Counseling and Psychological Services Staff Directory

Yushi Wang joined Columbia Health in 2021 as a licensed clinical social worker. Prior to Columbia, Yushi worked as a bilingual psychotherapist at Rutgers University Counseling Center. Yushi has also worked in the psychiatric emergency room at Rutgers University, where she provided psychiatric evaluations and crisis counseling to children, adolescents and adults. She has also worked in other settings including psychiatric hospitals, prison, and intensive in-home therapy.

Yushi believes in a strengths-based and person-centered approach in working with her clients. She has experience working with a variety of issues, including first-generation immigration issues, multiculturalism, depression, anxiety, OCD, relationships, adjustment issues, crisis counseling and intervention. She is passionate in serving ethnic minority students, first generation immigrants, and international students. Yushi is fluent in Mandarin Chinese.

Professional Experience

• Rutgers University Counseling Center
• Rutgers University Acute Psychiatric Services
• Rutgers University Division of Schizophrenia Research

Education

• M.B.A., Rutgers University in New Brunswick
• M.S.W., Rutgers University in New Brunswick
• B.A., Psychology, Rutgers University in New Brunswick

Certifications and Licensure

• Licensed to practice clinical social work in the State of New Jersey
• Licensed to practice clinical social work in the State of New York

Published Articles

• Gao, N., Eissenstat, S.J., Wacha-Montes, A., & Wang, Y. (2022). The experiences and impact on wellness among International Students in the United States during COVID-19 Pandemic. Journal of American College Health.
• Keane B.P., Silverstein S.M., Wang Y., Roche M.W., Papathomas T.V. Seeing more clearly through psychosis: Depth inversion illusions are normal in bipolar disorder but reduced in schizophrenia. Schizophrenia Research. 2016 Oct;176(2-3):485-492.
• Silverstein S.M., Keane B.P., Wang Y., Mikkilineni D., Paterno D., Papathomas T.V., Feigenson K.  Effects of short-term inpatient treatment on sensitivity to a size contrast illusion in first-episode psychosis and multiple-episode schizophrenia. Frontiers in Psychology. 2013 July.
• Keane B.P., Silverstein S.M., Wang Y., Papathomas T.V. Reduced depth inversion illusions in schizophrenia are state-specific and occur for multiple object types and viewing conditions. Journal of Abnormal Psychology. 2013 May; 122(2), 506-12.
• Silverstein S.M., Wang Y., Roche M.W. Base rates, blindness, and schizophrenia. Frontiers in Psychology, 4, 157. Epub 2013 Apr 03.
• Silverstein S.M., Wang Y., Keane B.P. Cognitive and neuroplasticity mechanisms by which congenital or early blindness may confer a protective effect against schizophrenia. Frontiers in Psychology. 2013 Jan 21.

Languages Spoken

• English
• Mandarin Chinese

Dr. Yaniv Phillips joined Columbia Health in 2004. Prior to Columbia, he was a senior clinical psychologist and supervisor at North Central Bronx Hospital, where he worked with HIV patients and their families, men with sexuality concerns, and couples. Yaniv earned his B.A. at Tel Aviv University, Israel and his M.A. and Ph.D. at Adelphi University Derner Institute of Advanced Psychological Studies. He completed his internship at the Karen Horney Clinic. He continued on to complete specialized training at the advanced couples and family therapy program at the New York University Postdoctoral Program in Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis.

Dr. Phillips’ professional interests include couples therapy, the psychology of immigration, relationship issues, and men’s experience of intimacy and sexual health. He sees individuals and couples for psychotherapy, and conducts experiential workshops for couples on enhancing relationships, as well as offering ongoing intensive workshop on procrastination. A member of the Counseling and Psychological Services' Outreach Team, Yaniv is bilingual, fluent in English and Hebrew.

Professional Experience

• NYU Postdoctoral Program in Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis - couples and family therapy program
• North Central Bronx Hospital
• Jacobi Medical Center
• Henry Ittelson Center for Child Research

Education

• Ph.D., Adelphi University
• M.A., Adelphi University
• B.A., Tel Aviv University

Certifications and Licensure

• Licensed to practice psychology in the State of New York

Memberships

• American Psychological Association
• Division of Psychoanalysis of the American Psychological Association

Languages Spoken

• English
• Hebrew

Dr. Weiyen Chung joined Columbia Health in 2019. She received her Psy.D. from William James College, M.Med.Sc. from The University of Hong Kong, and her B.A. in Biology from Boston University. Prior to joining Columbia Health, Weiyen completed her pre-doctoral training at Astor Services for Children & Families in their outpatient and day treatment programs located in the Bronx. She also completed clinical externships at a public high school as well as both outpatient and residential settings, treating patients with adjustment issues, family and relationship conflict, depression, anxiety, self-harm behaviors, survivors of physical and sexual abuse, and veterans with substance use issues.

Weiyen’s clinical interests include neurodevelopmental disorders (Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), trauma, anxiety, depression, and acculturation. In her clinical work, Weiyen strives to create a safe and collaborative environment while integrating mindfulness and cognitive behavior therapy strategies. 

Education

• Psy.D., Clinical Psychology, William James College
• M.Med.Sc., Medical Science, The University of Hong Kong
• B.A., Biology, Boston University

Certifications and Licensure

• Licensed to practice psychology in the state of New York

Memberships

• American Psychological Association

Languages Spoken

• English

Wardeh Hattab is a second-generation Arab-American clinical social worker. Prior to joining Columbia Health in 2020, Wardeh worked in psychiatric emergency rooms at Kings County Hospital and Bellevue Hospital. She has also worked in the inpatient detox and inpatient adult psychiatric units, and medical emergency room at Bellevue Hospital and at community mental health clinics where she treated children, couples, and families as well as adult patients. Wardeh served as a mental health volunteer with The Syrian American Medical Society in 2016 providing consultations to clinical staff working with Syrian refugees in Jordan.

Wardeh’s professional interests include cross-cultural counseling, Middle Eastern/North African (MENA) communities, Muslim communities, trauma work, LGBTQ+ students, sex therapy, students managing chronic medical conditions, and grief and bereavement.

Professional Experience

• Bellevue Hospital
• Metropolitan Center for Mental Health
• Community Counseling and Mediation
• Syrian American Society (SAMS)
• Kings County Hospital
• Private practice, New York

Education

• M.S.W., New York University

Certifications and Licensure

• New York State – Licensed Clinical Social Worker
• Certificate in Sex Therapy and Sexuality Education Candidate, University of Michigan
• Advanced Certificate in Oncology Social Work, University of Pennsylvania
• Certificate in Integrative Trauma Studies, National Institute for Psychotherapies
• Overview of Harm Reduction, Harm Reduction Coalition

Memberships

• National Association of Social Workers
• New York State Society of Clinical Social Workers

Dr. Vincent Kiefner is a licensed psychologist at Columbia Health. Vincent earned his Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology at Pennsylvania State University and his M.Ed. in College Counseling from the University of Delaware. He completed his B.A. in Psychology at Temple University where he also participated in the Honors Psychology program.

Vincent has a keen interest in college student mental health having served in different roles at four institutions of higher learning since 2003. He has experience in a broad range of counseling center activities, including, among others, crisis intervention, administrative evaluations, and outreach.

Vincent works from a psychodynamic framework but also incorporates multicultural, client-centered, cognitive-behavioral, and motivational interviewing approaches into his practice. He feels it is a privilege to work with college students as they represent a unique population with special interests and challenge. While Vincent is comfortable with a wide variety of client populations and presenting concerns, he has particular expertise working with first generation students, artists, architectural students, students who identify as GLBTIQ, international students, relationship issues, trauma, and body image concerns.

Professional Experience

• Kean University, Counseling, Disability, Alcohol and Other Drug Services
• Pratt Institute, Health and Counseling Services
• Ramapo College of New Jersey, Health and Counseling Services
• Post-doctoral Fellowship in Psychology, Purchase College, State University of New York
• Pre-doctoral Internship in Psychology, University of Rochester

Education

• Ph.D., Pennsylvania State University
• M.Ed., University of Delaware
• B.A., Temple University

Certifications and Licensure

• Licensed to practice psychology in the states of New York and New Jersey

Languages Spoken

• English

Theo Czerevko (he/him) joined Columbia Health in 2024. Prior to Columbia, Theo worked at the Hetrick-Martin Institute as a therapist and intake coordinator. He has also been a case manager at the Ali Forney Center, and a support group facilitator at the LGBT Community Center. Additionally, he volunteered as a crisis hotline counselor for the NYC Anti-Violence Project. Theo’s professional experience includes working with people who are queer, trans, neurodivergent, asylum-seeking, and/or disabled. His therapeutic approach includes narrative therapy and incorporating a liberatory and anti-racist framework into his practice. He is trained in EMDR and Motivational Interviewing.

Professional Experience

• Hetrick-Martin Institute
• Ali Forney Center
• LGBT Community Center

Education

• M.S.W., Hunter College
• B.A., Biology, Oberlin College 

Certifications and Licensure

• New York State – Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Awards and Honors

• George Getzel Family Scholarship: for outstanding service to the LGBTQ community with HIV-AIDS specialty 

Dr. Sunita Mohabir joined Columbia Health in 2023.  She received her Ph.D. from the City University of New York and her B.A. from Columbia University School of General Studies.  Prior to Columbia, Sunita worked as a supervising psychologist at North Central Bronx Hospital and was co-director of the psychology externship program at NCB.  Her roles included working on adult/geriatric inpatient psychiatric units, emergency room, and supervising/mentoring doctoral students.  She completed her doctoral internship at North Central Bronx Hospital.  Her graduate training included work in Behavioral Health at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. 

Sunita’s professional interests include acculturation, diversity issues, first generation issues, professional development, and women’s issues.  As a graduate of the School of General Studies, she has a keen interest in working with students in the program. 

Professional Experience

• North Central Bronx Hospital

Education

• Ph.D., City University of New York
• M.A., City University of New York
• B.A., Columbia University

Certifications and Licensure

• Licensed to practice psychology in the State of New York

Memberships

• American Psychological Association

Languages Spoken

• English

Dr. Steven Carter joined Columbia Health in August 2021. Prior to joining Counseling and Psychological Services, he completed a pre-doctoral internship at Pace University’s Counseling Center. Throughout his doctoral training, he engaged in clinical externships at NYU Counseling and Wellness Services, New York Psychoanalytic Society and Institute, and New York Presbyterian Hospital, Columbia University Medical Center’s Adult Outpatient Unit. His dissertation research focused on exploring the frequency and severity of discrimination experienced by multiracial individuals by developing and piloting the Multiracial Microaggressions Scale (MMS).  

Steven has extensive experience working with college-aged students, as well as children, adolescents, and adults. His training has primarily concentrated on psychodynamic theory with focuses on interpersonal and relational approaches. He has also received dedicated training in dialectical behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and multicultural theory. He is committed to using these approaches when working with a diverse student population to address stressors such as adjustment, racial/ethnic identity development, depression, anxiety, acculturation, and interpersonal challenges.  

Professional Experience

• Postdoctoral Fellowship, Columbia University Counseling and Psychological Services
• Pre-doctoral Intern, Pace University Counseling Center
• Pre-doctoral Extern, New York University Counseling and Wellness Services
• Pre-doctoral Extern, New York Psychoanalytic Society and Institute
• Pre-doctoral Extern, New York Presbyterian Hospital, Columbia University Medical Center
• Pre-doctoral Extern, Pace University Counseling Center 

Education

• Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology, Fordham University
• M.S.Ed. in Mental Health Counseling, Fordham University
• B.A. in Psychology, University of Pennsylvania 

Memberships

• American Psychological Association 

Sophia Savory joined Columbia Health in 2003.

