Anne Tormos, LCPC

Shannon McElhone is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in New York and Massachusetts. She has over ten years' experience working in the mental health field. Shannon has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults seeking assistance in managing their experiences with depression/mood challenges, anxiety, life transitions, self-esteem, trauma, attention focus, and relationship issues. Shannon utilizes humanistic, person-centered, collaborative, strength based, cognitive behavioral, mindfulness based, solution focused and emotionally focused approaches to therapy while maintaining an open, flexible, creative atmosphere to remain aware of the unique and individual needs of each client. Shannon seeks to create a non-judgmental and safe environment where a caring relationship can be built with her clients to utilize and add to their strengths. Through her practice, a collaboration can bring her clients towards achieving their goals and living the life they desire. Shannon completed her Bachelor of Arts in Human Relations from St. Joseph's College and received her Master of Science in School Counseling and Extended Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Long Island University. Shannon's years of experience include working as a Rehabilitation specialist/therapist at a Pros program, a psychotherapist at an outpatient clinic, a Child and Youth Behavioral Military Family Life counselor working with children and families on a Military base in New York. More recently, Shannon has held a role as a psychotherapist on an online platform that provides virtual therapy and continues to engage in this role at Talkiatry. Shannon's specialties include: Depression, Anxiety, OCD- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, ADHD, Trauma, Grief & Loss, Stress management, Life transitions, Self-esteem issues and Relationship issues.

Meet Alex Starmer, LMHC, your friendly mental health counselor here at Talkiatry. She's not just a counselor; she's your partner on your mental health journey. Alex earned her Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Syracuse University in 2020 and has been in the field since January 2021, working closely with clients facing mental health and substance use challenges. Alex believes in the power of the mind-body connection, and she loves to share polyvagal exercises and mindfulness techniques to help you better understand yourself. She's always learning and growing, with ongoing training in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). Her go-to tools for therapy are Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). With her, you can expect a compassionate and comprehensive approach to your mental well-being. You're in good hands with Alex.‍

Helmi Henkin, LCSW, graduated from The University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and French and earned her Master of Social Work from the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis. She brings 10 years of experience working with children, teens, and adults in residential and outpatient facilities, schools, and private practice.

Helmi is a proud member of the LGBTQ community and prioritizes a person-centered approach to care. She values cultivating a safe and affirming environment for all patients, regardless of identity. Her primary therapeutic approach is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, which guides her collaborative and compassionate work with clients.

During the first session, Helmi conducts an intake to understand each patient’s background, concerns, and goals. She develops treatment plans collaboratively to ensure they are tailored and meaningful. Known for her empathy and use of humor, she builds rapport with patients while guiding them toward personal growth and well-being.

Danielle LaBarre is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor (LMHC and LPC) in New York, Virginia, and Georgia. Danielle has over 6 years of experience working with adults seeking help with anxiety, depression, stress, grief, life transitions, LGBTQ+ issues, and trauma. Danielle received her Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Long Island University, followed by a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Mount Saint Mary College. She wholeheartedly believes in person-centered care, and focuses on meeting you where you are and taking you where you want to be. Her treatment approaches include mindfulness techniques, cognitive/ dialectical behavioral skills (CBT, DBT), psychodynamic, as well as compassion and strength-based approaches. She believes these approaches in conjunction with person-centered care will assist each unique individual in meeting their personal goals. Danielle understands that seeking therapy can be an uncomfortable experience. But seeking therapy can also be brave, exciting, and empowering! She is dedicated to establishing a collaborative, culturally inclusive working relationship with individuals to help achieve their goals while living a fulfilled and balanced life.

Geoffrey Edelstein, LCSW, is a Licensed Certified Social Worker. His practice is informed by the latest neuro-cognitive sciences, emphasizing anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and other mental health conditions. In addition to working with children, adolescents, and adults, he also works with couples and families. Geoffrey also has experience working with LGBTQ+ clients. Geoffrey received his Master's in Social Work from New York University Silver School of Social Work. Before that, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature at Drew University. Geoffrey's experience includes Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and psychodynamic psychotherapy, but his unique approach to therapy also integrates music, writing, drawing, and origami. In crafting a treatment plan, Geoffrey draws on his years of clinical experience from Four Winds Hospital. There, Geoffrey served as the Coordinator of Children's Services and facilitated care for children ages 8-13 in a Dialectical Behavior Therapy group setting. Geoffrey also worked with adults and adolescents in Four Winds' inpatient units. Prior to this, Geoffrey worked in respite services at Family Services of Westchester and the Federally Qualified Health Center of the Hudson Valley Cerebral Palsy Association. Geoffrey is committed to delivering quality mental health services to his patients and is passionate about helping them reach their goals.

Nakia is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor and Certified Sex Therapist with a Master of Education in Counseling and Development from Sam Houston State University. With extensive experience in education and private practice, she has helped individuals and couples navigate life's challenges and create meaningful change. Her expertise includes issues related to sexual health, intimacy, relationships, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, life transitions, and grief and loss. Specializing in working with individuals and couples, Nakia creates a warm and supportive environment where others feel heard and empowered. She guides them in making choices to change hindering situations and gain clarity through clinical tools to interpret and respond differently to life's challenges. Her approach is collaborative and tailored, ensuring therapy meets the unique needs of each person while celebrating progress. Nakia uses a holistic approach that integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and Person-Centered Therapy. She is also trained in Gottman Levels 1 and 2, providing evidence-based techniques to strengthen relationships and improve intimacy and communication. She believes change happens when individuals are honest with themselves and willing to do the work. As Carl Rogers said, "One must accept themselves as they are before change can occur.” Nakia considers it a privilege to support others as they heal, grow, and embrace life's possibilities.