Solutions Counseling
Please click the link below if you are looking for an initial appointment
Solutions Counseling
Please click the link below if you are looking for an initial appointment
NEW INFORMATION
We currently offer both in person and virtual appointments.
INSURANCE AND TELEHEALTH
WITH THE EVER CHANGING INSURANCE POLICIES, PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT TELEHEALTH BENEFITS AND COPAY INFORMATION MAY CHANGE RAPIDLY.
Welcome...
It is the Mission of Solutions Counseling to create a safe, compassionate, nonjudgmental and caring environment for the members of our community in order to help them empower themselves and make positive choices and changes in their lives.
About Us
ELYSSA YOOS LCSW-R, OWNER AND DIRECTOR
LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER
- Elyssa earned her Masters of Social Work degree from Adelphi University in 1997. Clinical training began shortly thereafter in several different agencies including The Ministries in Coram and Family Counseling Service in West Hampton Beach. While continuing her clinical training, Elyssa began working as a School Social Worker at The Opportunity Preschool (TOPS) in Hauppauge working with children with developmental disabilities and their families. In 1999, she began a private practice in Port Jefferson Station in addition to TOPS. In 2005, Elyssa moved her private practice to Commack where she has been ever since. In 2013, she had a thriving practice and began taking steps towards converting into a group practice named Solutions Counseling Center.
- Elyssa currently works with young adults (18-25 years), adults (26+) and couples. She uses cognitive behavioral therapy, client-centered therapy, mindfulness, behavior modification, desensitization, solution-focused therapy, marital therapy, parent training, relaxation, and stress reduction exercises as therapeutic interventions.
- Some phrases you may hear Elyssa use in a therapy session are "Stop and Think", "Take control of your emotions, don't let them control you!" and "Train your Brain".
- Elyssa participates with most insurance plans.
LISA CATANZARO, LCSW-R
LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER
- Lisa received her Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Molloy College. From Adelphi University, she received her Master of Social Work.
- Lisa began her social work career at the Helen Keller National Center where she has worked for over 25 years. She has also worked in a variety of settings such as F.E.G.S, Peninsula Counseling Center, South Nassau Guidance, AHRC and Long Island Elder Care.
- Lisa has been at Solutions Counseling since 2017. she currently provides therapy for people 18+, for individual or couples counseling.
- Lisa is experienced with depression, anxiety, grief and loss. In addition, she is experienced with family issues, marital distress and empowerment issues.
- Lisa incorporates the person centered philosophy, starting where the person is at. With additional focus on a strengths perspective, mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapeutic approach.
- Lisa participates with most insurance plans.
NANETTE GINGO, LCSW-R
LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER
- Nanette earned her Master's of Social Work degree from New York University in 1982.
- Nanette is experienced in helping clients with Anxiety, Depression, Family Problems, Marital Distress, Conflict, and Loss & Anger.
- Nanette practices an interactive approach in therapy. She adapts her clinical skills to best help clients facilitate change in their lives, emphasize their strengths, and help them illuminate their way.
- Nanette believes therapy should provide insight, support, care and hopefulness so each person can face their challenges and come to the resolutions and revelations they are looking for.
- Nanette's participates with most insurance plans.
ATHENA FARANDA, LCSW
LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER
- Athena received a Masters of Social Work degree at Fordham University in New York City and has earned her School Social Work certification, CASAC-t, and is a Certified Trauma Professional.
- Athena is currently a School Social Worker at local middle school. She also worked at Madonna Heights Family of Services Group Residence.
- Athena has experience working with special needs preteens and teenagers as they navigate and learn social nuances, relationship intricacies, and self-esteem and self-concept. She has helped young adults with depression, anxiety, developmental delay, ADHD, ADD, oppositional defiance, trauma, and PTSD.
- Athena uses evidence–based interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, Motivational Interviewing, Strengths based Perspectives, Client Centered Approaches Mindfulness, and Emotional Regulation and Relaxation Techniques.
- Athena has incorporated ARC (Attunement, Regulation and Competency) in her work with families that have a history of trauma and disfunction.
- Athena has taught an evidence-based curriculum for family members faced with caring for their loved ones with serious mental illness. She continues to support and provide pyscho-education to family members through out Long Island that are faced with the challenges of caring for these adult, teens and children.
- Athena is dedicated to creating a safe space for her clients to explore their sense of past, present and future selves; while creating a path through difficult circumstances that is as unique as they are.
JESSICA TANNENBAUM, LMSW
LICENSED MASTER SOCIAL WORKER
- Jessica holds a Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Teachers College at Columbia University, and she obtained her Masters of Social Work from Hunter College.
