Who are the Best Female Therapists in NYC?
As the owner and founder of Karina Diaz Therapy, I'm passionate about providing virtual psychotherapy to individuals, couples, and families in New York City.
I have over two decades of experience in treating women (and other populations), and I'm trained in several different therapy modalities. While I'm proud of my training and experience, I most enjoy cultivating warm, trusting relationships with each of my clients. You deserve to be seen and accepted for exactly who you are, and that's what I'm here to do.
We may be a good fit for each other if you're looking for:
Therapy services provided in Spanish (I'm also proficient in French!), or
I offer free consultations so you can have the opportunity to ask questions and get to know me more before committing to the therapy process. I look forward to hearing from you!
While I'd be honored to help everyone, I also recognize that I may not be the best fit for each individual. Above all, it's important to me that you get the care and support that's right for you. Here, I offer my recommendations for other local female therapists in NYC if you find that my practice isn't aligned with your needs.
3 of the best female therapists in NYC
1. Macarena Rufin, LCAT
Macarena is a local female art therapist and creator. Among others, she has unique specialty areas in corporate/workplace mental health as well as infant, child, and teen mental health. I encourage you to explore her services if you need support in these areas.
Credentials: Licensed Creative Arts Therapist
License number: 001841
Specialties: Women’s mental health (including anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and more), maternal mental health, corporate/workplace mental health and well-being workshops, childhood anxiety and depression
Modalities: Art therapy, mindfulness-based therapy
2. Simona Shokrian, LCSW-R
Simona is another trusted colleague located in NYC. She has sixteen years of experience individuals, couples, and families. Simona is also multilingual, I highly recommend her if you are looking for sessions in Farsi or French.
Credentials: Licensed Clinical Social Work therapist (LCSW) in New York
License number: 076014-1
Education: Degree from University of Southern California, Certificate from Ackerman Institute for the Family
Specialties: Identity issues, relationship and intimacy issues, life transitions, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, college students, parenting, family conflict
Modalities: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), family systems, humanistic, psychodynamic, relational
3. Gabriela Portas, LCAT
Gabriela's practice specializes in art therapy and somatic experiencing therapy, making her an excellent choice if you're seeking alternative therapeutic approaches. She is passionate about the mind-body connection, and she is also multicultural and fluent in Spanish.
Credentials: Licensed Creative Arts Therapist
License number: 001343-1
Education: Degree from University of Barcelona, Certificate from Somatic Experiencing Trauma Institute
Specialties: Anxiety, mood disorders, PTSD and trauma, family therapy, parent-child relationships, acculturation and immigration issues
Modalities: Art therapy, attachment-based, culturally sensitive, internal family systems, mindfulness-based, play therapy, psychodynamic, somatic experiencing, trauma-focused
FAQs about working with a female therapist
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Yes! It's important that you feel comfortable with whichever counselor you choose. Having preferences about your mental health provider is completely natural. You might have preferences around the gender, race, or cultural identity of your clinician. I encourage you to honor these preferences and work with the therapist you feel most connected to.
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There is no right or wrong choice when it comes to the gender of your clinician. Some women may prefer to see a female therapist while others might not have a preference at all. It's completely up to you, so make sure to listen to and honor your needs.
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A psychologist is a particular type of licensed professional who typically has a doctorate in psychology. Some psychologists provide therapy, while others primarily provide psychological assessments and others may take on academic roles.
You may come across several types of professionals in your search for a licensed therapist. Your clinician may be a licensed marriage family therapist, licensed clinical social worker, or licensed art therapist. You may also choose to work with a pre-licensed professional who is under the supervision of a senior therapist.
All of these therapists have master's degrees and need thousands of hours to earn licensure.
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Choosing the right therapist for you is a highly personal process. During your search, I recommend looking into each therapist's experience in treating the types of issues that you're facing. I also encourage you to explore the types of therapy they offer. For example, if you're specifically looking for dialectical behavior therapy, it's important to find a provider who offers that.
Beyond these factors, it's also important to consider your sense of connection to a particular therapist. While the relationship will be strictly professional, you will be discussing intimate parts of your life. It's vital that you feel comfortable with whoever you choose.
Take the first steps toward creating a life you love.
Whether you're looking for specific help with women's concerns, want to heal from painful past experiences, or need extra support as you navigate life transitions, I'm here to help. I'm passionate about helping women from all walks of life get the mental health care they need (and deserve).
No matter what you're going through, know that it's never too late to ask for help. Connect with me today to ask questions, learn more about the process, and begin finding relief from life's challenges. I look forward to hearing from you and hopefully supporting you on your journey!
