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. 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.
Evidence-Based Care
CBT & Behavioral Methods
Inclusive & Affirming
LGBTQIA+ Owned Practice
Accessible
No Waitlist, In-Person & Virtual
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 cognitive behavioral therapy in NYC (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 New York State, NJ & 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.
What We Treat
Our clinicians provide comprehensive mental health services for:
Anxiety Therapy NYC – panic attacks, social anxiety, and phobias. See our post on how to treat panic attacks.
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.
Phobias & avoidance – conquering fears and regaining confidence
International students & New to New York - adjusting to school, work, and cultural transitions
Couples Counseling & Family Stress: relational repair, communication, and marriage counseling.
Perfectionism & Social Anxiety: learn more in the link between social anxiety and perfectionism.
Body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) – hair pulling, skin picking, nail biting
Self-Esteem & Identity Development: relational growth, confidence, and exploring identity in a safe space.
Sports Psychology & Peak Performance: managing performance anxiety, improving focus, and connecting the mind-body relationship.
Psychological Testing: diagnostic clarity for ADHD, Autism, and Twice Exceptionality (2E).
LGBTQIA+ identity & gender exploration – affirming, identity-centered care
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 in how the brain unlearns fear.
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT): Live in line with your values, even when stress is present.
ERP Therapy for OCD: Exposure and Response Prevention, the gold standard for OCD and phobias.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do 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 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.
Starting therapy is easier than you think. With Aspire, your first step is a 30-minute intake ($175) where we listen to your story and match you with the right therapist
What Our Clients Say
“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 was having anxiety, panic attacks and insomnia last year and started seeking counseling to support me. I am now a much more balanced, mindful, and calm person who feels empowered with practical strategies.”
“Dr. Scolaro is an incredibly gifted psychotherapist who has helped me learn and practice vital CBT skills that have changed my life.”
Meet Our Clinical Directors
Dr. Anya Scolaro, Psy.D. (she/her), Clinical Director
Dr. Scolaro is a licensed psychologist and Clinical Director of Aspire. Her approach to therapy focuses on the intersection of LGBTQIA+ identity and anxiety, OCD and ADHD. With her extensive training in diagnosis, assessment and treatment planning, Dr. Scolaro meets with each new patient to personally match you with a clinician on our team. She offers counseling services for individuals, couples, and families. Her therapeutic approach is non-judgmental and client-centered, creating a safe space for clients to explore their thoughts and feelings. Dr. Scolaro is dedicated to helping clients feel empowered and achieve self-acceptance, utilizing evidence-based practices and mindfulness techniques.
Brie Scolaro, LCSW, (they/them), Co-Director
Brie Scolaro, LCSW, is a nonbinary identified clinical social worker and the Co-Director of Aspire. They specialize in action-focused, behavioral therapies for perfectionism, performance anxiety, fear of failure, executive function, ADHD and more. With extensive experience in therapy for anxiety, goal-setting and life transitions. Brie understands the unique needs of the LGBTQ community, including diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. They are dedicated to creating a judgment-free environment where clients can explore their thoughts and feelings freely. Brie also offers therapeutic services like biofeedback therapy for emotional regulation and sports psychology for athletes, ensuring everyone finds the right therapist for their journey.
Ready 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. Our compassionate therapists and mental health professionals provide evidence-based psychotherapy, counseling, and mental health care tailored to your unique needs. Whether through individual therapy, couples counseling, family therapy, or group therapy, our licensed therapists use proven modalities like cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and EMDR to support your personal growth, mental wellness, and path toward your best self.
We offer both online therapy services and in-person sessions located in New York City and across New York State, so you can connect with a psychologist or psychotherapist from the comfort of your own home. As an out-of-network counseling center, we’ll help you verify your benefits with your insurance plans or explore our sliding scale options.
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.
Office Locations in NYC and the Hudson Valley
We offer telehealth and hybrid therapy sessions at two locations in New York State. Reach out today to schedule your intake appointment and start seeing your therapist remotely or in-person.
Upper East Side Office - Manhattan
312 E 85th St Suite 1A, New York, NY 10028
Hudson Valley Office - Stone Ridge
Healing Arts Center, 3457 Main St Floor 2, Stone Ridge, NY 12484