Languages Spoken

• English

Dr. Sherina Persaud is a clinical psychologist at Columbia Health. Prior to joining as full-time staff, she completed a post-doctoral fellowship at Counseling and Psychological Services. Sherina completed a pre-doctoral internship at Mount Sinai Beth Israel with rotations in neuropsychology, child and adolescent psychology, inpatient and outpatient treatment for adults. She has also completed clinical externships working with women’s perinatal mental health, crisis intervention, substance use disorders, and community mental health in both Spanish and English.

Sherina earned her B.A. in psychology at Barnard College and her M.A. and Ph.D. in clinical psychology from The New School for Social Research. She has comprehensive research and clinical experience in sexual and gender identities, trauma-related disorders, substance abuse, attachment theory, and with families who have used assisted reproduction to conceive.

Working from a primarily psychodynamic perspective, Sherina aims to approach treatment in an open, nonjudgmental way to integrate various techniques to best fit the needs of the patient. At Counseling and Psychological Services, Sherina is on the trauma team as well as the sexual and gender identity issues team and the multicultural concerns team. Her professional interests include multicultural and racial issues, sexual and gender identity, women’s health, trauma-related disorders, mindfulness and substance abuse.

Professional Experience

• Clinical Psychology Post-doctoral Fellowship, Columbia University Counseling & Psychological Services
• Clinical Psychology Pre-doctoral Internship, Mount Sinai Beth Israel
• Clinical Psychology Externships: Columbia University Medical Center, The New School Counseling Center, Mount Sinai Beth Israel
• Research: The New York State Psychiatric Institute, The University of Cambridge Centre for Family Research, The New School Center for Attachment Research

Education

• Ph.D., The New School for Social Research
• M.A., The New School for Social Research
• B.A., Barnard College

Certifications and Licensure

• Licensed to practice Psychology in New York State

Awards and Honors

• Visiting Scholar, The University of Cambridge, U.K.
• New School for Social Research Tuition Scholarship
• Pathfinder Award in Literature

Published Articles

• Persaud, S., Freeman, T., Jadva, V., Slutsky, J., Kramer, W., Steele, M., Steele, H., Golombok, S. (2016). Adolescents Conceived Through Donor Insemination in Mother-Headed Families: A Qualitative Study of the Experiences Contacting and Meeting Donor Offspring. Children & Society. doi:10.1111/chso.12158
• Slutsky, J., Freeman, T., Jadva, V., Persaud, S., Kramer, W., Steele, M., Steele, H., Golombok, S. (2016). Integrating Donor Conception Into Identity: Parent-Child Relationships and Identity Development in Donor-Conceived Adolescents. Fertility & Sterility, 106, 1, 202-208. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2016.02.033
• Persaud, S. (2014). The Infant Mind: Origins of the Social Brain, The Journal of Infant & Child Development, 24, 82-83. doi: 10.1002/icd.1837.

Memberships

• American Psychological Association
• Psychologists for Social Responsibility
• Society for Qualitative Inquiry in Psychology
• American Society for Reproductive Medicine
• Society for Research on Child Development

Languages Spoken

• English
• Spanish

Sara Kaplan joined Columbia Health in 2022. Prior to joining Counseling and Psychological Services, she completed her pre-doctoral internship at Mount Sinai Beth Israel. Throughout her clinical training, Sara gained clinical experience through clinical externships at New York University Postdoctoral Program in Psychotherapy & Psychoanalysis, Bellevue Hospital Center, Mount Sinai Beth Israel, and Long Island University’s Psychological Services Center.

Clinically, Sara works primarily from a relational psychodynamic perspective, and she believes that the trust and safety of the therapeutic relationship is essential for therapy to be successful. Sara also has received training in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and mindfulness-based approaches to treatment. She believes that flexibility is key in therapy and works to individualize treatment to fit each of her patient’s unique needs. Sara is interested in helping students navigate a variety of issues, including those related to identity and self-esteem, disordered eating and body image difficulties, relationship concerns, anxiety, depression, and trauma.

Professional Experience

• Post-doctoral Fellowship: Columbia University, Counseling and Psychological Services
• Pre-doctoral Clinical Internship: Mount Sinai Beth Israel
• Pre-Doctoral Clinical Externship: NYU Postdoctoral Program in Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis
• Predoctoral Clinical Externship: Bellevue Hospital Center
• Predoctoral Clinical Externship: Mount Sinai Beth Israel
• Predoctoral Clinical Externship: LIU Brooklyn Psychological Services Center

Education

• Ph.D. and M.A. in Clinical Psychology from LIU Brooklyn
• M.S. in Neuroscience from Tulane University
• B.S. in Psychology from Tulane University

Awards and Honors

• LIU Brooklyn Dissertation Award

Memberships

• American Psychological Association
• Division 39 (Psychoanalysis, Division of the American Psychological Association)

Dr. Samantha Goldman (she/her) is completing her postdoctoral fellowship at Columbia Health Counseling and Psychological Services during the 2025-2026 academic year.

She's excited to be joining the team at CPS and will be conducting intake interviews and providing individual and group therapy.

Samantha completed her Ph.D. at Adelphi University and her doctoral internship at Nassau University Medical Center. During her doctoral degree, she completed clinical externships at South Beach Psychiatric Center and the William Alanson White Institute.

Samantha's clinical interests include psychodynamic theory and technique, intersections of psychology and social justice, and mental health presentations typically classified as "serious and persistent".

Education

• Ph.D., Clinical Psychology, Adelphi University
• M.A., Clinical Psychology, Adelphi University
• B.S., Psychology, Northeastern University

Professional Experience

• Doctoral Internship, Nassau University Medical Center
• Clinical externship, South Beach Psychiatric Center
• Clinical externship, the William Alanson White Institute

Dr. Richard J. Eichler has a long affiliation with Columbia, stretching back to his student days when he earned his B.A., M.S., M.Phil., and ultimately Ph.D. at Columbia. He joined what was then the Columbia College Counseling Service in 1986 as a staff psychologist, and for six years was an instructor in the now defunct Human Development program at Columbia College. Since 1992, Richard has successively served as Director, Executive Director, and most recently as Associate Vice President of the Counseling and Psychological Services department of Columbia Health. 

While completing his PhD, Richard trained at a Veterans’ Administration clinic and at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, where he completed his internship in clinical psychology. Among other professional activities early in his career, he worked on a research project at Hunter College on sex role socialization in nursery schools and day care centers. Prior to joining the Columbia Health team, he served as a psychotherapist, treating a culturally diverse population at Bronx Municipal Hospital Center, and concurrently worked on a grant studying the delivery of health care services for disabled and chronically ill children at the Preventive Intervention Research Center for Child Health at Albert Einstein College of Medicine.  

Richard has taught numerous undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral courses in psychology and psychotherapy, including classes in adolescence and lifespan development at Columbia College and classes in psychodynamic psychotherapy and developmental psychopathology at Teachers College. He has also taught courses and seminars in adolescent development and college mental health practice at the Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy Training Program of the William Alanson White Institute. 

Dating back to his time at the Veterans Administration, he maintains an ongoing interest in the welfare of military veterans. Other areas of particular professional interest include: psychological opportunities and pitfalls of adolescence and young adulthood; early intervention and prevention strategies; the impact of cultural variables on personal development; evolving relationships through the lifespan; trauma; psychological obstacles to academic and career success; learning problems; and the application of psychoanalytic thinking to brief therapy.  Richard is also versed in and helping young adults and their parents renegotiate their evolving relationships. He is a frequent speaker at professional conferences and community events, addressing various topics such as transitioning to college, the social and emotional concomitants of learning disabilities, improving access to mental health care, and suicide prevention. 

Richard has served as a consultant to the College Mental Health section of the Group for the Advancement of Psychiatry, and in collaboration with its membership, co-authored a paper in response to mental health crises on college campuses. He has also served on the Clinical Advisory Board of the Jed Foundation. He is currently on the Editorial Board of the Journal of College Mental Health. 

Professional Experience

• Columbia University
• Preventive Intervention Research Center for Child Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine
• William Alanson White Institute 

Education

• Ph.D., Columbia University
• M.Phil., Columbia University
• M.S., Columbia University
• B.A., Columbia University 

Certifications and Licensure

• Licensed to practice psychology in the State of New York 

Published Articles

• Cantor M.B. and Eichler R.J. (1977). Sweetness—a supernormal reinforcer. Chemical Technology 7: 214–216, 1977
• Eichler, R.J. (2011) The university as a (potentially) facilitating environment.  Contemporary Psychoanalysis, 47, 289-316.
• Eichler, R.J. (2006) Developmental considerations in college counseling.  In P. Grayson & P. Meilman (Eds.) College Mental Health Practice (pp. 21- 41).  New York:  Routledge.
• Eichler, R.J. & Schwartz, V.  (2010) Essential services in college counseling.  In J. Kay & V. Schwartz (Eds.) Mental Health Care in the College Community (pp. 57 -93).  New York: John Wiley & Sons.
• Girad, C., Schwartz, V., Backus, V., Barreira, P., Eichler, R.J., Goldsmith, M., Miner, J., Notman, M., Reich, P. & Siggins, L. (2012) Challenges of mental health crises in college settings.  Harvard Health Policy Review, 13, 11- 15.
• Ireys, H.T.  & Eichler, R.J.  (1988) Program priorities of crippled children's agencies: A survey. Public Health Reports, 103, 77-83. 

Renee Gibbs joined Columbia Health in 2020 after nine years of psychology practice in the Department of Veterans Affairs. Dr. Gibbs provided treatment and led program development efforts in eating disorder treatment and training, including serving as the national lead trainer and consultant for the Eating Disorder Initiative. In addition to eating disorder treatment, Dr. Gibbs's work has included multidisciplinary therapy for gender transition and gender dysphoria, program development for severe and persistent mental illness, and delivery and adaptations of dialectical behavior therapy. Her primary career goals are to improve multidisciplinary care and psychotherapeutic outcomes for eating disorder patients and increase access to eating disorder treatment in public health settings.

Dr. Gibbs completed her doctoral degree at Seattle Pacific University in 2011 and training experiences in public mental health and VA settings. Her interests outside of work include her family, international travel, and dance.

Professional Experience

• Lead Trainer and Consultant, VA Central Office Eating Disorder Initiative
• Research Psychologist, West Haven VA Medical Center, PRIME Center for Innovation
• Staff Psychologist, Central Arkansas VA Healthcare System

Education

• Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, Seattle Pacific University
• M.A. Psychology, Seattle Pacific University
• B.A. Psychology, Seattle Pacific University

Certifications and Licensure

• New York State License in Progress
• Arkansas State License

Memberships

• American Psychological Association
• Academy of Eating Disorders

Dr. Regina Lara joined Columbia Health in 2008. She earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology at the University of the Philippines in Quezon City, and her Medical Degree at the University of the East – Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center, also in the Philippines. She came to New York City for her residency in general adult psychiatry at Beth Israel Medical Center. Afterward she completed her two-year fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine/Mount Sinai Hospital. 

Lara worked as an attending physician on the child/adolescent inpatient unit, as well as medical director for the Child/Adolescent Psychiatry Outpatient Clinic and Integrated Family Care Program at the  Mount Sinai Hospital. She also worked for two years as a child psychiatrist with the Staten Island Mental Health Society.

Lara enjoys the opportunity to engage with young adults  who are discovering and developing their identities while also navigating the challenges of an exacting academic institution. She is as interested in working with issues of adapting to a new country or culture while remaining steadfast in holding important traditions and beliefs. While working with her will usually entail the use of medications, whether for anxiety, or depression, or ADHD, she always emphasizes that incorporating non-pharmacologic practices and cultivating meaningful and healthy relationships are essential for anyone to achieve true mental and psychological health.

