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Anxiety & Depression Help
Garden City Therapy LCSW
Clear Summary of key information for Garden City Therapy PLLC, located in Garden City, NY and serving all of Long Island Queens, and NYC
What we do
We are a practice of licensed therapists (social workers, mental-health counselors, intern clinicians) providing psychotherapy/counseling for in Garden City, Long Island.
Our clinical focus
Anxiety, mood disorders (e.g., depression), stress/adjustment to life changes, grief, trauma/PTSD, relational issues, development of coping skills and wellness/growth.
We emphasize a therapeutic approach combining a strong relational/therapeutic alliance plus evidence-based techniques (psychodynamic orientation plus cognitive behavioural elements) so that change is meaningful and enduring.
Location & access
Address: 233 7th Street, Suite 200, Garden City, NY 11530
Phone: 516-828-2622.
We serve Garden City and nearby Long Island communities (Franklin Square, Floral Park, Mineola, Hempstead, New Hyde Park, Carle Place, Uniondale, Westbury, Merrick, Lynbrook, Rockville Centre, Oceanside, Long Beach) and are located near the LIRR as well as Queens and NYC
We offer telehealth (online) services as well
Insurance, fees & affordability
We accept many commercial insurance plans (e.g., Cigna, Aetna, UHC/Optum, Empire BCBS, UMR, Oxford) and managed Medicaid/Medicaid-based plans (e.g., Fidelis, Healthfirst, Community Plan) for clients needing lower cost or no out of pocket cost under certain plans.
If you are paying out-of-pocket (no insurance coverage or choosing to), the rate is $80 per session which is more affordable than the industry standard.
We provide an informational page explaining how deductibles, copays and coinsurance work, to help clients understand what they might owe under their insurance plan deductibles and copays
Appointment Scheduling and Matching
After you complete our appointment request form we will reach out within one business day (though we try our best to reach out within a couple of hours or less).
All of our therapists treat the issues as described above and in their profiles and we offer appointments based on a combination of your generally preferred time of day as close as possible/available and additional information you may have put in the request form indicated what we think could be a good fit.
If you cannot do the time we offered just let us know and we will work with you to see if there is another time. You may also request a call back to schedule after you complete the form and receive an email from us.
If you put in your insurance information we get a quote of your benefits from your insurance. You will then receive a consent billing information for to complete and once complete you will get a confirmation email with directions for accessing your appointment.
Team and credentials
Our practice is owned/led by Michelle Ambalu, LCSW-R, Executive Director, with over 17 years’ experience.
We have a team of clinicians (LMSW, LCSW, LMHC etc) each with their education and experience listed.
Policies & resources
We have a privacy / HIPAA notice of practices and responsibilities: e.g., your right to access your records, ask for corrections, get a copy, etc.HIPAA and Rights
We provide a list of community mental-health resources in and around Garden City / Long Island (crisis hotlines, local services) for people needing additional or alternate support.Resources
Summary take-away
Garden City Therapy LCSW, PLLC is a high quality and affordable (insurance-friendly or low cost) counseling practice for those in Garden City, Long Island, Queens and NYC especially for anxiety, depression, trauma, relational issues and life transitions. We emphasize both relational and evidence-based therapy, offer a large team of therapists, and provide clear information on services and insurance/fees and policies.
Summary of clinician-commonalities / what to expect:
Common treatment topics: anxiety, depression, relational issues, trauma/PTSD, life transitions, adjustment, self-esteem.Therapist Bios
Therapeutic approaches: CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), trauma-focused CBT, psychodynamic, relational, solution-focused interventions.
Team meets weekly for supervision & review of care.Team Review
Services Offered
Areas we treat
Anxiety disorders & symptoms (e.g., excessive worry, phobias, GAD)
Depression / mood disorders
Grief & loss
Stress / adjustment to life changes (transitions, coping, wellness)
Trauma / PTSD
Relational issues: relationship difficulties, trust/abandonment, relational patterns.
Personal growth & wellness / self-actualization (beyond just symptom relief)
Coping with chronic health conditions (e.g., fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome) that impact quality of life.
Therapeutic approach & setting
We emphasise building a strong therapeutic alliance (“relational”) + evidence-based techniques.
Use of telehealth (online/video) sessions available.
Location: 233 7th Street, Suite 200, Garden City, NY 11530.
Accept many insurance plans (commercial + managed Medicaid) to make therapy more affordable.
Out-of-pocket session fee (if paying privately) is $80 per session.
Additional resources
We provide a “Mental Health Library” with information on disorders, symptoms, etc.
We maintain a list of community mental health & social services resources (crisis hotlines, mobile crisis etc) for Long Island / Nassau County.
