Compassionate Psychotherapy and Mental Health Counseling in NYC & New York
At Aspire Psychotherapy, our highly skilled therapists provide evidence-based therapy and counseling in New York City and across New York State.
- Evidence-based care
- Inclusive & affirming
- No waitlist, in-person & virtual
Who We Help
Whether you're seeking individual therapy, family therapy, or support from a licensed psychotherapist, our team offers mental health services designed to meet the diverse needs of New Yorkers. We believe psychotherapy is not only about managing symptoms but also about helping you move toward your best self with care that is tailored, affirming, and grounded in evidence. With offices located in New York City on the Upper East Side and in Stone Ridge, NY, as well as convenient online therapy across New York State, Aspire makes starting your therapy experience simple and accessible.
Life in New York City, Manhattan, or across New York State can be exciting, but it can also feel stressful, overwhelming, and exhausting. For some, that shows up as panic attacks, constant worry, or difficulty focusing at school or work. Others seek psychotherapy in NYC for ADHD challenges, relationship stress, or perfectionism that leaves them drained. Some couples work with a psychologist to rebuild connection, while others seek exposure therapy and ERP for OCD to finally break free from intrusive thoughts and compulsions.
And sometimes, nothing feels “terribly wrong,” but you want space for self-reflection, relational growth, or simply relief from the symptoms of anxiety, worry or stress. Many clients notice that meeting with a psychotherapist each week helps anxiety fade, relationships feel steadier, and life move with more ease and joy.
At Aspire, we believe therapy isn't only for moments of crisis. It can also be a tool for personal growth, mental wellness, and living more authentically. Whether you are seeking help for a clear concern or exploring what's possible, our compassionate clinicians will help you navigate life's challenges with care that is tailored to your unique needs.
Why Choose Our Compassionate Therapists for New York Psychotherapy
Finding the best therapist can feel overwhelming. Many people end up on long waitlists, receive generic care, or feel like their sessions don't make a lasting difference. Aspire was built to offer something different.
Boutique Private Practice
Small caseloads, so every client receives full attention from licensed therapists.
Specialty Training
Our psychologists, LCSWs, and LMHCs provide advanced care you won't find in most practices, including evidence-based anxiety therapy like CBT, ERP therapy for OCD, ADHD evaluations, and couples counseling.
Inclusive & Affirming
We affirm LGBTQ and BIPOC clients, create a safe space for diverse lived experiences, and offer multilingual care.
Accessible & Flexible
No waitlists. Sessions in our Upper East Side Manhattan office, Stone Ridge Hudson Valley office, and virtually across NY, NJ, PA & DE.
Quality of Care
Trauma-informed methods, evidence-based practices, and individualized treatment plans designed around your mental health goals.
Mental Health Care for Individuals, Couples, and Families
We offer therapy for children, teens, and adults, as well as couples and families. Aspire also provides group therapy and specialized services for athletes and high performers. Clients come to us for support with:
Children & Teens
School anxiety, ADHD therapy, anxiety treatment, phobias, and family work. Learn more in our post on ADHD evaluations.
Adults
Anxiety treatment, depression, trauma recovery, burnout, and major life transitions. See our guide on high-functioning anxiety.
Couples and Families
Couples therapy in NYC, marriage counseling, parenting stress, and relational healing.
Athletes & High Performers
Performance anxiety, resilience, biofeedback, and mental skills coaching. Read more in enhancing your mental gear for sports and high performance.
LGBTQ Clients
Affirming care for identity exploration, relationships, and safe spaces to grow.
International Students & Newcomers
Cultural adjustment, academic/work stress, and navigating New York after the pandemic.
Gifted & Twice Exceptional (2E) Clients
Balancing strengths with learning or attention challenges. Learn more in our resource on giftedness and 2E evaluations.
Anxiety Disorders
Generalized anxiety, social anxiety, sleep and insomnia, muscle tension, and concerns around performance, work, school and sports.
Panic Attacks
Panic attacks including panic disorder.
OCD & Intrusive Thoughts
ERP therapy for OCD – the gold standard treatment. Learn more in ERP - The Gold Standard Treatment for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.
ADHD Therapy
Executive functioning skills, productivity, focus, and ADHD evaluations.
Depression & Mood Concerns
Sadness, motivation, and self-esteem.
Stress, Burnout & Insomnia
Restoring rest and balance. Learn more about stress.
Phobias & Avoidance
Conquering fears and regaining confidence with exposure therapy.
International Students & New to New York
Adjusting to school, work, and cultural transitions.
Perfectionism
Learn more in the link between social anxiety and perfectionism.
Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs)
Hair pulling, skin picking, nail biting.
Couples Counseling & Family Stress
Couples counseling: relational repair, communication, and marriage counseling.
Sports Psychology & Peak Performance
Sports psychology: managing performance anxiety, improving focus, and connecting the mind-body relationship.
Psychological Testing
Psychological testing: diagnostic clarity for ADHD, Autism, and Twice Exceptionality (2E).
LGBTQIA+ Identity & Gender Exploration
Trauma & PTSD
Healing through a trauma-informed approach.
Grief & Loss
Support through life transitions.
- We also specialize in supporting international students and newcomers to New York. With providers fluent in English, Spanish, Mandarin and Russian, we help clients adjust to life in the city, manage the stress of school or work transitions, and stay organized through challenges such as visa requirements and cultural adaptation.
Types of Counseling & Services We Offer
Our licensed professionals integrate multiple approaches, tailored to your unique needs:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Reframe anxious thoughts, lift mood, and build confidence. Learn more about how CBT for anxiety works.