Education

• M.D., University of the East
• B.S., University of the Philippines

Memberships

• American Psychiatric Association
• American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Languages Spoken

• English
• Tagalog (Filipino)

Rachel Turkel (she/her) joined Columbia Health in 2023. Prior to joining Columbia, she worked for several global health non-profit organizations, which included work in mental health, malaria prevention, and digital health technologies. Rachel earned her Master of Science in Public Health (M.S.P.H.) from the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, with a focus on Social and Behavioral Interventions.

Rachel’s professional interests include behavior change communications, health systems, bioethics, and cultural competency. She is passionate about the need for continuous quality improvement in healthcare settings to provide recipients with quality care.

Professional Experience

• Crisis Text Line
• PATH
• Unite For Sight

Education

• M.S.P.H., Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
• B.A., Bowdoin College

Published Articles

• Burton R, Chévez J, Sauerbrey M, Guinovart C, Hartley A, Kirkwood G, Boslego M, Gavidia M, Escobar J, Turkel R, Steketee R, Slutsker L, Schneider K, Campbell C. “Factors Associated with the Rapid and Durable Decline in Malaria Incidence in El Salvador, 1980–2017.” The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, vol. 99, no. 1, 2018, pp.33–42., doi:10.4269/ajtmh.17-0629.
• Caldas S, Turkel R, Nelson A, Pandey S, Wu Y, Broaddus E, Beebe M, Rivera G, Winch P. “‘All of That’s Gone Now’: The Failure to Sustain Police-Youth Programmes in Baltimore City.” The Police Journal: Theory, Practice and Principles, vol. 91, no. 2, 2017, pp. 150–172., doi:10.1177/0032258x17694373.

Languages Spoken

• English

Dr. Pavithra Viswanath is completing their postdoctoral fellowship at Columbia Health Counseling and Psychological Services during the 2025-2026 academic year.

She is working with undergraduate and graduate students, conducting intakes, providing individual therapy, group therapy, and trauma support and outreach.

Pavithra received her doctorate in clinical psychology from the Gordon F. Derner School of Psychology at Adelphi University, her master’s degree in clinical psychology from Teachers College, Columbia University, and her bachelor’s degree in engineering from Anna University in India. She completed her pre-doctoral internship at NYU/Bellevue Hospital Center and held externships at Saint Barnabas Hospital in the Bronx and the Hempstead Child Clinic in Long Island. Her broad training across hospitals, schools, community mental health, and private practice settings has prepared her to work with diverse age groups and clinical presentations, including trauma, mood and anxiety disorders, psychosis, and relational concerns.

Pavithra's clinical interests include trauma and resilience in immigrant and cross-cultural populations, identity development, relational challenges, intergenerational trauma, and struggles with mood and anxiety. She is particularly focused on attachment issues and the intersections of family, culture, and identity.

Pavithra’s orientation is integrative, with a strong foundation in psychodynamic and relational approaches, while incorporating evidence-based strategies when helpful. She values the central role of relationships and cultural context in shaping well-being and uses the therapeutic relationship as a collaborative space for growth, exploration, and the development of new ways of relating. Her own journey as an immigrant and former engineer informs her clinical perspective, allowing her to bring cultural humility, adaptability, and empathy to her work with students navigating complex academic and personal transitions.

Outside of her clinical work, Pavithra enjoys spending time with her family, exploring South Asian textiles and crafts, and finding creative outlets through cooking and photography.

Professional Experience

• Pre-doctoral internship, NYU/Bellevue Hospital Center
• Externship, Saint Barnabas Hospital, the Bronx
• Externship, Hempstead Child Clinic, Long Island

Education

• Ph.D., Clinical Psychology, Gordon F. Derner School of Psychology, Adelphi University
• M.A., Clinical Psychology, Gordon F. Derner School of Psychology, Adelphi University
• M.A., Clinical Psychology, Teachers College, Columbia University
• B.E., Engineering, Anna University, India

Certifications and Licensure

• Limited permit to practice psychology in the state of New York

Languages Spoken

• English
• Tamil
• Telugu
• Kannada

Paula joined Columbia Health in July 2024. In her clinical work, Paula integrates psychodynamic and feminist lenses to understand the person and the systems they are located within. Paula works to create a safe and collaborative therapeutic relationship as the cornerstone of her work with students. She often pulls aspects of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) into sessions.

Prior to Columbia, she worked as a staff psychologist at Stevens Institute of Technology, completed her clinical psychology internship at the University of Memphis, and spent a couple of years as a clinical psychology extern at Wesleyan University. Paula is passionate about student mental health and is interested in working with a variety of student concerns. Paula has experience working with student challenges in adjusting to university life, anxiety, depression, and difficulties with family relationships. Paula has almost 4 years of experience working with students in STEM.

When Paula isn't working you can likely find her reading, fiction or nonfiction, she reads it all. She also enjoys visiting her family back in Michigan, traveling, and enjoying a good meal.

Education

• Psy.D. University of Hartford
• B.A. Psychology, Albion College

Certifications and Licensure

• Licensed to practice psychology in the state of New York
• Trainer for Mental Health First Aid

Awards and Honors

• 2023 Outstanding Contribution Award, Stevens Institute of Technology

Languages Spoken

• English

Dr. Nonso Enekwechi joined Columbia Health in 2016. Nonso completed his residency in psychiatry at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center. He also completed his child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at New York-Presbyterian Hospital of Cornell and Columbia Universities, with a focus on child and adolescent public psychiatry.

Nonso earned his medical degree from the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, and masters of public health degree from the University of Iowa College of Public Health. In addition to his position at Columbia Health, he is also a child and adolescent psychiatrist at New York City Children’s Center.

Professional Experience

• Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, New York City Children’s Center
• Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellow, New York-Presbyterian Hospital of Columbia and Cornell Universities
• Resident in Psychiatry, St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center

Education

• M.D., University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
• M.P.H., University of Iowa College of Public Health
• B.S., Psychology and Biology, University of Iowa

Certifications and Licensure

• New York State Medical License
• Board Certified in General Psychiatry
• Board Certified in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Memberships

• American Psychiatric Association
• American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Languages Spoken

• Igbo
• English

Nicole Vigoda Gonzalez, Psy.D., joined Columbia Health in 2017. Prior to joining Counseling and Psychological Services, Nicole completed a pre-doctoral internship at Jacobi Medical Center with rotations in neuro-pediatric developmental psychology, medical rehabilitation, and inpatient and outpatient treatment for adults. She has also completed clinical externships working with survivors of trauma, cross-cultural issues, crisis intervention and community mental health with English- and Spanish-speaking populations.

Nicole earned her B.A. and M.A. in anthropology from the Universidad de los Andes in her hometown of Bogota, Colombia. Later, she completed an Ed.M in psychological counseling at Teachers College, and a Psy.D. in clinical psychology at Rutgers University. In her clinical work, Nicole uses a primarily psychodynamic approach, yet strives to create an individualized treatment that best fits the needs of the patient. As a bicultural and bilingual woman, Nicole pays particular attention to aspects related to cultural identity that may impact the treatment. In addition to English, she is fluent in Spanish.

Professional Experience

• Clinical Psychology Pre-doctoral Internship, Jacobi Medical Center
• Clinical Psychology Externships: Columbia University Medical Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital, Bellevue Hospital Center - WTC Health Program, Psychological Clinic, Rutgers University, Foster Care Counseling Project, Bellevue Hospital Center – Bilingual Treatment Program
• Research: The New York State Psychiatric Institute (Trauma and PTSD Program), Center for HIV Educational Studies & Training

Education

• Psy.D., Clinical Psychology, Rutgers University
• Ed.M., Psychological Counseling, Teachers College, Columbia University
• M.A.,  Anthropology, Universidad de los Andes, Bogota, Colombia
• B.A., Anthropology, Universidad de los Andes, Bogota, Colombia

Published Articles

• Florez Malagon, A. G., Millán de Benavides, C., González, C., & Vigoda, N. (2002). Introducción. In A.G. Florez Malagon, & C. Millán de Benavides (Eds.) Desafíos de la Transdisciplinariedad (pp. 3-19). Bogota, DC: CEJA 

Awards and Honors

• Grace Smith Award, Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology, Rutgers University
• Schulman Fellowship, Rutgers University
• Peer Counseling Fellowship, International House of New York

Memberships

American Psychological Association, Division of Psychotherapy

• American Psychological Association, Division of Psychoanalysis
• American Psychological Association, Division of the Society for the Psychological Study of Culture, Ethnicity, and Race

Languages Spoken

• Spanish
• English

Ngozi Okezie joined Columbia Health in 2007. Prior to Columbia, Ngozi was a staff psychiatrist in outpatient mental services and the director of child and adolescent outpatient services at Saint Vincent's Hospital, Westchester. She was also an assistant professor of psychiatry at New York Medical College.

Ngozi attended Bryn Mawr College and Yale University School of Medicine. She completed her psychiatry residency at University of Colorado Health Sciences Center and went on to do further advanced training in child and adolescent psychiatry at New York Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center. She then completed a research fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry, concentrating on child mental services delivery. Ngozi's professional interests include ADHD, mood disorders and cultural issues.

Professional Experience

• Staff Psychiatrist at Saint Vincent's Hospital, Westchester
• Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at New York Medical College
• Director of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services at Saint Vincent's Hospital, Westchester
• Assistant in Clinical Psychiatry at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons
• Clinical Assistant Psychiatrist at New York Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center

Education

• M.D., Yale School of Medicine
• B.A., Bryn Mawr College
• Psychiatry residency at University of Colorado Health Sciences Center
• Clinical Fellow in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry NY Presbyterian Hospital
• Post doctoral Research Fellow Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons

Certifications and Licensure

• Board Certified in Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
• Licensed to practice in the state of New York

Awards and Honors

• Outstanding Service Award for Clinical Excellence in Child Psychiatry, 1997, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons

Languages Spoken

• English

Dr. Motoni Fong Hodges joined Columbia Health in 2015. Prior to Columbia, Motoni taught at Teachers College as a lecturer and adjunct assistant professor. Motoni completed her doctoral internship in counseling psychology at the University of Oregon Counseling Center, a postdoctoral fellowship on feminist psychodynamic psychotherapy at Stony Brook University Wo/Men’s Center, and psychoanalytic training at the William Alanson White Institute.

Motoni’s professional interests include acculturation and marginalization, and working with international students, students of color, and LGBTQ students.

Professional Experience

• Lecturer/Adjunct Assistant Professor, Dept. of Counseling Psychology, Teachers College, Columbia University

Education

• Ph.D., University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
• Ed.M., Harvard University
• B.A., Reed College

Certifications and Licensure

• Licensed to practice psychology in the State of New York
• Certificate Program in Psychoanalysis, William Alanson White Institute

Published Articles

• Chung, Y. B., & Katayama, M. (1999).  Ethnic and sexual identity development of Asian-American lesbian and gay adolescents.  Counseling Asian families from a Systems perspective (The Family Psychology and Counseling Series Monograph).  Alexandria, VA:  American Counseling Association.
• Chung, Y. B., & Katayama, M. (1998).  Ethnic and sexual identity development of Asian-American lesbian, gay, and bisexual adolescents.  Professional School Counseling, 1(3), 21-25.\
• Chung, Y. B., & Katayama, M. (1996).  Assessment of sexual orientation in lesbian, gay, & bisexual studies.  Journal of Homosexuality, 30(4), 49-62.

Awards and Honors

• Teachers College, Columbia University Outstanding Teaching Award, 2004 recipient.

Michele Goldman joined Columbia Health in 2020. She received her doctorate in clinical psychology with a concentration in traumatic stress from Adler School of Professional Psychology in Chicago, IL. Prior to joining Columbia, Michele completed her postdoctoral fellowship at the Hampton Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center in Hampton, VA. She then accepted a full time staff psychologist position at Veteran’s Affairs New York Harbor Healthcare System, Brooklyn Campus.

