Michelle Kaplan, LCSW

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Before graduating from the NYU Silver School of Social Work, Dana worked in international human rights and educational settings. She has over 15 years of experience as a clinical social worker and previously worked with formerly homeless adults in supportive housing as a social worker, supervisor, and assistant program director.

Dana views therapy as a meaningful act of self-investment - an opportunity to approach oneself with curiosity, courage, and compassion. She strives to create a warm, validating, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed space where clients feel seen and supported.

Her approach is collaborative, relational, and evidence-based, integrating Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), psychodynamic, and cognitive-behavioral techniques. Dana helps clients cultivate emotional flexibility, resilience, and self-awareness while clarifying their values and taking meaningful action in alignment with what matters most to them.

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Pat is a licensed therapist with over two years of experience specializing in mood disorders and trauma. Holding degrees in Clinical Social Work and Music Therapy, she utilizes various evidence-based approaches to support clients in their healing process. Pat's treatment style is client-centered and integrative, drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and EMDR techniques to tailor treatment to the unique needs of each individual. Previously, she worked in child welfare, private practice, forensic mental health, hospice, and palliative care.‍With a passion for supporting adult clients, Pat creates a safe, compassionate space where individuals can explore and address their challenges. She believes strongly in the importance of mental health for all, and aims to foster a collaborative environment focused on personal growth, resilience, and healing. In her off time, Pat enjoys traveling, singing, and spending time with family and loved ones.

Jenna McDonald is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in New York State who has extensive experience working in the mental health field. Jenna attended undergraduate school in Amherst, NY , graduate school in Buffalo, NY, and completed internship programs during her time there at both schools. Jenna continues to obtain knowledge through regular trainings and certifications that interest her, including EMDR.

Jenna has worked directly with many different kinds of clients, who have experienced an array of mental health concerns at all levels. Jenna also has experience in working with comorbid disorders that can at times go hand-in-hand such as anxiety & depression, or homelessness & substance use. Jenna has been working in mental and behavioral health for approximately 10 years and continued after being fully licensed, which required 3000 hours of supervised experience as well. As an LMHC , Jenna likes to focus on helping those with anxiety, depression, relationship/employment concerns, and overall transitions of life ( school/work/medical issues/moving stressors etc), which may hinder daily life. Working with Jenna, treatment is tailored to the individual client in order to choose the treatment plan that fits that individual’s personal struggles.

Jenna uses a mix of different approaches typically found in Solution Focused Therapy, Person Centered Therapy , Motivational Interviewing , and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Whether the goal is talk therapy or problem solving , Jenna would be more than happy to explore your goals with you.

Jonathan Edwards is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Certified Prevention Specialist. He has previously served as the Program Director for Hub City Outreach Center and was a Crisis Counselor for Garza County Juvenile Center. He has a passion for helping individuals to take the necessary steps forward in their personal development. In session, Jonathan likes to create a judgement-free zone in order to create a safe environment in which clients can share their concerns. The approach that he uses encompasses using the skills that an individual naturally has to develop goals and solutions for their personal growth. Jonathan's approach comes from having years of experience providing drug prevention education for at-risk youth and their families in Lubbock County. Jonathan has a Master's Degree in Counselor Education from Texas Tech University. He also has a Bachelor of Arts from Lubbock Christian University. After receiving his Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling at Texas Tech University, Jonathan began working on his doctorate at Texas Tech University in Counselor Education. Jonathan also enjoys working with foster youth at the Texas Girls and Boys Ranch. In addition to his career and academic pursuits, Jonathan serves the community of Lubbock, Texas. He is currently the chairman for the HEARD Coalition, which is an organization that provides drug education and resources for youth and families in Lubbock County.

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.‍

Lisa Mazzotti is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Colorado, and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Addiction Professional in Florida. She earned her bachelor’s in Psychology and a master’s in Human Development Counseling from the University of Illinois. With more than 30 years of clinical experience, she has worked with adolescents, adults, and older adults in individual, couple, family, and group settings. Lisa also served as an adjunct professor, teaching psychology and sociology courses for over a decade in high schools, colleges, and correctional facilities. Her extensive background includes treating addictions, trauma, mood and anxiety disorders, OCD, ADHD, self-harm, and eating disorders.

Lisa meets each person where they are, creating a safe space where clients feel heard, valued, and respected. She emphasizes open communication, collaboration, and mutual trust, encouraging patients to share what feels most comfortable and meaningful to them. Lisa’s goal is to empower clients to identify and pursue their personal goals at their own pace, fostering lasting growth. She brings compassion, positivity, experience, and humor to her sessions, reminding patients that change begins with understanding and acceptance.

Lisa tailors her approach by exploring each patient’s history, strengths, and priorities to create an individualized treatment plan. Drawing on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-Focused Therapy, she adapts her methods to meet each client’s needs. Lisa has facilitated Intensive Outpatient (IOP), Partial Hospitalization (PHP), and inpatient group therapy for co-occurring disorders. She supports clients with a broad range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, grief, self-harm, abuse, and both physical and psychological addictions.