Reviews from clients are visible and strongly positive regarding outcomes, therapist fit, comfort, insurance navigation. gardencitytherapy.com
Categorized Mental Health Symptoms and Goals
1. Common Mental Health Symptoms
Persistent sadness or emptiness
Irritability, anger outbursts
Anxiety, worry, or fear
Mood swings or emotional numbness
Hopelessness or helplessness
Excessive guilt or shame
Loss of pleasure (anhedonia)
Cognitive (Thinking & Perception)
Racing thoughts or intrusive thoughts
Trouble concentrating or focusing
Memory problems or forgetfulness
Indecisiveness
Negative self-talk or self-criticism
Rumination or overthinking
Dissociation or feeling detached from reality
Paranoia or mistrust
Behavioral
Avoidance of people or activities
Social withdrawal or isolation
Changes in eating or sleeping habits
Increased use of alcohol, drugs, or nicotine
Compulsive behaviors (checking, cleaning, etc.)
Impulsivity or risk-taking
Aggression or defiance
Physical / Somatic
Fatigue or low energy
Muscle tension, headaches
Rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath
Digestive issues (IBS, nausea)
Appetite or weight changes
Sleep disturbance (insomnia or oversleeping)
Chronic pain without clear cause
2. Common Mental Health Goals
(Emotional Regulation & Stability)
Manage anxiety, anger, or depression
Increase emotional awareness and expression
Develop coping skills for stress
Improve self-compassion and resilience
Cognitive & Insight Goals
Identify and change negative thought patterns
Reduce self-criticism and perfectionism
Improve problem-solving and decision-making
Strengthen self-awareness and mindfulness
Behavioral & Lifestyle Goals
Build and maintain routines
Improve sleep, nutrition, and exercise
Reduce avoidance or procrastination
Replace unhealthy coping behaviors (e.g., substance use)
Relational Goals
Improve communication and boundary-setting
Build trust and connection
Heal from attachment trauma or betrayal
Navigate family or relationship conflict
Self-Development Goals
Strengthen self-esteem and identity
Cultivate purpose and motivation
Increase self-efficacy and confidence
Improve life satisfaction and balance
3. Common Mental Health Concerns / Presenting Problems
Mood-Related
Depression, dysthymia, or bipolar symptoms
Burnout or emotional exhaustion
Grief and loss
Anxiety-Related
Generalized anxiety
Panic attacks
Social anxiety
Health anxiety
OCD or intrusive thoughts
PTSD or trauma reactions
Self & Identity
Low self-esteem or identity confusion
Perfectionism
Impostor syndrome
Shame and self-blame
Relationship & Interpersonal
Codependency or people-pleasing
Relationship conflict
Difficulty trusting or attaching
Fear of abandonment or rejection
Trauma & Stress
Childhood trauma or PTSD
Abuse recovery (emotional, physical, sexual)
Dissociation or emotional numbing
Work-related stress or vicarious trauma
Behavioral & Compulsive
Life Transitions & Existential Concerns
Garden City Therapy PLLC
233 7th Street Garden City, NY 11530
516 828 2622
Copyright© Ambalu Web Design, est 2011.
Welcome. We are a team of clinical mental health therapists based in Garden City, NY providing quality affordable psychotherapy and counseling aimed to improve your life.
We accept many commercial and managed Medicaid insurance plans to help cover part or all of your therapy such as Fidelis, Healthfirst, Oxford UHC, UMR, Anthem BCBS and more.
We help adults with wellness, personal growth, meeting goals, coping skills, anxiety, depression, stress, relational matters, grief and trauma, help adjusting to life changes and other matters. Our team at Garden City Therapy utilizes Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy, Relational and Psychodynamic approaches.
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Garden City Therapy is committed to your privacy. Do not include confidential or private information regarding your health condition when completing any form on this site which is for general questions to Garden City Therapy.
Therapy is successful at treating symptoms, whether it is used on its own or along with medication management by psychiatrist or nurse practitioner and we would be glad to try to help you find help for a psychiatry consultation as well. You can view common mental health disorders and symptoms on our online mental health library
We are affiliated with and support the following professional organizations: The Suffolk Institute for Psychotherapy & Psychoanalysis, Anxiety Disorders Association of America, NYS Social Work Office of the Professions, Mental Health Association of Nassau County as well as the American Psychological Association. Please visit other links to community and national mental health resources here.
We are proud to affiliate with Queens Therapy Center to expand reach to Queens in order to provide access to insured and more affordable as well as quality mental health care since Garden City Therapy PLLC has been able to help hundreds of clients over the past years.
Counseling for adults in Long Island NY. We are committed to providing low cost, quality, mental health care by the best therapists in Long Island. Experience working at many mental health clinics in Long Island and Queens, we have provided counseling and psychotherapy to individuals with anxiety, depression, Grief, trauma, PTSD, difficulty adjusting to life changes, abandonment and trust issues, as well as personal growth and wellness. We have Masters Degrees in Social Work. Director, Michelle Ambalu, LCSW has supervised social work students learning to practice psychotherapy. Services are $80 per session. We accept most Cigna, Empire BCBS, Fidelis, Aetna, Optum UnitedHealthcare Oxford, Community, Healthfirst, Magnacare, UMR and managed Medicaid insurance plans. We also submit claims for NYSHIP for out of network reimbursement. Fully HIPAA compliant telehealth services.