Michele has also worked in a variety of settings including residential treatment programs, schools, prisons, and rehabilitation/medical units. Her clinical interests have focused on issues related to trauma, relational patterns, anxiety, depression and Veteran specific issues. Due to the fact that she has worked with individuals across the age span and from multiple settings, Michele approaches treatment in a nonjudgmental way, focused on meeting the individual where they are, integrating techniques to best fit the needs of each person. She will often incorporate a mindfulness-based approach in her work with students.

Education

• Psy.D. Clinical Psychology, Adler School of Professional Psychology
• M.A. Counseling Psychology, Adler School of Professional Psychology
• B.S. Neuroscience, Union College

Certifications and Licensure

• Licensed to practice psychology in the State of New York

Memberships

• American Psychological Association (APA)
• Division 56 (Trauma Psychology)
• International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS)

Languages Spoken

• English

Dr. Mercedes J. Okosi joined Columbia Health in 2023. She received her Psy.D. (Doctor of Psychology) at The Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology (GSAPP) at Rutgers University. She completed a doctoral internship at Mount Sinai St. Luke’s and West Hospitals. Prior to joining Columbia, she held a position as clinical director of the Safe Mothers, Safe Children Initiative at New York University’s McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research where she led a program for women in the child welfare system experiencing PTSD. Dr. Okosi has experience in a variety of settings including inpatient and outpatient hospital settings, schools, community organizations, and private practice.

Much of Dr. Okosi’s work has been focused on the impact of trauma on marginalized populations including those within the African diaspora, people of color, and LGBTQIA+ individuals. Dr. Okosi also uses an integrative and patient-centered approach to work with patients managing a range of issues including mood disorders, anxiety, difficult relationship patterns, and identity.

Professional Experience

• Clinical Director, New York University McSilver Institute
• Pre-Doctoral Intern, Mount Sinai St. Luke’s/West
• Psychology Externships: Harlem Hospital, Youth Development Clinic, Rutgers University Counseling ADAP & Psychiatric Services

Education

• Psy.D., Clinical Psychology, Rutgers University
• B.S., Applied Psychology, Minor: Spanish Language, New York University

Certifications and Licensure

• Licensed to practice Psychology in the State of New York

Published Articles

• Sullivan, K. S., Ancharski, K., Wortham, W., Okosi, M., Kaplan, D., Urquiza, A., Timmer, S., Cloitre, M., Chemtob, C., & Lindsey, M. A. (2023). Feasibility and Preliminary Impact of a Community-Based Intervention for Maternal PTSD and Parenting: Parenting-STAIR Pilot. Journal of child and family studies, 32(2), 481–497. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-023-02534-y
• Lindsey, M., Sullivan, K., Chemtob, C., Ancharski, K., Jaccard, J., Cloitre, M., Urquiza, A., Timmer, S., Okosi, M., & Kaplan, D. (2022). A randomized controlled trial to assess the efficacy of Parenting-STAIR in treating maternal PTSD to reduce maltreatment recidivism: protocol for the Safe Mothers, Safe Children study. Trials, 23(1), 432. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-022-06354-1
• Okosi, M. J. (2022). Mental Health Journal for Black Women: Prompts and practices to prioritize yourself and nurture your well-being. Rockridge Press.
• Okosi, M. J. (2022). The Complex PTSD Journal: A guided journal to help you heal, grow, and thrive. Rockridge Press.
• Okosi, M. J. (2015). Emotional emancipation circles for mothers of color. Psych Discourse: News Journal of The Association of Black Psychologists, 49(2), 12-13.
• Okosi, M. J. (2012). Spaces for young women of color’s trauma meaning making and identity development. New York University Applied Psychology Online Publication of Undergraduate Studies, 3, 6-10.

Languages Spoken

• English
• Spanish

Dr. Marina E. Mazur (she/her) is a clinical psychologist who joined Columbia Health in 2024. Previously she worked as a staff psychologist at the Center for Intensive Treatment of Personality Disorders (CITPD) at Mount Sinai, where she provided individual and group psychotherapy and supervised psychology interns and externs. Prior to joining CITPD Marina served as an Associate Director of Mental Health at Correctional Health Services on Rikers Island.

Marina received her doctorate from Teachers College, Columbia University and her B.A. in psychology from Hofstra University. During her graduate training she completed a pre-doctoral internship at Kings County Hospital and externships at Coney Island Hospital and the Child and Family Institute at St. Luke’s Hospital.

Marina believes in working collaboratively with clients and strives to provide a warm and nonjudgmental environment to anyone joining her in the therapy room. She utilizes a relational psychodynamic framework, incorporating aspects of cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavioral techniques to address individualized needs. Her professional interests include multicultural issues, acculturation, relational difficulties, perinatal and postpartum wellness, identity development, and spiritual and religious concerns.

Professional Experience

• Center for Intensive Treatment of Personality Disorders (CITPD) at Mount Sinai
• NYC Health + Hospitals/Correctional Health Services
• NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County Hospital

Education

• Ph.D., Teachers College, Columbia University
• M.A., Teachers College, Columbia University
• B.A., Hofstra University

Certifications and Licensure

• Licensed to practice psychology in the State of New York

Languages Spoken

• English
• Russian

Maria Narimanidze (she/her) is a clinical psychologist who joined Columbia Health in 2023. Prior to joining as full-time staff, she spent 5 years working at Mount Sinai West’s Center for Intensive Treatment of Personality Disorders (CITPD), where she conducted individual and group psychotherapy, as well as supervised psychology externs, interns, and psychiatry residents.

Maria earned her B.A. in psychology from New York University, her M.A. in psychology from Adelphi University, and her Psy.D. in clinical psychology from Long Island University (LIU) – Post. During her training at LIU, Maria completed clinical externships at Jamaica Hospital, Columbia University Medical Center, and her pre-doctoral internship at Manhattan Psychiatric Center (MPC). Following her internship, Maria stayed on to work at MPC for 2 years as an inpatient psychologist.

Maria believes in working collaboratively and holistically, providing care that is trauma-informed and culturally responsive through a psychodynamic lens, incorporating aspects of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and mindfulness skills as needed. She is also a certified group psychotherapist and particularly enjoys running structured and process groups on a variety of topics, including mindfulness, intimacy and interpersonal relationships, and conflict, as well as DBT skills.

Her professional interests include multicultural and racial issues, acculturation, trauma, interpersonal conflict, struggles with identity and sense of self, and ADHD. As an immigrant herself, she is particularly interested in helping international students and those recent to the U.S. adjust to life at Columbia and in NYC more broadly.

Professional Experience

• Mount Sinai West Center for Intensive Treatment of Personality Disorders (CITPD)
• Manhattan Psychiatric Center (OMH)
• Columbia University Medical Center
• Jamaica Hospital

Education

• Psy.D., Long Island University – Post
• M.A., Adelphi University
• B.A., New York University

Certifications and Licensure

• Licensed to practice psychology in the State of New York
• Certified group psychotherapist

Languages Spoken

• English
• Russian

Marcia Stern joined Columbia Health in 2019. Prior to joining Columbia she worked as a Military Sexual Trauma Counselor for the Department of Veterans Affairs Readjustment Counseling Service, providing individual and group therapy. Marcia has supervised numerous treatment and clinical research projects including a treatment effectiveness trial for children and adolescents exposed to the events of 9/11 at The Mount Sinai School of Medicine and the Jewish Board of Children & Family Services, assessment of a school-based suicide prevention screen at the Division of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry at Columbia University, and training student law guardians in mental health issues at the Hofstra University School of Law.

Marcia received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from St. John’s University and her B.A. in Psychology from Brooklyn College. She completed her internship training in clinical psychology at Hillside Hospital,

Long Island Jewish Medical Center and a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Psychiatric Epidemiology at the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University.

Marcia enjoys working with a wide range of students including those concerned with issues of adjustment, anxiety, depression, emotion regulation, and interpersonal problems. Her professional interests include the impact of exposure to trauma, veterans, and women’s issues.

Education

• Postdoctoral Fellowship, Psychiatric Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University
• Ph.D., Clinical Psychology, St. John’s University
• B.A., Psychology, Brooklyn College

Certifications and Licensure

• Licensed to practice psychology in the State of New York

Memberships

• American Psychological Association
• Division 8 (Society for Personality and Social Psychology)

Languages Spoken

• English

Manali Roy joined Columbia Health in 2022. Prior to Columbia, she worked as a staff psychologist at the North Central Bronx Hospital where she also completed her pre-doctoral internship. At the hospital, she worked in various clinical settings including inpatient psychiatric unit, psychiatric emergency services, and consultation-liaison psychiatry services. She has previously trained at the University of Toledo Psychology Clinic and the Zepf Center in Ohio, and at community mental health centers in India. Dr. Roy received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Toledo and Master’s in Psychology from Adelphi University. She also earned her Master’s in Clinical Psychology and Bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of Calcutta, India.

Dr. Roy works primarily from acceptance and mindfulness-based approaches while integrating psychodynamic perspectives as clinically indicated to meet the person where they are at. She aims to create a trauma-informed, empathic, collaborative, and non-judgmental space in therapy with the goal of fostering wellness. Her clinical interests include experiences of anxiety, depression, psychosis, emotional dysregulation, and interpersonal difficulties. Addressing intersectionality, multicultural concerns, immigrant experiences, and issues affecting international students (such as acculturative stress) are important in her clinical work. Dr. Roy is a part of the Counseling and Psychological Services' Outreach Team. She is fluent in Bengali and Hindi.

Professional Experience

• Inpatient, Psychiatric Emergency, and Consultation-Liaison Psychologist at North Central Bronx Hospital
• Psychological Assessment Supervisor for Psychology Interns at North Central Bronx Hospital
• Undergraduate Course Instructor in Abnormal Psychology at University of Toledo
• High School Instructor in Psychology at Bridge International School, India

Education

• Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, University of Toledo
• M.A. in Psychology, Adelphi University
• M.Sc. in Clinical Psychology, University of Calcutta, India
• B.Sc. in Psychology, University of Calcutta, India

Certifications and Licensure

• New York State License

Memberships

• Division 12 (Society of Clinical Psychology)
• Division 39 (Society for Psychoanalytic Psychology)
• Society of Personality Assessment

Languages Spoken

• English
• Bengali
• Hindi

Dr. Laura Gonzalez (she/her/hers) is a Psychologist at Columbia Health. She conducts individual psychotherapy with undergraduate and graduate students. She also conducts drop-in hours, co-leading group therapy, and participates in outreach events across campus.

Dr. Laura Gonzalez received her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Boston College and completed her doctoral internship at the University of Miami Counseling Center, where she was a part of the Sexual Assault and Response Team. Before joining CPS, Dr. Gonzalez was trained in various clinical settings, including partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs, community mental health centers, outpatient clinics, and college counseling centers.

Laura has extensive experience working with adolescents and young adults experiencing depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, family conflict, body image concerns, acculturation issues, and coping with traumatic experiences. She approaches her work from a psychodynamic and relational cultural framework, valuing the importance of relationships and the impact of one’s environment on their life. Her clinical interests include working with students facing interpersonal relationship challenges, survivors of trauma and violence, and first-generation students. Laura is bilingual (English/Spanish) and appreciates working with students from many backgrounds.

Professional Experience

• Post-doctoral Fellowship: Columbia Health, Columbia University
• Pre-doctoral Intern, University of Miami Counseling Center
• Practicum Trainee, Simmons University Counseling Center
• Practicum Trainee, The Brookline Center for Community Mental Health
• Consultant-in-Training, The Trauma Center at JRI
• Master’s Intern, The Renfrew Center

Education

• Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology, Boston College
• M.A. in Mental Health Counseling, Boston College
• B.A. in Communication, Texas A&M University

Memberships

• American Psychological Association
• National Latinx Psychological Association

Latisha Culley is a health services assistant at Counseling and Psychological Services.

