication, both with themselves & with those they care about. They may be carrying the weight of past trauma, grief, or relational wounds & are ready to explore how those experiences are impacting their present life and relationships. They might feel stuck, emotionally disconnected, or unsure how to proceed. My clients are often seeking not just symptom relief, but meaningful transformation: to feel safer in vulnerability, more empowered in their relationships, & more aligned with the life they want to create.
My ideal client is someone—individual, couple, or family—who is yearning for deeper connection & more honest communication, both with themselves & with those they care about. They may be carrying the weight of past trauma, grief, or relational wounds & are ready to explore how those experiences are impacting their present life and relationships. They might feel stuck, emotionally disconnected, or unsure how to proceed. My clients are often seeking not just symptom relief, but meaningful transformation: to feel safer in vulnerability, more empowered in their relationships, & more aligned with the life they want to create.
I'm a clinical psychologist and a professor of psychology. I take a non-judgmental, compassionate, and collaborative approach to help people understand themselves better and improve their relationships with others. I also aim to help people move toward the life goals values that feel most meaningful to them. My style is integrative, and I draw largely from cognitive-behavioral, acceptance-based, and solution-focused approaches. I'm also very aware of how different aspects of a person's identity—like race, class, culture, gender, and sexuality—can affect their health and well-being.
I'm a clinical psychologist and a professor of psychology. I take a non-judgmental, compassionate, and collaborative approach to help people understand themselves better and improve their relationships with others. I also aim to help people move toward the life goals values that feel most meaningful to them. My style is integrative, and I draw largely from cognitive-behavioral, acceptance-based, and solution-focused approaches. I'm also very aware of how different aspects of a person's identity—like race, class, culture, gender, and sexuality—can affect their health and well-being.
Is your child bright, but constantly struggling with focus, or emotional outbursts? Or are you a parent feeling exhausted, worried and questioning whether your doing enough? When ADHD and emotional regulation difficulty show up at home or school, daily routines can quickly turn into conflict. I can be an excellent resource and support for those navigating parenthood. For your convenience immediate therapy appointments are now available.
Is your child bright, but constantly struggling with focus, or emotional outbursts? Or are you a parent feeling exhausted, worried and questioning whether your doing enough? When ADHD and emotional regulation difficulty show up at home or school, daily routines can quickly turn into conflict. I can be an excellent resource and support for those navigating parenthood. For your convenience immediate therapy appointments are now available.
I am a hardworking and compassionate Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience in mental health settings. Making that first connection, I provide therapy for diverse cultural populations, including adults, adolescents, and seniors, utilizing CBT and DBT techniques. I have a strong focus on self-worth and client-centered care. I am committed to enhancing mental health outcomes through effective communication and crisis intervention strategies. I work with all different mental health issues, from schizophrenia to depression. We work together to develop coping skills and enhance daily life and relationships.
I am a hardworking and compassionate Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience in mental health settings. Making that first connection, I provide therapy for diverse cultural populations, including adults, adolescents, and seniors, utilizing CBT and DBT techniques. I have a strong focus on self-worth and client-centered care. I am committed to enhancing mental health outcomes through effective communication and crisis intervention strategies. I work with all different mental health issues, from schizophrenia to depression. We work together to develop coping skills and enhance daily life and relationships.
You’ve spent years perfecting the art of "fine." You’ve mastered the mask, you’ve white-knuckled your way through the sensory overload of the workday, and you’ve managed the "high-functioning" anxiety that everyone else thinks is just "ambition." But when you get home, the tank is empty. The ADHD noise is deafening, and the weight of past trauma makes it feel like you’re constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop. I see you. And I know how exhausting it is to perform your own life.
Let's find the version of your life that doesn't require you to be exhausted all the time
You’ve spent years perfecting the art of "fine." You’ve mastered the mask, you’ve white-knuckled your way through the sensory overload of the workday, and you’ve managed the "high-functioning" anxiety that everyone else thinks is just "ambition." But when you get home, the tank is empty. The ADHD noise is deafening, and the weight of past trauma makes it feel like you’re constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop. I see you. And I know how exhausting it is to perform your own life.
Let's find the version of your life that doesn't require you to be exhausted all the time
My ideal client is someone who feels overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected — whether from past trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship or family struggles, or during major life transitions. They may be carrying emotional pain they don’t always have the words for, and they’re looking for a space to feel heard, validated, and understood. More than anything, they want to feel better — to gain clarity, reconnect with themselves, and build healthier relationships. They’re seeking meaningful change and a therapist they can trust to walk alongside them in that process.