- Jessica spent many years working for various non-profit agencies, serving as Program Director for supportive housing programs for adults with mental illness and substance use disorders.
- Jessica was also Director of a residential program for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking, where in addition to serving as leadership, she also provided counseling to children, adults, and families recovering from trauma, and had oversight of a 24-hour crisis hotline.
- Jessica worked at the Children’s Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program at Bellevue Hospital where she assessed child and adolescent patients, provided psychotherapy, crisis intervention, safety planning
- Currently, Jessica is a full-time social worker at Kings County Hospital Center on the Child and Adolescent Inpatient Psychiatric Service. She is a part of the interdisciplinary team and provides individual and family psychotherapy. She also collaborates with schools and other providers to ensure appropriate outpatient and community based supports.
- Jessica is trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), is a certified rape crisis counselor and was an adjunct professor of psychology at Adelphi University.
- She takes a humanistic approach to working with clients, as unconditional positive regard is paramount in building a sense of trust in the therapeutic relationship. She also incorporates aspects of DBT and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy into the work that she does with clients, as these approaches have been proven effective in treating various behaviors to improve an individual's quality of life.
- Jessica has been able to effectively engage children by using play and art therapy in order to facilitate conversation in a way that makes children feel comfortable and safe.
JACKIE SABATINO, LMSW
LICENSED MASTER SOCIAL WORKER WITH A SPECIALIZATION IN EARLY CHILDHOOD MENTAL HEALTH
- Jackie earned her Master’s of Science in Infant Mental Health and Developmental Practice (MS-IMHDP) at Adelphi University and then earned her Master’s of Social Work at Adelphi.
- In addition to her position at Solutions Counseling, Jackie also works at Hope for Youth as a Community Psychiatric Support and Treatment worker (CPST) and an OLP clinician (Other Licensed Professional).
- Jackie has a variety of clinical work in different settings, including preschools, hospitals, and agencies. She also has experience in various programs, non-profits, and volunteer ventures, such as her involvement in the 12th Annual Battered Mother’s Custody Conference during her undergraduate studies at Siena College.
- Jackie works with children across the board, adolescents battling anxiety and depression, and parents who feel that they can benefit from individual therapy in regards to parenting-related stressors (especially where parent's with childhood trauma, new mom/teen pregnancy, post partum depression, and and child loss are relevant).
- Jackie utilizes Evidence-Based Approaches to treat children and families who have endured traumas, have clinical diagnoses, and express concerns regarding their child’s development and behavior. She has helped children with developmental delays, Anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, sensory difficulties, medical trauma, domestic violence experience, and familial substance use. Jackie strongly believes that child therapy is not therapist dictated, but rather a collaboration between the guardians and other treatment providers. She has been trained as a Circle of Security facilitator, is practiced in Child-Parent Psychotherapy and Play Therapy, and uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Pyramid Model, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Multidimensional Freedom Therapy techniques. She is committed to tailoring therapy to each individual case!
- Jackie is a highly empathetic clinician who believes that everyone deserves access to adequate mental health resources and support. She is dedicated to providing clients with these resources, necessary supports, healthy coping mechanisms, and psychoeducation to help them address their reason for seeking treatment. Her ultimate goal in treatment is to guide her clients in obtaining the tools they need to heal and to live to their highest potential. She can’t wait to meet you!
MADISON URRARO, LMSW
LICENSED MASTER SOCIAL WORKER
- Madison earned her Master of Social Work degree from Monmouth University where she held a concentration in Clinical Work with Children and Families with a minor in Psychology.
- In addition to her position at Solutions Counseling, Madison is a School Social Worker at a local middle school. Currently, Madison holds individual and group counseling for 11–14-year-olds and assists with all mental health crises in the school environment.
- Madison has experience working with kids and teens (ages 5 to 18 years old)who have diagnosis of Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, self-harm, suicide ideation, social anxiety, divorce and parenting challenges.
- Madison also has experience working with the pediatric behavioral health population, a High School’s child study team, and as a floating social worker within an inpatient medical hospital.
- Madison’s work is centered around Systems Theory. This allows her clients to be treated with a comprehensive view. She assists her clients by using a perspective that includes their personal strengths in connection with their environment around them (school, home, family, peers, etc). She believes it is important to look at how a client’s external environment is affecting their mental health and behaviors.
- Madison is dedicated and eager to assist children, adolescents and adults seek new solutions and strategies through counseling to improve their lives.
CHRISTINE POWERS, LMSW
LICENSED MASTER SOCIAL WORKER
- Christine earned her Master’s of Social Work at Stony Brook University.
- In addition to her position at Solutions Counseling, Christine also works at The Association for Mental Health and Wellness as a Resource Coordinator for children and adolescents with mental illness. Christine also works at Outreach House as a per diem counselor for adolescents with substance use disorders.