Languages Spoken

• English

Dr. Kwame Akowuah joined Columbia Health in 2017. Prior to joining Counseling and Psychological Services, Kwame was director of the Continuing Day Treatment program at the New York State Psychiatric Institute’s Audubon Clinic, where he also worked as a staff psychiatrist. Additionally, he was an assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.

Kwame completed his residency training at New York Presbyterian Hospital/Cornell Medical Center. He then went on to complete a fellowship in psychiatry and the law at New York University Medical Center/Bellevue Hospital.

Kwame's professional interests include mood disorders, psychosis, and perceptual disorders, drug and alcohol use, medicolegal ethics, and questions surrounding religion and spiritual identity.

Professional Experience

• New York State Psychiatric Institute
• Fellowship, New York University/Bellevue Hospital
• Residency, New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center

Education

• M.D., Cornell Medical College
• B.A., English Literature, Princeton University

Certifications and Licensure

• Board Certified in General Psychiatry
• Board Certified in Addiction Medicine
• Licensed to practice medicine in the State of New York

Memberships

• International Neuroethics Society

Languages Spoken

• English

Dr. Kori Bennett joined Columbia Health in 2015. Kori received their doctorate of clinical psychology at the University of Indianapolis and completed a doctoral internship at Wichita State University’s Counseling and Psychological Services. Prior to joining Columbia, they completed postdoctoral fellowships at University of California, Merced Counseling and Psychological Services, and Stanford University’s CAPS in the Gender and Sexual Identities Track. Much of Kori’s clinical and outreach work has focused on the wellbeing of students who are transgender/gender expansive, queer/LGBQ/questioning, international, and/or first generation in addition to students with trauma histories.  Dr. Bennett is also interested in working with students to explore issues relevant to identity intersectionalities and connections, perfectionism, mindfulness, and relationship patterns.

Education

• Psy.D., Clinical Psychology, University of Indianapolis
• M.A.,  Clinical Psychology, University of Indianapolis
• B.S., Psychology, University of La Verne

Certifications and Licensure

• Licensed to practice psychology in the State of New York

Memberships

• Division 39 (Psychoanalysis, Division of the American Psychological Association)
• Association for Contextual Behavioral Science
• American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT)

Languages Spoken

• English

Keesha Miller is a licensed clinical social worker who received her M.S.W. from New York University in 2018. In addition to her work at Columbia Health, Keesha works as an Adjunct Instructor for the online M.S.W. program at Simmons University and is a course instructor for Dynamics of Racism and Oppression.

Prior to joining Columbia Health in 2023, Keesha worked at Harlem Children's Zone and held positions as a School Social Worker, Social Services Team Manager, and Education Coordinator for M.S.W. and M.H.C. Internships. She has also worked at Children's Aid, where she provided home-based individual and family therapy to families at risk of youth out-of-home placement.

Keesha is interested in working with students seeking support around racial identity development, navigating experiences of racism and oppression related to intersecting identities, general anxieties, or life transitions. Keesha believes in providing holistic, affirming, non-judgmental spaces to promote a sense of safety and strength to allow for the exploration of thoughts, feelings, and emotions.

Professional Experience

• Simmons University
• Harlem Children's Zone
• Children's Aid

Education

• M.S.W., New York University

Certifications and Licensure

• New York State Licensed Clinical Social Worker
• Seminar in Field Instruction
• School Social Worker, Provisional Certificate

Languages Spoken

• English

Dr. Kat McNeal (she/her) is completing her postdoctoral fellowship at Columbia Health Counseling and Psychological Services during the 2025-2026 academic year.

She will be conducting intake interviews, providing individual psychotherapy, facilitating group psychotherapy, and working with couples. 

In her free time, she enjoys reading fiction, running in the park, and practicing yoga.

Professional Experience

• Pre-Doctoral Internship, Mount Sinai Behavioral Health Center
• Pre-Doctoral Externship, Program for Anxiety and Traumatic Stress Studies, Weill Cornell Medicine
• Pre-Doctoral Externship, The Counseling Center at The City College of New York

Education

• Ph.D., Clinical Psychology, The City College of New York (CUNY)
• B.S., Psychology, Fordham University

Certifications and Licensure

• Limited permit to practice psychology in the state of New York

Languages Spoken

• English

Dr. Kasia J. Garland (she/her/hers) joined Columbia Health in 2022. She received her doctorate in clinical psychology from George Washington University and her B.A. in Psychology from Johns Hopkins University. She completed her doctoral internship at Kings County Hospital. Prior to joining Columbia, she was an attending inpatient psychologist at Bellevue Hospital and a Clinical Instructor at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine. She also previously served as an Associate Director of Mental Health at Rikers Island, working with a justice-involved population.  

Kasia practices from a trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and social justice-oriented lens. She is committed to providing a safe, collaborative, and non-judgmental environment for students of all backgrounds in order to promote understanding and well-being. She utilizes a tailored integrative approach that combines a psychodynamic framework with cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavioral techniques to meet the specific needs of each individual.   

Kasia has a broad range of experience working at the intersections of race, gender and sexuality, and identity development. She has particular expertise in treating interpersonal difficulties, mood disorders, anxiety, complex trauma, and unusual experiences often known as “psychosis”. Kasia enjoys working with many common challenges that lead people to therapy and helping her patients achieve their goals. 

Professional Experience

• Attending Inpatient Psychologist, NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue
• Clinical Instructor, NYU Grossman School of Medicine
• Associate Director of Mental Health, NYC Health + Hospitals/Correctional Health Services
• Clinical Psychology Doctoral Internship, NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County 

Education

• Psy.D., Clinical Psychology, George Washington University
• B.A., Psychology, Johns Hopkins University 

Certifications and Licensure

• Licensed to practice psychology in the State of New York 

Memberships

• Division 39 (Society for Psychoanalysis & Psychoanalytic Psychology)
• International Society for Psychological and Social Approaches to Psychosis (ISPS) 

Dr. Jung Rok Shin joined Columbia Health in 2023. Dr. Shin graduated from the Derner Institute of Advanced Psychological Studies at Adelphi University where he received both a Master's degree in psychology and a Ph.D. in clinical psychology. He completed his internship at the Baruch College Counseling Center where he worked in college counseling for over 10 years.  Dr. Shin’s clinical interests include issues of identity development, culture/ethnicity, as well as trauma, grief, and spirituality. As a psychodynamically-trained psychologist, Dr. Shin helps people to see their issues in the context of their life experiences to better understand themselves and make healthier choices.  

Professional Experience

• Psychological Counselor, Baruch College Counseling Center
• Pre-doctoral lnternship, Baruch College Counseling Center
• Psychology Externship, MercyFirst

Education

• Ph.D., Clinical Psychology, Adelphi University
• M.A., Psychology, Adelphi University
• B.A., Psychology, New York University

Certifications and Licensure

• New York State Psychology License

Memberships

• American Psychological Association (APA)
• APA Division 39 (Society for Psychoanalysis & Psychoanalytic Psychology)
• APA Division 12 (Society of Clinical Psychology)
• Asian-American Psychological Association (AAPA)
• New York State Psychological Association (NYSPA)

Languages Spoken

• English
• Korean, conversational

Julie is a Licensed Clinical Social worker who joined Columbia Health in Fall 2022. She received her M.S.W. in 2012 and began her career with experience in substance abuse disorders and emergency mental health at both the Stratton VA Medical Center and Columbia-Memorial Hospital in Hudson, NY. She has spent the last seven years conducting counseling and crisis work with adolescents in the NYS public school system, as well as Harlem Children’s Zone.

Julie believes in a holistic and non-judgmental approach to counseling that emphasizes both mind and body techniques, including Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Her professional interests include working with anxiety disorders, relationship difficulties, ADHD, and addressing complex trauma.

Education

• M.S.W., University at Albany

Certifications and Licensure

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker
• Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction
• Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT 200)
• Trauma Informed Schools
• Seminar in Field Instruction

Memberships

• NASW (National Alliance of Social Workers)
• YAI (Yoga Alliance International)

Languages Spoken

• English

Dr. Jennifer Liu joined Columbia Health in 2020. Prior to joining Counseling and Psychological Services, Jennifer was the Deputy Director of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry at Mount Sinai St. Luke’s Hospital. She has also been the Associate Director of Training for the Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Training Program and the Pediatric/Psychiatry/Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (Triple Board) Program at Mount Sinai Icahn School of Medicine.  She earned a B.S. in Psychology at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and received her M.D. from Drexel University.  She completed her residency and fellowship in the Triple Board Program at Mount Sinai. Jennifer’s professional interests include mood and anxiety disorders, psychopharmacology, and the use of psychotherapy to optimize outcomes.

Professional Experience

• Division Chief of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Mount Sinai St. Luke’s Hospital
• Medical Director of Child, Adolescent, & Family Services, Mount Sinai Hospital
• Asst. Clinical Professor, Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai Health System

Education

• M.D., Drexel University School of Medicine
• B.S., University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Certification and Licensure

• Board Certified in Psychiatry and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry
• Licensed to practice medicine in the State of New York

Memberships

• American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Languages Spoken

• English

Jenna Klorfein (she/her) joined Columbia Health in 2025. 

Prior to joining Columbia Health, Jenna worked as a social worker for five years at several high schools throughout New York City. She has extensive experience working with youth involved in the child welfare system, having worked as both an individual and family therapist with families in home and outpatient settings. Jenna completed an internship at Mount Sinai Beth Israel working with patients living with HIV in substance use recovery, where she also worked in the emergency room with survivors of sexual assault.

Jenna works primarily from a psychodynamic lens and is influenced by attachment and object relations theories. She is currently enrolled in a one-year infant observation seminar through the Anni Bergman Parent-Infant program and seeks to complete further psychoanalytic training.

Her clinical interests include trauma, depression, anxiety, body image, eating disorders, and interpersonal/ relational concerns. She writes creative non-fiction and particularly enjoys working with writers and artists to navigate creative blocks.

Education

• M.S.W, New York University
• B.A., Brown University

Certifications and Licensure

• LCSW in New York State
• Anni Bergan One-Year Infant Observation Seminar
• DBT skills for Families and Adolescents
• Seminar in Field Instruction
• School Social Worker in New York State

Languages Spoken

• English

Javier Cordova joined Columbia Health in 2007. Prior to Columbia, Javier worked as an administrative assistant at a nursing and rehabilitation center in New Rochelle, New York. Javier has eight years' experience working as support staff in a clinical setting. Javier's interests include movies, dining, sports, and traveling. He plans to pursue a degree in computer science.

Languages Spoken

• Spanish
• English

Dr. Helene Keable joined Columbia Health in 2004, while continuing as a psychiatrist at the Columbia University Medical Center Student Health Service. Prior to joining Columbia, she received her M.D. from Laval University in Canada and completed residencies in internal medicine at McGill Hospital Center, as well as in pediatrics and psychiatry at Mt. Sinai Hospital Center in New York. She went on to further advanced training in consultation-liaison at Long Island Jewish Hospital and psychoanalysis at the New York Psychoanalytic Institute.

Helene's professional interests include the impact of gender, trauma and culture on the development of young adults, the optimal integration of psychotherapy and medication, learning problems in young adults, and systems of delivering health care. In addition to her work at Columbia, she teaches and supervises the faculty of the New York Psychoanalytic Institute and the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Mt. Sinai Hospital. She has written and lectured on the impact of medical illnesses on the psychological development of teenagers and young adults, and on the integration of psychotherapy and medication.

Professional Experience

• Columbia University Medical Center
• Mount Sinai Hospital Adolescent Health Center
• New York Psychoanalytic Institute

Education

• M.D., Laval University
• B.A., Laval University

Certifications and Licensure

• Licensed to practice medicine in the states of New York and Connecticut
• Board certified in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry in the United States and psychiatry and internal medicine in Canada

Memberships

• American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
• Association of Child Psychoanalysis
• American Psychoanalytic Association
• American Medical Association

Languages Spoken

• English
• French

Dr. Heather O’Leary (she/her) joined Columbia Health in January 2024. She earned a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Fordham University, an M.A. in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness from New York University, and a B.A. in Molecular Cell Biology from the University of California, Berkeley. She also obtained post-graduate training in psychoanalytic theory and practice at the William Alanson White Institute.