My ideal client is someone who feels overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected — whether from past trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship or family struggles, or during major life transitions. They may be carrying emotional pain they don’t always have the words for, and they’re looking for a space to feel heard, validated, and understood. More than anything, they want to feel better — to gain clarity, reconnect with themselves, and build healthier relationships. They’re seeking meaningful change and a therapist they can trust to walk alongside them in that process.
My ideal client is someone who feels stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from themselves, their body, or their relationships. They may be navigating anxiety, trauma, burnout, neurodivergence, or a major life transition, and are ready for both support and honest reflection. They want practical tools, deeper self-understanding, and improved emotional regulation. They’re open to growth, value accountability, and want to build a life that feels more grounded, intentional, and aligned with who they truly are.
My ideal client is someone who feels stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from themselves, their body, or their relationships. They may be navigating anxiety, trauma, burnout, neurodivergence, or a major life transition, and are ready for both support and honest reflection. They want practical tools, deeper self-understanding, and improved emotional regulation. They’re open to growth, value accountability, and want to build a life that feels more grounded, intentional, and aligned with who they truly are.
Serving the Capital Region, New York City and the surrounding areas. I provide Telehealth and in-person sessions. In my practice, I play a crucial role in helping clients navigate the complexities of mental health challenges and various life transitions, including trauma/PTSD and minority experiences. Specializing in gender dysphoria and the intricate processes of transition, I provide dedicated support to individuals navigating these unique journeys. In recognizing the diversity of human relationships, I work with clients across various relationship forms, including those engaged in non-monogamous dynamics.
Serving the Capital Region, New York City and the surrounding areas. I provide Telehealth and in-person sessions. In my practice, I play a crucial role in helping clients navigate the complexities of mental health challenges and various life transitions, including trauma/PTSD and minority experiences. Specializing in gender dysphoria and the intricate processes of transition, I provide dedicated support to individuals navigating these unique journeys. In recognizing the diversity of human relationships, I work with clients across various relationship forms, including those engaged in non-monogamous dynamics.
Do you struggle with depression or anxiety? Maybe you have stress in your life which is impacting you in negative ways? Do you need a safe space to process your thoughts? If you answered yes to any of these, look no further! You are at the right place. Welcome to Cognitive Care Psychotherapy! My name is Dara Ritchie, owner and licensed clinician. I have over 11 years of experience in the field, providing both counseling and crisis services. Feel free to inquire about current availability through the website link!
Do you struggle with depression or anxiety? Maybe you have stress in your life which is impacting you in negative ways? Do you need a safe space to process your thoughts? If you answered yes to any of these, look no further! You are at the right place. Welcome to Cognitive Care Psychotherapy! My name is Dara Ritchie, owner and licensed clinician. I have over 11 years of experience in the field, providing both counseling and crisis services. Feel free to inquire about current availability through the website link!
I work with adolescents, adults, families and couples. I specialize in supporting clients heal from trauma and navigate stress, self-esteem, life transitions, and relationship challenges. I welcome clients of all identities and backgrounds, including LGBTQ+ individuals and people from diverse cultures and races.
My approach is collaborative and client-led, blending mind and body techniques. In our first sessions, we’ll clarify your goals and explore ways to achieve them, building mind-body connection and lasting resilience.
I work with adolescents, adults, families and couples. I specialize in supporting clients heal from trauma and navigate stress, self-esteem, life transitions, and relationship challenges. I welcome clients of all identities and backgrounds, including LGBTQ+ individuals and people from diverse cultures and races.
My approach is collaborative and client-led, blending mind and body techniques. In our first sessions, we’ll clarify your goals and explore ways to achieve them, building mind-body connection and lasting resilience.
Our lives are often filled with ups and downs, twists and turns, most of which we can usually navigate quite well on our own. Sometimes, the challenges we encounter can become overwhelming and we may need help to get through them. And sometimes talking to someone who understands what you’re going through and speaks your language can make all the difference. My name is Les, and I'm a clinical psychologist and military veteran with specializations in the treatment of addictive disorders, trauma, anxiety and depression-related disorders, and military psychology.
Our lives are often filled with ups and downs, twists and turns, most of which we can usually navigate quite well on our own. Sometimes, the challenges we encounter can become overwhelming and we may need help to get through them. And sometimes talking to someone who understands what you’re going through and speaks your language can make all the difference. My name is Les, and I'm a clinical psychologist and military veteran with specializations in the treatment of addictive disorders, trauma, anxiety and depression-related disorders, and military psychology.