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Live in line with your values, even when stress is present.
Exposure Therapy
For anxiety, panic attacks, specific phobias, trauma and more. Learn how the brain unlearns fear.
ERP Therapy for OCD
Exposure and Response Prevention, a specific type of exposure therapy that is the gold standard for OCD and BFRBs.
Psychodynamic & Relational Work
Understand how past patterns shape current relationships.
Couples Counseling (EFT & Gottman)
Deepen trust, rebuild bonds, and navigate relational conflict.
DBT Skills
Build mindfulness, emotional regulation, and distress tolerance.
Biofeedback & Sports Psychology
Mind-body tools for stress and performance.
Psychological Testing
Tailored assessments for ADHD, Autism, learning differences, and 2E.
How Counseling Can Help You Navigate Life's Challenges and Move Toward Your Best Self
Progress doesn't look the same for everyone. For some, working with a licensed mental health provider means fewer panic attacks, improved sleep, or relief from chronic worry. For others, it's the ability to trust another person, assert yourself in relationships, or protect your mental health during transitions.
Working with a psychotherapist in Manhattan or across New York State can help you:
- Develop concrete coping tools for stress, anxiety, or depression.
- Strengthen communication and address relationship issues.
- Explore identity, self-esteem, and life transitions in a safe space.
- Use weekly meetings like physical therapy for the mind to prepare for demanding quarters at work or school.
- Live more authentically, find joy in life, and move toward your best self.
Your questions, answered.
Still wondering about something? A Clinical Director can answer it during your intake.
Book Your IntakeDo you offer anxiety treatment in-person or only online?
Yes. We specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Treatment for anxiety in-person at our Upper East Side and Stone Ridges office locations. You can also choose to meet virtually or hybrid, combining the best of in-person sessions with flexible online meetings. Clients seek us for panic attacks, social anxiety, and phobias.
Do you specialize in ADHD treatment or evaluations?
Yes. We have multiple psychologists and social workers that focus specifically on behavioral support for ADHD, plus psychological testing for ADHD, giftedness, Twice Exceptionality (2E) and other neurodivergent identities.
Do you accept health insurance plans?
We are a boutique practice, which means we're not in-network with insurance. This allows us to keep caseloads small and provide highly specialized services such as ERP for OCD, biofeedback and psychological testing that many larger clinics cannot offer. Because of this, clients often meet their goals in fewer sessions than in traditional settings. We are an out-of-network practice and provide superbills.
Do you provide therapy for children, teens, and adults?
Yes. We work with clients across the lifespan—from children and adolescents navigating school stress, to adults seeking help with anxiety, ADHD, or relationship issues. We also offer couples therapy and family therapy.
What happens in the first session?
Your first step is a 30-minute virtual intake ($175) with one of our Clinical Directors. In this session, we'll learn about your goals, history, and preferences, and then match you with the therapist best suited to your needs. From there, ongoing sessions typically range from $175–$250, with a few specialty services or director-level sessions up to $450.
What conditions and concerns do you treat?
We specialize in therapy for anxiety, OCD, ADHD, depression, phobias, perfectionism, stress management, insomnia, trauma, LGBTQIA+ identity exploration, and performance anxiety. We also support international students and newcomers to New York adjusting to school, work, or cultural transitions.
Leadership That Cares
Your Goals, Our Expertise. A personalized matching process that keeps the focus on you.
Dr. Anya Scolaro (she/her)
Psy.D., LCSW, BCNDr. Scolaro specializes in anxiety treatment, OCD therapy, and psychological testing, including IQ testing for giftedness, twice-exceptional (2E) and neuropsychological evaluation for ADHD, dyslexia, autism and more. She integrates Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD and phobias to help clients achieve lasting change.
Focus areas- Anxiety
- OCD & ERP
- Phobias
- Psychological testing
- Giftedness & 2E
Brie Scolaro (they/them)
LCSWBrie brings expertise in anxiety therapy, LGBTQIA+ affirming care, perfectionism and performance psychology, and oversees our client matching process. Brie also offers biofeedback therapy and sports psychology for athletes and high performers.
Focus areas- Anxiety
- LGBTQIA+ care
- Perfectionism
- Biofeedback
- Sports psychology
What our clients say.
Aspire has been instrumental in helping my family. From the initial intake to further sessions, the team has been supportive, empathetic, and attentive to our family’s needs. The practice is flexible with finding appointment times that work for our challenging schedules. Dr. Scolaro, Paula, and Shunya provide excellent care in a non-judgmental fashion. I would highly recommend the practice without any reservations.
After suffering my whole life and then having what I’d constitute as a mental breakdown, I’m living generally an anxiety-free life without using medication.
I am now a much more balanced, mindful and calm person who feels empowered with an armada of useful strategies and techniques to manage and regulate stressful situations in my life.
Dr. Scolaro is an incredibly gifted therapist who has helped me learn and practice vital CBT skills that have changed my life.
In person in NYC and the Hudson Valley, or from home.
Hudson Valley
Healing Arts Center3457 Main St, Floor 2
Stone Ridge, NY 12484 View on Google Maps
Virtual sessions
Secure online therapy and intakes across New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania & Delaware Start with a virtual intakeReady to Begin Therapy in NYC? Connect With a Compassionate Therapist
If you're a New Yorker who is struggling with mental health concerns or navigating life's challenges, Aspire is here to help. Your next step is simple: book your 30-minute intake appointment today and begin building the therapeutic relationship and treatment plan that's right for you.
Self-pay practice · Superbills available for out-of-network reimbursement