Prior to joining Counseling and Psychological Services, Dr. O’Leary practiced as a psychologist and director of Counseling Services at LIM College. She also has experience working with individuals across the lifespan in a variety of settings, including private practice, community mental health centers, and outpatient clinics. Dr. O’Leary has taught extensively in the Counseling Psychology program at Fordham University. Her clinical interests include cross-cultural issues, trauma, anxiety, depression, and difficulties with relationships or family conflict.

Dr. O’Leary primarily uses a psychodynamic approach tailored to the unique needs, history, and intersecting identities of each individual. She focuses on working collaboratively to help individuals gain insight into the challenges they face and increase their ability to manage difficult emotions.

Outside of work she enjoys exploring new restaurants, biking, theater, and walks in Central Park with her dog.

Professional Experience

• Director, Counseling Services at LIM College
• Taught extensively in the Counseling Psychology program at Fordham University
• Community mental health centers, outpatient clinics, and private practice

Education

• Ph.D., Counseling Psychology, Fordham University
• M.A., Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness, New York University
• B.A., Molecular Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley

Certifications and Licensure

• License to practice psychology in the state of New York

Memberships

• American Psychological Association
• Division 39: Society for Psychoanalysis and Psychodynamic Psychology

Languages Spoken

• English

After completed her postdoctoral training at Counseling and Psychological Services, Dr. HangYi Chen (she/her/hers) came on as a staff member in 2023 as a licensed psychologist. She provides individual and group psychotherapy, crisis mental health counseling, and intake evaluations. She works primarily from a psychodynamic-relational perspective, believing in the value of refining the understanding of the client's emotional landscape in the client-therapist dyad. She also honors the trauma-informed and culturally responsive sensibilities and integrates behavioral therapy strategies into her practice. 

HangYi received her Ph.D. in counseling psychology from Fordham University. Prior to joining Columbia Health, HangYi completed her pre-doctoral internship at Harvard Medical School-Cambridge Health Alliance. She also received clinical training at various externship sites including VA and general hospital outpatient and inpatient settings. Before returning to school for psychology, HangYi worked as a licensed clinical social worker providing services to immigrants and refugee survivors of trauma. HangYi is interested in working with students to explore topics relevant to trauma, attachment, immigration and acculturation stressors, depression, anxiety, relational dynamics and concerns, and racial identity development.

Professional Experience

• Postdoctoral Fellow, Counseling and Psychological Services, Columbia Health
• Pre-doctoral Intern, Cambridge Health Alliance-Harvard Medical School
• Pre-doctoral Extern, Veterans Affairs NY Harbor-Manhattan Campus
• Pre-doctoral Extern, Bellevue Hospital Center
• Pre-doctoral Extern, Maimonides Medical Center
• Staff Social Worker, Bellevue/NYU Program for Survivors of Torture

Education

• Ph.D., Counseling Psychology, Fordham University
• M.S.W., Social Work, New York University
• B.A., Education, East China Normal University (Shanghai, China)

Certifications and Licensure

• NYS Licensed Psychologist
• NYS Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Memberships

• American Psychological Association
• Asian-American Psychological Association

Languages Spoken

• English
• Mandarin Chinese

Dr. Gus Mayopoulos is completing his postdoctoral fellowship at Columbia Health Counseling and Psychological Services during the 2025-2026 academic year. Gus provides individual and group therapy to undergraduate and graduate students.

Gus completed his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Teachers College, Columbia University, and his doctoral internship at the University of California, Los Angeles. He believes that therapy can be useful in many different ways, including enhancing understanding of oneself and others, improving one’s interpersonal relationships, helping life feel more enjoyable, changing behavioral patterns, and making meaning of one’s experiences. Gus favors an integrated approach, combining elements of several schools of psychotherapy, allowing for a flexible and tailored therapy experience appropriate to the individual needs of his clients. As a clinical researcher, Gus has explored how the "online disinhibition effect" can create spaces and relationships that improve mental health outcomes for stigmatized populations and how these spaces can complement more traditional psychotherapeutic processes.

When he is not working, Gus enjoys reading and writing (or at least trying to write) fiction, watching TV, hiking, and playing chess.
 

Professional Experience

• Clinical Psychology Intern, University of California, Los Angeles
• Clinical Psychology Extern, Baruch College Counseling Center
• Clinical Psychology Extern, Mount Sinai UPRISE Program

Education

• B.A., Harvard University
• Ph.D., Teachers College, Columbia University

Published Articles

• Mayopoulos, G., & Farber, B. A. (2024). Disclosure in psychotherapy versus in anonymous and non-anonymous online spaces. Psychotherapy Research, 34(5), 638-647.

Dr. Emilia Mikrut (she/her) joined Columbia Health in August 2024. 

She received her Ph.D. in clinical psychology from St. John's University and completed her internship at the Manhattan VA. During her doctoral training, she also provided clinical services at Queens Hospital and St. John's University’s community mental health clinic. 

As a clinician, Emilia's therapeutic orientation is integrative, weaving together a psychodynamic relational lens with elements of cognitive behavioral therapy. Her personal interest in the arts and storytelling serves as a useful framework for helping others navigate challenging life circumstances. Emilia believes that building a strong therapeutic relationship through authenticity, warmth, and collaboration is paramount; it is within this relational space that clients may feel safe to begin engaging in self-exploration, developing acceptance and self-confidence, and enacting positive change. Her clinical interests include anxiety and depression, trauma, interpersonal difficulties, grief, military veteran's issues, and autism. 

Emilia's approach to clinical work is also informed by her research background, which is focused on understanding how social determinants of health (e.g., stigma/discrimination; financial instability; interpersonal relationship quality) shape the ways one views themselves, others, and the world around them.

In her spare time, Emilia enjoys reading, playing board/card games with friends, going on long walks, and attending art shows around the city.

Professional Experience

• Postdoctoral Fellowship: Columbia University Counseling and Psychological Services
• Pre-Doctoral Clinical Internship: U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs New York Harbor Healthcare System, Manhattan Campus
• Pre-Doctoral Clinical Externship: U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs New York Harbor Healthcare System, Manhattan Campus
• Pre-Doctoral Clinical Externship: NYC Health and Hospital / Queens
• Pre-Doctoral Clinical Externship: St. John's University Center for Psychological Services

Education

• Ph.D., Clinical Psychology, St. John's University
• M.A., Clinical Psychology, St. John's University
• B.A., Psychology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Hunter College - City University of New York

Certifications and Licensure

• Limited permit to practice psychology in the state of New York

Published Articles

• Pan, C., Crupi, R., August, P., Sundaram, V., Norful, A., Schwartz, J., Miele, A., Simons, R., Mikrut, E. E., & Brondolo, E. (2023). An Intensive Longitudinal Assessment Approach to Surveilling Trajectories of Burnout over the First Year of the COVID Pandemic. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20, 2930. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20042930
   
• Cipollina, R., Sanchez, D., & Mikrut, E. E. (2022). Disclosing mental illness to share or test stigma? Disclosure motivations and disclosure directness. Stigma and Health. https://doi.org/10.1037/sah0000428
   
• Ju, T. R., Mikrut, E. E., Spinelli, A., Romain, A.-M., Brondolo, E., Sundaram, V., & Pan, C. X. (2022). Factors associated with burnout among resident physicians responding to the COVID-19 pandemic: A 2-month longitudinal observation study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(15), 9714. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19159714
   
• Mikrut, E. E., Keating, L., Barnwell, P., Cioffi, L., Vega, D., Contrada, R., & Brondolo, E. (2021). Pathways from exposure to racial/ethnic discrimination to depression: Testing a social cognitive model. Social Science and Medicine, 114558. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2021.114558
   
• Mikrut, E. E., Panjwani, A. A., Cipollina, R., & Revenson, T. A. (2019). Emotional adjustment among parents of adolescents and young adults with cancer: The influence of social constraints on cognitive processing and fear of recurrence. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 1-9. doi:10.1007/s10865-019-00072-x

Languages Spoken

• English
• Polish (conversational)

Dr. Elizabeth Mirabello (she/her) joined Columbia Health in 2015. Prior to Columbia, Elizabeth was chief of psychiatry at Northern Westchester Hospital. She has worked also as a staff psychiatrist at New York Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center in various clinical settings including inpatient, emergency room and the intensive outpatient program. She was also an assistant clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons.

Mirabello attended Barnard College and Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons. She completed her psychiatry residency at the New York Hospital Payne Whitney Clinic (now New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center). Her professional interests include mood and anxiety disorders as well as women’s issues in psychiatry.

Professional Experience

• Northern Westchester Hospital
• New York Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center
• New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center

Education

• M.D., Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons
• B.A., Barnard College

Certifications and Licensure

• Board Certified in Psychiatry
• Licensed to practice medicine in New York State

Memberships

• American Psychiatric Association
• Medical Society of the State of New York

Languages Spoken

• English

Dr. Eduvigis Cruz-Arrieta joined CPS in February 2018. She is a licensed Clinical Psychologist with 20 years of experience in health psychology. Prior to Columbia, she was a supervising psychologist at Lincoln Medical Center, part of the NYC Health & Hospital/Physicians Affiliates Group of NY. She is also an Adjunct Associate Professor of medical psychology at the CUNY School of Medicine.

She has been dedicated to providing quality care to underserved communities in NYC. As staff member of the CUMC Pediatric Hematology/Oncology/Blood & Marrow Transplantation service, she served as Chair of its Diversity & Health Disparities Committee of the Children's Oncology Group. In her role, she participated in advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill representing the viewpoints of stakeholders about disparities in healthcare.

Dr. Cruz-Arrieta received her B.A. from the University of Puerto Rico where she graduated Magna Cum Laude, followed by a M.A. in Clinical Psychology. She completed her clinical internship and pre-doctoral fellowship at NYU Bellevue Clinical Psychology Internship program, and received her doctorate from the City University of New York Graduate Center at City College. Her expertise and interests includes mood disorders, chronic illness, eating disorders, trauma and post-traumatic stress, life transitions (loss, grief, and end of life), multicultural concerns, as well as diversity and health disparity-related issues, complementary medicine (body/mind coping strategies; hypnosis; homeopathy), and psychology and the arts.

Eduvigis is originally from Puerto Rico and Spanish is her first language. She has resided in New York City since 1988, after retiring from professional classical ballet dancing and serving as an educator with Ballets de San Juan. Eduvigis believes in people’s capacity for continuous change and renewal, as they identify and fortify their inner strengths. Her goal is to help members of the Columbia University community to reach their goals.