- Christine has worked with children and adolescents for many years. With that experience, Christine has a large tool kit ready to help with diagnosis related to; anxiety, depression, self-esteem, ADHD, complex trauma, and many more.
- Christine is also well versed with helping individuals and families of the LGBTQ+ community.
- Christine’s mostly utilizes person centered care therapy, strength based perspective, cognitive behavioral therapy, and mindfulness to best assist her clients. Christine also believes that therapy should not have a “one size fits all” approach and adjusts her therapeutic style to best meet the client where they are at and to best help them achieve their goals.
ELIZABETH MERCURIO, LMSW
LICENSED MASTER SOCIAL WORKER
- Elizabeth earned her Master of Social Work degree from Stony Brook University’s School of Social Welfare where she held a concentration in Integrated Health.
- In addition to her position at Solutions Counseling, Elizabeth is a Clinical Social Worker at a local hospital providing individual and group psychotherapy for veterans with serious mental health diagnosis.
- Elizabeth works with teens 14 years old and up, young adults and adults who struggle with anxiety disorders, depression, PTSD, trauma, sexual trauma, ADHD, life transitions and challenges in interpersonal relationships.
- She also has professional experience working at a local crisis center and at a community PROS program which integrates rehabilitation, treatment and support services for people with mental illnesses.
- Elizabeth takes an integrative approach, focusing on the client’s strengths and values to deepen self-awareness, build resiliency and support emotional healing. She assists her clients by using a client centered approach that includes aspects of cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness and motivational interviewing.
Services
Children's Psychotherapy
Children's Psychotherapy
Children's Psychotherapy
- Ages 3 through 12
- Interventions include: Play Therapy, Behavior Modification, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Stress Reduction through Relaxation, Supportive Counseling, Anger Management Training, Crisis Intervention and more...
- Our Therapists have experience working with children with the following issues: temper tantrums, depression, anxiety, inappropriate expressions of emotions, sexual/physical/emotional abuse, separation and divorce, ADHD, Autism, Asperger's, Mood Disorders, aggressive tendencies, oppositional/defiant behaviors, school issues, grief/bereavement and more...
Individual Psychotherapy
Children's Psychotherapy
Children's Psychotherapy
- Adults ages 18 and up
- Interventions are based on an individual need and are always client centered. Other interventions that could be used are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Stress and Anxiety Reduction through Relaxation, Supportive Counseling, Anger Management Training, Coping Strategies, Crisis Intervention and more...
- Our therapists are experienced in working with individuals on issues such as depression, anxiety, work/family/social problems, sexual/physical/emotional abuse, bereavement, mental illness, separation and divorce and more...
Family Counseling
Children's Psychotherapy
Marital & Couples Counseling
- Solutions offers family therapy for all types of families including traditional, divorced, blended, single parent, same sex parents.
- We help families learn to use appropriate communication to improve their relationships and make their home a more positive place to live.
- Our therapists use mediation, modeling, behavior modification, trust building exercises and more to teach families to work together to make positive changes.
Marital & Couples Counseling
Marital & Couples Counseling
Marital & Couples Counseling
- Solutions provides counseling to any couple who is having relationship problems.
- We help couples learn ways to improve their communication skills, intimacy and accept each others differences
- We also help couples to have an amicable break-up if that is what the couple chooses to do.
- Couples should be prepared to work hard and practice the weekly exercises set forth in therapy
Adolescent Psychotherapy
Marital & Couples Counseling
Adolescent Psychotherapy
- Ages 13 through 17
- Interventions include: Behavior Modification, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Stress reduction through Relaxation, Supportive Counseling, Anger Management Training, Psychotherapy, Crisis Intervention, Client Centered Approach
- We treat each adolescent with an approach that meets their individual needs. Working with adolescents may take time and patience to build a trusting relationship. The counselors at Solutions understand this delicate process.
- Solutions works with adolescents who deal with depression, anxiety, social issues, anger management, cutting and self-injurious behaviors, mood disorders, school issues, sexual orientation, oppositional and defiant behaviors, ADHD, grief/bereavement, family issues, separation and divorce, Autism, Asperger's, aggressive tendencies, sexual/physical/emotional abuse, self-esteem and self-confidence issues and more...
Payment Options
Marital & Couples Counseling
Adolescent Psychotherapy
- Most insurance companies accepted, including but not limited to, Empire, BCBS, 1199, Oxford, United Healthcare and Aetna.
- Fees for private paying clients will be discussed at initial intake.
- We accept cash and credit cards at each session for private paying clients and for copay's and deductibles.