Do you need a safe space to discuss a specific concern in your personal life? I can help. I am a warm, sensitive, and knowledgable professional who is dedicated to providing the best possible treatment. I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 15 years of experience working with adults and teens. I have helped people overcome difficulties with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, obsessions and compulsions, eating disorders, faulty coping mechanisms, parenting, infidelity, and relationship conflict.
Do you need a safe space to discuss a specific concern in your personal life? I can help. I am a warm, sensitive, and knowledgable professional who is dedicated to providing the best possible treatment. I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 15 years of experience working with adults and teens. I have helped people overcome difficulties with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, obsessions and compulsions, eating disorders, faulty coping mechanisms, parenting, infidelity, and relationship conflict.
See more therapy options for Rensselaer
How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in Rensselaer, NY
20+
Average cost per session
$150
Therapists in Rensselaer, NY who prioritize treating:
| 100% | Anxiety |
| 100% | Social Anxiety |
| 100% | Health Anxiety |
| 100% | Driving Anxiety |
| 95% | Depression |
| 86% | Trauma and PTSD |
| 86% | Self Esteem |
Average years in practice
15 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
| 89% | Cigna and Evernorth |
| 83% | Aetna |
| 61% | CDPHP |
How Therapists in Rensselaer, NY see their clients
| 71% | Online Only | |
| 29% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
| 81% | Female | |
| 14% | Male | |
| 5% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling
How can I find a therapist in Rensselaer?
Search for nearby therapists or counselors by inputting your city, town, or suburb; or zip code; or a provider’s name into the search bar. From there, you can filter providers by the issues they treat, cost, insurance, gender, and other factors to find providers who are well-suited to your needs. To navigate between locations within the same country, enter a new city or zip code into the search bar.
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed therapist?
The Psychology Today directory lists providers who offer legitimate mental health services to the public, including psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and counselors.
Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
What’s the difference between a psychologist, a therapist, and a counselor?
Therapists, psychologists, and counselors are all licensed mental health professionals. In the US, psychologists have earned a doctoral degree. The terms “therapist” and “counselor” are used somewhat interchangeably, but generally therapists offer longer-term, mental health care, while counselors offer shorter-term care that may focus on one domain, such as marriage, career, or academic challenges.
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
What type of therapy is right for me?
The type of therapy best suited to a particular individual depends on several factors, including their primary reason for seeking therapy, their preferred timeline (some therapy types last for a set number of sessions, while others are open-ended), and their personality and preferences—some may prefer a more structured approach. For many individuals, multiple types of therapy could provide a good fit.
How much does therapy cost?
The cost of therapy depends on a number of variables, including location and the therapist’s experience and training. On average, a therapy session in the United States could cost between $100 and $200 or more. If you have insurance, the expense of mental health care is typically lower, but it varies based on your insurance plan details and whether you choose an in-network or out-of-network mental healthcare provider.
What are more affordable or low cost therapy solutions?
Many therapists offer sliding scale payments, usually on a limited number of slots, which consists in an agreement between the therapist and a client to pay a reduced rate. Therapists who provide such arrangements often consider the client's income or ability to pay, but the extent of the discount is ultimately at the therapist's discretion. Furthermore, while group therapy may have different goals and benefits compared to individual therapy, it can be a more affordable solution to address certain types of issues.
Is online therapy cheaper than in-person therapy?
Many therapists charge the same amount for online therapy as they do for in-person therapy—though clients may still find this cost-effective if it cuts down on their transportation costs. Health insurance plans often offer equivalent coverage for online and in-person therapy; indeed, in many places, they are legally required to do so. Text-based or on-demand therapy apps may be cheaper than traditional one-on-one psychotherapy; however, the practice may be less effective and is not likely to be covered by insurance.
Is online therapy a good option?
Therapy conducted online can be just as effective as in-person therapy, as long as there is a strong alliance between the client and the therapist. To find a therapist who provides telehealth services to clients in your area, click “Online Therapy” on the directory homepage and search by your city or town or your zip code.
Are therapy sessions confidential?
Confidentiality is a crucial part of the therapeutic relationship. Therapists in the United States are bound by the regulations set out by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), which aims to protect sensitive health information. With very few exceptions, a therapist will only discuss their client with others when the client has given their written permission. The instances in which a therapist would be required to disclose personal information are: if a client poses a danger to themselves or others, if the therapist suspects the abuse of a child or an elderly or otherwise dependent adult, or if they are legally forced to by court order. These exceptions to the confidentiality agreement are usually discussed with a client before their first session.