Professional Experience

• Senior Psychologist, Adult/Child & Adolescent Outpatient Services, HHC Lincoln Medical Center/Physicians Affiliate Group of New York
• Supervising Psychologist, Hematology, Oncology & Stem Cell Transplantation & Psychiatry Divisions, Columbia University Medical Center
• Senior Psychologist, Stephen D. Hassenfeld Center for Children with Cancer & Blood Disorders, NYU Langone Medical Center
• Senior Psychologist, Child & Adolescent Outpatient Clinic Bellevue Hospital Center, NYU Langone Medical Center

Education

• Ph.D. and M.Phil., CUNY Graduate Center
• M.A. and B.A., University of Puerto Rico

Certifications and Licensure

• Licensed to practice psychology in the state of New York
• American Board of Professional Psychology, Clinical Health Psychology

Published Articles

• Bhatia M, Kolva E, Cimini L, Jin Z, Satwani P, Savone M, George D, GarvinJ, Paz ML, Briamonte C, Cruz-Arrieta E, Sands S. Health Related Quality of Life following Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for Sickle Cell Disease, Biology of Blood and Marrow Transplantation (2015), doi:10.1016/j.bbmt.2014.12.007.
• Cruz-Arrieta, E., Weinshank, L.: Multidisciplinary Approach to Psychosocial Care: The Stephen D. Hassenfeld Model. Primary Psychiatry. 2008; 15(7): 63-67
• Cruz-Arrieta, E., Pill-swallowing training in pediatric cancer: a brief report. Primary Psychiatry. 2008; 15(7): 49-53

Memberships

• American Psychological Association
• American Board of Professional Psychology
• Children’s Oncology Group/National Cancer Institute
• New York State Psychological Association
• Asociación de Psicólogos de Puerto Rico

Earmanese Granger joined Columbia Health in 1995. Prior to Columbia, Earmanese was an administrative assistant at The American Assembly, a public policy forum affiliated with Columbia University.

Languages Spoken

• English

Dr. Doreen Han-Faver joined Columbia Health in 2015. Prior to Columbia, she worked as an attending psychiatrist at Mount Sinai Hospital inpatient child/adolescent psychiatric unit and the psychiatric emergency room. She also worked in long-term outpatient treatment settings, including Charles B. Wang Community Health Center. She earned a B.A. in biochemistry at Columbia University and received her M.D. from Albert Einstein College of Medicine. She then completed a psychiatric residency and a fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at Mount Sinai Medical Center. Doreen's professional interests include combined psychotherapy and psychopharmacology, mood and anxiety disorders, and cross-cultural issues.

Professional Experience

• Staff Psychiatrist, The Mount Sinai Hospital
• Assistant Clinical Professor, Icahn School of Medicine, The Mount Sinai Medical Center
• Child/Adolescent Psychiatrist, Charles B. Wang Community Health Center

Education

• M.D., Albert Einstein College of Medicine
• B.A., Columbia University

Certifications and Licensure

• Board Certified in Psychiatry and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry
• Licensed to practice medicine in the State of New York

Memberships

• American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Diana Morrobel, Ph.D., joined Columbia Health in 2013. Prior to joining Columbia Health, Diana worked as a psychologist and supervisor at New York Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center Adult Outpatient Psychiatry Clinic for 11 years. In addition to her work at Columbia, she was an adjunct faculty member at Teachers College and supervised doctoral candidates in Clinical Psychology at City College. She received her M.A. and Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Michigan State University and a B.A. from New York University. She completed her internship in clinical psychology at New York Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center.

Diana’s professional interests include acculturative stress and adjustment, first-generation college students, developmental issues related to emerging adulthood, family and interpersonal conflicts, and mood disorders.  

Professional Experience

• Psychologist/Supervisor, New York Presbyterian Hospital

Education

• Ph.D., Michigan State University
• M.A., Michigan State University
• B.A., New York University

Certifications and Licensure

• New York State Licensed Psychologist

Memberships

• American Psychological Association
• National Latina/o Psychological Association

Languages Spoken

• English
• Spanish

Dr. Debra Domenech joined Columbia Health in 2001. Prior to Columbia, Debra was a supervising psychologist at St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center. In addition to her degrees from Fordham University and The City University of New York, she completed advanced training at the New York University Postdoctoral Program, where she obtained a certificate in psychotherapy and psychoanalysis.

Debra's professional interests include psychoanalytically oriented psychotherapy, cultural diversity issues, treatment of affective disorders, and couples therapy. In addition to her work at Columbia, she is a clinical instructor at St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center.

Professional Experience

• St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center

Education

• Ph.D., The City University of New York
• M.Phil., The City University of New York
• B.A., Fordham University

Certifications and Licensure

• Licensed to practice psychology in the State of New York

Memberships

• American Psychological Association

Languages Spoken

• Spanish
• English

Dr. Deborah Ohm joined Columbia Health in 2021. She earned her doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology at Long Island University – Post Campus. The majority of her clinical training has been within inpatient and outpatient hospital settings and community mental health clinics. Prior to Columbia Health, she was a supervising psychologist at the Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center where she helped coordinate the Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Program for adolescents, young adults, and their families.  Dr. Ohm has extensive training and expertise in treating individuals with a wide range of difficulties including trauma, depression, anxiety, suicidality, intentional self-injury, struggles with identity and sense of self, and difficulties with relationships and family conflict.

Dr. Ohm uses an integrated approach in treatment focused on helping individuals gain insight into their patterns and increase adaptive skills to manage difficult emotions. 

Professional Experience

• Supervising Psychologist, Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center
• Psychologist, Montefiore Medical Center/School-Based Mental Health
• Postdoctoral Fellow, Northwell Health/Zucker Hillside Hospital
• Pre-doctoral Intern, Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care
• Psychology Externships - Mount Sinai Beth Israel and Kings County Hospital 

Education

• PsyD., Long Island University, Post Campus
• M.S.Ed., University of Pennsylvania
• B.A., Boston University 

Certifications and Licensure

• Licensed to practice psychology in the state of New York 

Memberships

• American Psychological Association (APA)
• Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT)
• Postpartum Support International (PSI) 

Languages Spoken

• English
• Korean

Dr. David Hittson joined Columbia Health as a psychologist in 2017. He also completed his post-doctoral fellowship at Counseling and Psychological Services. Prior to Columbia, David trained at the Brooklyn and Manhattan campuses of the New York Harbor Veteran’s Administration Hospital, at Interfaith Medical Center, and at Barnard’s Furman Counseling Center. David attended New York University’s counseling psychology program and graduated in the summer of 2016. While there, his research interests focused on the relationship of acculturation to mental health. David’s professional interests include veteran’s issues, issues of acculturation, depression, anxiety, trauma, identity issues, relationship concerns, and adjustment concerns.

Education

• Ph.D., New York University
• M.A., New York University

Memberships

• American Psychological Association

Dr. Dara Salem (she/her) joined Columbia Health in 2023. She received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Long Island University-Brooklyn and completed her doctoral internship at Albany Medical Center, where she did rotations at the Veterans Administration, a state inpatient psychiatric hospital, and an outpatient clinic. Dara has also conducted therapy at Mount Sinai Beth Israel Hospital; the NYU Postdoctoral Program in Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis; and several university mental health centers; including NYU, CUNY, and LIU-Brooklyn. 

While recognizing the importance of customizing therapy to the needs of the particular individual, Dara is especially interested and extensively trained in psychodynamic, insight-oriented therapy. In particular, she enjoys working from a relational psychodynamic framework and using experiences arising in the “here and now” of the therapy process to inform the therapeutic work. Importantly, this includes the interpersonal dynamics between the therapist and client, and what implications these dynamics may hold for what may be occurring in the client’s relationships outside the therapy room.

In addition, Dara has particular interests in issues of identity, transition, interpersonal relationships, one’s relationship to society, and the experience of difference. As an immigrant herself, she is also interested in acculturation issues and the experience of international students.  Among other things, she appreciates the role of authenticity and humor in the therapeutic process.

Professional Experience

• Post-Doctoral Fellowship: Columbia University, Counseling and Psychological Services
• Pre-Doctoral Clinical Internship: Albany Psychology Internship Consortium
• Pre-Doctoral Clinical Externship: NYU Postdoctoral Program in Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis
• Pre-Doctoral Clinical Externship: NYU Counseling and Wellness
• Pre-Doctoral Clinical Externship: CUNY Graduate Center Student Counseling Services
• Pre-Doctoral Clinical Externship: Mount Sinai Beth Israel Hospital
• Pre-Doctoral Clinical Externship: LIU Brooklyn Psychological Services Center

Education

• Ph.D., LIU-Brooklyn
• M.A., English, Claremont Graduate University
• B.A., Psychology and English, Southern Methodist University

Certifications and Licensure

• Licensed to practice psychology in the State of New York

Languages Spoken

• English
• Conversational Arabic (Lebanese dialect)

Dr. Bruce Young (he/him) is completing his postdoctoral fellowship at Columbia Health Counseling and Psychological Services during the 2025-2026 academic year.

He provides intake, psychotherapy, and outreach services.

Bruce is broadly interested in finding collaborative approaches to student empowerment. His training has focused primarily on psychodynamic approaches to intervention and conceptualization, including dynamically-informed use of supportive and skills-based techniques. He recently completed a doctoral internship at the Manhattan Psychiatric Center and a psychoanalytic fellowship at Columbia University Center for Psychoanalytic Training and Research. He has also worked at Pratt Institute's Counseling Center.

In his spare time, he enjoys playing guitar, reading, running, and cooking.

Professional Experience

• Doctoral internship, Manhattan Psychiatric Center
• Psychoanalytic fellowship, Columbia University Center for Psychoanalytic Training and Research
• Pratt Institute Counseling Center

Education

• B.A., Philosophy, Columbia College (Columbia University)
• Psy.D., Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology (Yeshiva University)

Awards and Honors

• BA: Phi Beta Kappa, magna cum laude

Languages Spoken

• English

Brittany (she/her/they/them) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who joined Columbia Health in February 2023. After receiving their M.S.W. in 2018, Brittany spent the next few years providing a wide range of services to adult professionals working in the entertainment and performing arts community through her work at The Actors Fund of America. Brittany has also worked at New York University’s Wellness Exchange providing crisis response and case management to students.

Brittany has a particular interest in working with students seeking support around eating disorders, body image, gender identity, sexuality, non-normative relationship structures, and general anxiety or life transition concerns.

Professional Experience

• New York University
• The Actors Fund of America

Education

• M.S.W., New York University
• B.S., Psychology, Michigan State University

Certifications and Licensure

• Licensed to practice social work in the State of New York

Languages Spoken

• English

Dr. Arthur Roh joined Columbia Health in 2022. Prior to Columbia, he worked as a licensed clinical psychologist at North Central Bronx Hospital in various settings including partial hospitalization program, adult inpatient units, and psychiatric emergency room. Dr. Roh also has trained at The New School Student Health Services, Mount Sinai Beth Israel’s Assertive Community Treatment Team, and Kings County Hospital’s adult inpatient units. He received his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Adelphi University and B.S. in Psychobiology from UCLA. 

Dr. Roh’s clinical interests include working specifically with young adults in acute crises who may be suffering from depression and anxiety in the context of trauma, relationship and adjustment issues, and the effects of marginalization on our personal, individual experiences that often intersect with our broader, social identities. Dr. Roh values working collaboratively to cultivate empathy and understanding of one’s self with the goal of moving towards healing and wellbeing. His professional interests include the impact of systems on marginalized communities, social justice advocacy in the mental health field, and Asian American issues. 

Professional Experience

• Supervising Psychologist, NYC Health + Hospitals/North Central Bronx
• Pre-doctoral Internship, NYC Health + Hospitals/North Central Bronx
• Psychology Externships – The New School Student Health Serv

Education

• Ph.D., Clinical Psychology, Adelphi University
• B.S., Psychobiology, University of California, Los Angeles
• ices, NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County, Mount Sinai Beth Israel

Memberships

• Division 39 (Society for Psychoanalysis & Psychoanalytic Psychology)
• Division 45 (Society for the Psychological Study of Culture, Ethnicity, and Race)
• Asian American Psychological Association (AAPA)

Languages Spoken

• English
• Korean

Arielle Stein joined Columbia Health in 2023. She received her Psy.D. from Pace University and her B.A. in psychology from Barnard College. Prior to joining Columbia, Arielle practiced in a variety of settings, including the adult outpatient clinic and psychiatric emergency room at Elmhurst Hospital and a group private practice. She completed her pre-doctoral internship at Jacobi Hospital, and has completed externships at a public elementary school, a public high school, and an outpatient clinic. In addition to working with individuals at many different life stages, Arielle has also received specialized training in couples therapy.  

