Kathy LCSW CASAC

About Kathy

My path into this work was shaped by personal experience. Growing up in a challenging home environment and navigating the complexities of being a young teen of immigrant parents gave me an early understanding of what it feels like to struggle - and to not have the language or space to express it.

It was not until I sought professional help that things began to shift. That process was not easy, and I was skeptical at first. But therapy gave me the tools to understand myself more deeply and to begin showing up differently in my own life.

That experience is the foundation of everything I do. Healing is possible, and I have spent my career helping others access it.

Outside of work, I prioritize the same things I encourage in my clients and team members - rest, connection, and being present.

Professional Background

My clinical career began in direct service roles that shaped both the clinician and leader I am today. I worked as a case manager for Holocaust survivors - a role that deepened my understanding of intergenerational trauma, complex loss, and the resilience of people who have lived through extraordinary circumstances. From there I moved into outpatient substance use treatment, working directly with individuals navigating addiction and co-occurring mental health challenges. That experience is the clinical foundation of my CASAC credential and informs the lens I bring to co-occurring work today.

Before founding Mindful Life Psychotherapy, I served as a Grant Director for an OASAS-licensed substance use clinic, where I developed a clear understanding of how behavioral health organizations are built, funded, and sustained. That organizational experience directly informed how I built this practice.

How I Lead This Practice

My goal in building Mindful Life Psychotherapy was to create a group practice that holds a high clinical standard while remaining accessible to those who need it most - including individuals with Medicaid managed care coverage. Having seen firsthand how insurance limitations can become a barrier to quality mental health care, I built this practice with access as a core value. Therapy should not be available only to those who can afford it.

As Founder, CEO, and Clinical Director, I am responsible for the clinical and operational direction of this practice. I hand-select every therapist who joins the team, evaluating not just credentials but values, genuine investment in the work, and the capacity for the kind of therapeutic relationship our clients deserve. I provide ongoing individual clinical supervision to the licensed master social workers on our team, maintaining direct oversight of clinical quality across the practice.

Clinical rigor and consistency are priorities here - in how we document, how we engage with clients, and how we operate as a team. We work to make the intake process straightforward, educate clients on how insurance works, and offer flexible options for those navigating financial barriers. All sessions are virtual, with morning and evening availability, designed to fit the demands of real life.

Kathy as a Clinician

In addition to leading the practice, I maintain a clinical caseload. I work with adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, burnout, life transitions, maternal mental health, relationship challenges, and co-occurring mental health and substance use concerns. My approach is direct, relational, and grounded in the belief that understanding where you came from is essential to building the life you want.

I draw from multiple modalities and tailor my approach to each individual - with honesty, without judgment, and with a clear therapeutic direction.

Education & Credentials

• Master of Social Work - Adelphi University

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) - New York & Connecticut

• Masters Level Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) - New York

• Seminar in Field Instruction (SIFI) - Certified to provide supervision to graduate-level social work students completing field placements