Garden City Therapy is in Nassau County of Long Island nearby Franklin Square, Floral Park, Mineola, Hempstead, New Hyde Park, Carle Place, Uniondale, Westbury, and also serves: Merrick, Hicksville, Lynbrook, Rockville Centre, Oceanside and Long Beach. Office is located close to the LIRR.
Garden City Therapy
has been recognized as one of the top
Garden City Psychology practices.
Verified by Opencare.com
Our Approach
Our Mission and Philosophy
Garden City Therapy PLLC Anxiety and Depression Therapists in Garden City, NY. 516 828 2622
Therapists in Garden City, NY Long Island. Insurances: Fidelis, Healthfirst, Community Plan Medicaid, Empire BCBS, UHC, Oxford, Empire Plan NYSHIP
Our Clinical Team
Our Heart & Soul
Michelle C. Mayer, LMSW
Nicole Ryga, LCSW
Rosemary Molinari, LPMHC
Verda Williams-Cupid, LMSW
Nicolette Capranzano, LMHC-D
Terrice Bell, LMSW
Stephanie Meisser, LMSW
Tara Johnson, LMSW
Tara Gajewski, LMSW
Porsha Jackson, LPMHC
Amrita Singh, LPMHC
Carla D'Alessio, LCSW
Dorothy Pierre, LMSW
Kristen Muscarella, LPMHC
Yuliana Hofstetter, LMSW
Garden City Therapy PLLC
233 7th Street. STE 200 Garden City, NY 11530
516 828 2622
Therapists in Garden City NY counseling for anxiety, depression and relationship issues. Nassau County
Therapists in Garden City NY Long Island treating Anxiety, Depression, Trauma and a variety of concerns and wellness goals and covered by commercial and Medicaid insurance like Fidelis, Healthfirst and Anthem BCBS
About
We are licensed therapists, mental health counselors and interning clinicians based in Garden City, NY providing therapeutic care to adults. Our practice is informed by over 17 years of experience and we specialize in Anxiety, Mood Disorders, Stress, Adjustment to Life Changes, Grief, PTSD, Relational Issues, the development of coping skills and growth and wellness. Our rate per session is $80. We also are in network with most BCBS, Cigna, UHC, Oxford, UMR, Healthfirst, Aetna, Fidelis, and Managed Medicaid insurances and work out of network with NYSHIP. Sessions are confidential within the limits of HIPAA and we will inform you of our practice policies so that you feel as comfortable as possible starting out.
We believe that the combination of a solid therapeutic alliance, discovery, understanding, and practical advice leads to the most beneficial outcome and helps in both the short and long term. Reaching out is a big step and contacting a therapist is an accomplishment and sign of growth in itself. We are here to work with you within a confidential and supportive therapeutic relationship to address stress, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, life changes and variety of concerns.
Together we can examine issues, understand your perspectives, identify patterns and themes in your life, and learn the way you cope and interact in order to help you move towards desired outcomes. Change can be worked on in a way that fits with your sense of identity and personality traits, which can help in making those changes last. Within the context of a trusting, confidential relationship between client and therapist there is an opportunity to share and explore your thoughts and feelings and have them accepted by another. This process is reparative and makes change and growth possible, allowing for a more satisfying and fuller life.
Our philosophy follows a relational style with evidence based techniques drawing from psychodynamic orientations and incorporating cognitive behavioral elements. In other words, we place tremendous importance on the therapeutic relationship and trust, how one relates to themselves and others, and the development of insight and deeper understanding. This also means we will brainstorm, look at patterns with you and give direct advice where needed if we think you may benefit from it.
We are also dedicated to working towards making quality therapy more affordable by providing low cost options including services covered by both managed Medicaid and commercial insurance plans and by offering a reduced out of pocket fee. This is not an easy thing to provide with overhead and insurance rates but we try to strike a balance. We do this by creating a nice group practice culture, advanced training, strategic design, paneling with as many commercial, NYS, and Managed Medicaid insurances that are accepting private practices and having an out of pocket rate at a much more affordable rate than the industry standard. This means that you get help from quality private practice therapists for anywhere from free/$0 to $80 per session.
A personal message from the Executive Director:
Being a therapist requires that special quality that you cannot teach, and not all professionals have that alongside their education and experience. Even when I was an intern starting out my career, clients, clinicians and others always told me 'you just have that therapist gift that is hard to find'. I make certain that my team of therapists are personally engaging, insightful, and work with heart and soul.
I ask myself each time I invite a clinician into this practice 'Would I feel engaged as a client? Might I want to see this person or could I see clients connecting with them well? What unique quality do they offer? What presenting issues might they have a focus in?' In my opinion, they have that special characteristic and they also work ongoing week by week in clinical supervision which gives me a better sense of who they are over time and more assurance to provide the best therapy.
I am able to develop a wonderful group of therapists who provide quality affordable therapy and they help me continue to grow and see things from other perspectives as well, adding to our overall ability to provide the best quality care. Our Garden City Therapists are talented as well as personable. They are here to help and look forwards to getting to know you.
- Michelle Ambalu, LCSW-