Arielle’s clinical work and interests include treating those in acute crisis and those suffering from anxiety and depression in the context of major life changes, relational issues, trauma, loss, and complicated family dynamics. Arielle prioritizes creating a safe and non-judgmental space, in which individuals feel supported as they work collaboratively towards well-being and understanding.   

Professional Experience

• Elmhurst Hospital 

Education

• Psy.D., Pace University
• M.S. Ed., Pace University
• B.A., Barnard College 

Certifications and Licensure

• Licensed to Practice Psychology in the State of New York

Memberships

• American Psychological Association  

Languages Spoken

• English

Dr. Annette Santiago-España joined Columbia Health in 2006. She became clinical team leader of the Eating Disorders Team in 2007. Prior to Columbia, Annette served as a psychologist at Princeton University Health Services, Counseling and Psychological Services. She earned her Ph.D. in counseling psychology at Indiana State University, M.A. at Andrews University, and B.A. at Rutgers University. She completed an internship in professional psychology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Counseling Center.

Annette's professional interests include eating disorders and body image, mindfulness and spirituality, acculturation and racial/ethnic identity development. In addition to individual therapy, Annette also facilitates the women of color support group. She enjoys helping students and communities identify strengths and resources that promote healthy development.

Professional Experience

• Princeton University Health Services, Counseling and Psychological Services
• University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Counseling Center

Education

• Ph.D., Indiana State University
• M.A., Andrews University
• B.A., Rutgers University

Certifications and Licensure

• Licensed to practice psychology in the States of New York and New Jersey

Memberships

• American Psychological Association

Languages Spoken

• Spanish
• English

Dr. Anne Goldfield joined Columbia Health in 1994. She received her Ph.D. from the Graduate Faculty of the New School for Social Research and her B.A. in Psychology at the City University of New York. Prior to Columbia, Anne worked as a clinical psychologist at North Central Bronx Hospital (NCB) and the Bronx Psychiatric Center and was director of the psychology externship program at NCB. She completed her doctoral internship in clinical psychology at The Bronx State Psychiatric Center.

Anne's professional interests include depression, anxiety, identity issues, first generation college students, the treatment of students with alcohol and other drug concerns, and developmental issues of emerging adulthood.  In her outreach capacity, Anne works closely with many campus partners and student groups, and is committed to promoting mental health awareness on campus.

Professional Experience

• North Central Bronx Hospital
• Bronx Psychiatric Center

Education

• Ph.D., Graduate Faculty, New School for Social Research
• B.A., City College of New York

Certifications and Licensure

• Licensed to practice psychology in the State of New York

Languages Spoken

• English

Andrew Colitz joined Columbia Health in 2014. Prior to Columbia, he completed a clinical psychology internship at North Shore Long Island Jewish-Lenox Hill Hospital, as well as clinical psychology externships at New York University Postdoctoral Program in Psychotherapy, William Alanson White Institute,  Maimonides Hospital and Mount Sinai Beth Israel. He also worked as a university mental health provider at Long Island University.

Andrew is interested in working with a variety of student concerns, including identity development, complicated relational issues and family dynamics, major life changes and adjustment, coping with traumatic experiences, as well as working with couples and students in group settings.

Education

• Ph.D., Long Island University
• B.A., Brown University

Professional Memberships

• American Psychological Association

Languages Spoken

• English

Dr. Allan Cassorla joined Columbia Health in 1997. He has served as associate director since 2001. Prior to Columbia, Allan was associate chief psychologist and director of training at St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center in New York.

Allan completed a clinical psychology internship at St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center and held clinical appointments at the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, the Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology of The City University of New York, and St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center. Allan's professional interests include the diagnosis and treatment of a wide spectrum of psychological problems, as well as teaching and training mental health professionals.

Professional Experience

• St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center

Education

• Ph.D., Clinical Psychology, The City University of New York
• M.Phil., Clinical Psychology, The City University of New York
• M.A., Clinical Psychology, The City University of New York

Certifications and Licensure

• Licensed to practice psychology in the State of New York.

Languages Spoken

• English
• Danish
• Norwegian (working knowledge)

Alexcia joined Columbia Health as a medical assistant in 2008. She is a patient services assistant at Counseling and Psychological Services.

Languages Spoken

• English

Dr. Aisha Holder joined Columbia Health in 2015 as a postdoctoral psychology fellow. Prior to joining Counseling and Psychological Services, she completed her internship at Princeton House Behavioral Health, as well as clinical psychology externships at Rockland Psychiatric Center, Center for the Study of Anorexia and Bulimia, and Iona College Counseling Center. Prior to pursuing a career in counseling, Aisha was a vice president at JPMorgan Chase in the corporate training group as a facilitator and project manager. During her tenure, she also served as a human resources business partner in the Investment Banking and Consumer Banking divisions, as well as a senior career advisor and project manager in the Career Advancement Program and as an associate in the Human Resources Associate Program.

Aisha received her Ph.D. in counseling psychology from Fordham University, her M.A. in psychological counseling from Teachers College, Columbia University, and her B.A. in psychology from Spelman College. Aisha’s professional interests include multicultural counseling, racial microaggressions, career development, and eating disorders.

Professional Experience

• Vice President, JPMorgan Chase

Education

• Ph.D., Fordham University
• M.A., Teachers College, Columbia University
• B.A., Spelman College

Certifications and Licensure

• Licensed to practice psychology in the State of New York

Published Articles

• Holder, A. (2016, February 25.) Black women often suffer microaggressions at work. Retrieved from http://blogs.lse.ac.uk/businessreview/2016/02/25/black-women-often-suffer-from-microaggressions-at-work
• Holder, A. M. B., Jackson, M. A., & Ponterotto, J. G. (2015). "Racial Microaggression Experiences and Coping Strategies of Black Women in Corporate Leadership". Qualitative Psychology, 2, 164-180.
• Sue, D. W., Capodilupo, C. M., & Holder, A. M. B. (2008). "Racial Microaggressions in the Life Experience of Black Americans". Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 39, 329-336.
• Sue, D. W., Capodilupo, C. M., Torino, G., Bucceri, J. M., Esquilin, M. E., Holder, A. M. B. & Nadal, K. (2007). "Racial Microaggressions in Everyday Life: Implications for Clinical Practice". American Psychologist, 62, 271-286.
• Holder, A. M. B. & Nadal, K. L. (2016). "Systemic and Workplace Microaggressions: Recommendations for Best Practices for Institutions and Organizations". In E. L. Short & L. Wilton (Eds.), Talking about structural inequalities in everyday life: New politics of race in groups, organizations, and social systems. Charlotte, NC: Information Age Publishing.
• Jackson, M. A., Holder, A. M. B., & Ramage, M. T. (2008). "Culturally Competent Vocational Assessment with At-risk Adolescents in Middle and High Schools. In L.A Suzuki & J.G
• Ponterotto (Eds.), Handbook of multicultural assessment(p.273-299). San Francisco, CA: John Wiley & Sons.

Memberships

• American Psychological Association

Adetayo Abdulrazak joined Columbia Health in 2025 as a Psychiatric Resident rotating at CPS through the 2025-26 academic year. 

Adetayo conducts initial psychiatric evaluations and follow-up visits with students, creates medication management plans, and engages in brief courses of psychotherapy.

Professional Experience:

• Adult Psychiatry Residency Program, Columbia University/New York State Psychiatric Institute

Education

• M.D., Meharry Medical College
• M.S., MBA, Case Western Reserve University
• B.S., The University of Michigan

Certifications and Licensure

• Licensed to practice medicine in the State of New York

Awards and Honors

• Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, 2023

Languages Spoken

• English

Dr. Addette Williams joined Columbia Health in 1999. Prior to Columbia, Addette completed a clinical psychology internship at North Central Bronx Hospital. She was also a therapist at the Brooklyn Center for Children and Families, and completed a graduate fellowship at the Psychological Counseling and Adult Development Center at The CUNY Graduate Center. She earned a B.A. in economics and political science from Yale University and a Ph.D. from The City University of New York. She has received professional training in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and the Gottman Method for couples therapy.

Addette has a broad range of professional interests that include the psychological effects of trauma, the mental health of people of color, the integration of psychodynamically informed therapy with mindfulness-based practices, couples and gender issues. In addition, she facilitates a mindfulness group for those interested in learning how to meditate.

Professional Experience

• Brooklyn Center for Children and Families
• Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education, CCNY

Education

• Ph.D., City University of New York
• B.A., Yale University

Certifications and Licensure

• Licensed to practice psychology in the State of New York

Published Articles

• Williams, A. L. (1996). Skin Color in Psychotherapy. In R. Perez Foster, M. Moskowitz, and R. Javier (Eds.) Reaching Across Boundaries of Culture and Class: Widening the Scope of Psychotherapy. Northvale: Jason Aronson.

Memberships

• American Psychological Association

Languages Spoken

• English

Adam Johnson joined Columbia Health in 2017. Adam received his doctorate in clinical psychology with a concentration in traumatic stress from the Adler School of Professional Psychology in Chicago, Ill. He also completed a fellowship in psychoanalysis with the Chicago Center for Psychoanalysis in 2012.

Prior to joining Columbia, Adam completed his doctoral internship and postdoctoral fellowship at the Veterans Affairs Caribbean Healthcare System in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He has also worked in a variety of settings including private practice, community mental health and medical clinics. His clinical work and interests have focused on issues related to trauma, loss, bereavement, health psychology (e.g. smoking cessation, weight management, chronic and terminal illness), mindfulness, and relational patterns.

Adam is committed to the mental health of LGBTQ and veterans. He enjoys incorporating an individual’s creative talents (i.e. music, art) and spirituality into therapy. Adam also has extensive experience working with issues related to acculturation and cultural diversity. He has completed international psychology projects focused human rights, education and program development in Mexico, Costa Rica, South Africa and the Dominican Republic. 

Education

• Psy.D., Clinical Psychology, Adler School of Professional Psychology
• M.A., Counseling Psychology, Adler School of Professional Psychology
• B.A., Psychology and Spanish, University of Iowa
• Certificate in Spanish Language, Literature, and Culture, Universidad de Guanajuato, Mexico

Certifications and Licensure

• Licensed to practice clinical psychology in New York state

Awards and Honors

• Social Justice Scholar, Adler School of Professional Psychology, 2009

Memberships

• American Psychological Association (APA)
• Division 44 (Society for the Psychological Study of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Issues)
• Association for Death Education and Counseling (ADEC)

Aaron joined Columbia Health in 2021. Prior to working at Columbia Health, Aaron was a Patient Coordinator at Mount Sinai Hospital for almost 2 years. He also worked as a case manager at the Puerto Rican Family Institute for 1 year.

Education

• B.S. Health Administration CUNY Lehman 

Languages Spoken

• Spanish
• English

(Chris) Jae Hwan Lee (he/him) joined Columbia Health in January 2026 as Assistant Director of Operations at Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS). In this role, he will help manage the day-to-day operations at CPS.

Prior to joining Columbia Health, he was the Assistant Director of Academic Affairs and Admissions Operations at the IEOR Department of Columbia Engineering. In this role, he directly advised 1,200+ M.S. students, helped manage the academic affairs of all 5 M.S. programs, and helped manage the admissions operations of 7,000+ applications annually. While working at this role, he also developed and taught his own Professional Development and Leadership elective session course at Columbia Engineering's Office of Professional Development (PDL) called, "Navigating Leadership as a Student: From Classroom to Career."

One fun fact about Chris is that his immediate family has five dogs and his, his daughter's and his dog's birthday are all in the same month.
 

Education: 

• Ed.D. Adult Learning and Leadership (in progress) - Teachers College, Columbia University
• M.A. Higher and Postsecondary Education, Institutional and Organizational Analysis - Teachers College, Columbia University
• B.A. Sociology - California State University, Fullerton

Languages Spoken: 

• English
• Korean