It’s not about us

We still feel it’s important for you to know who we are and what we do

Meet The Team

We believe it “takes a village” for a community to thrive. Our team took their experiences in education and life and created Collaborative to tackle even the most toughest of challenges.

Please feel free to search for your service, location or insurance provider. You may also book with a provider on their profiles below.

Sophia Berlin

Sophia Berlin, MS, MHC-LP, CRC

Position: Psychotherapist
Phone: 929-274-4161
Email: sophia.b@collaborative-people.com
Areas of Work: *Out of Network*, Abdominal Pain, Absence of Menstruation / Amenorrhea, Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Acid RefluX / Heartburn, Acne, Acrophobia (heights), Acute Dysentery, Adaptive Mentalization based integrative treatment, Addiction, Addiction Counseling, Addiction Therapy, Adjustment Disorder, Adolescent / Teen Issues, Adolescent Addiction / Substance Use, Adoption, Adult Psychotherapy, Adults (25-64), Aerophobia (flying), Aetna, Affirming Therapy, Aging Parents, Agitation, Agoraphobia (leaving home), AIDS - HIV, Alcohol Use, Alcoholism, Alternatives for Families - A Cognitive Behavioral Therapy AF-CBT, Alzheimer's Disease, Anger, Anger Management, Ankle Pain, Anorexia Nervosa, Anti-Social Personality Disorder (ASPD), Anxiety Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, Applied Behavioral Analysis, Arthritis, Asperger's Syndrome, Asthma, Astraphobia (thunder), Attachment Disorder, Attachment Theory, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Autoimmune Diseases, Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), Back Pain, Back Pain during Pregnancy, Behavior Modification, Behavioral Issues / Problems, Behavioral Therapy, Bell's Palsy, Bereavement / Grief Counseling, Betrayal Trauma, Binge Eating Disorder, BIPOC Mental Health Issues, Bipolar Disorder, Bisexual, Body Dysmorphic Disorder, Body Image, Body Positivity/Health at every size, Body-Focused Repetitive Behavior (BFRB), Body-Focused Therapy (ex: Tapping), Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Bulimia Nervosa, Bullying, Burnout, Canabis Use disorder, Cancer Pain, Cancer Support, Career-Related Stress, Caregiver Burnout, Caregiving Challenges, Child, Child Abuse Consultation, Child and Parent Interaction Therapy, Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), Childhood Trauma, Children (<13), Cholesterol Issues, Christian, Chronic Anemia, Chronic Digestive Disorders, Chronic Illness, Chronic Impulsivity, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Chronic Pain, Chronic Relapse, Chronic/Acute Pain, Cigna, Client Centered Therapy/Rogerian Therapy, Co-Occuring Disorders, Codependency, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - Insomnia (CBT-I), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Psychosis (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD (CPT), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) , Combat Stress Reaction (CSR), Commitment Obstacles, Community Violence, Compassion Fatigue, Complex Trauma, Confidence Issues, Confused Memory, Constipation, Contextual Family therapy, Coping Mechanism Development, Couples (Relationship Therapy), Couples Conflict Resolution, COVID-19 Stress, Creative Blocks, Crisis Intervention, Crisis Intervention, Crohn’s Disease, Cultural Competence, Cultural Diversity Issues, Culturally Sensitive, Dating, Daytime Sleepiness, Dementia, Depression, Dermatitis, Developmental Disorder, Diabetes (Type 1 and 2), Dialectical, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Diarrhea, Disruptive, Impulse-Control and Conduct Disorders, Dissociative Disorder, Divorce Counseling, Dizziness, Dreams, Drug Addiction, Drug Use, Dual Diagnosis, Dual Diagnosis, Ear Pain, Early Childhood Trauma, Eating Patterns or Eating Disorders, Eclectic, Eczema, Elbow Pain, Elderly Persons Disorders, Emerging Adulthood, Emotion Regulaton Therapy (ERT), Emotional Abuse, Emotional and Behavioral Disorders, Emotional Disturbance, Emotional Overeating, Emotionally Focused, Emotionally Focused Therapy, End of Life Challenges, English, Existential Anxiety, Existential Crisis or Transition, Facial Pain, Family, Family Conflicts / Issues, Family Dynamics / Systems, Family Planning, Family Systems, Family Therapy, Family Therapy, Fear of Failure, Female Identifying, Fertility / Infertility, Fibromyalgia, Food-Related Stress, Foot Pain, Frozen Shoulder, Gallstone Pain, Gambling / Crypto Addiction, Gaslighting, Gastritis, Gastroesophageal RefluX Disease (GERD), Gastrointestinal Problem, Gay, Gender Dysphoria, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Gestalt Therapy, Gout, Grief and Loss, Grief Support, Group Therapy, Group Therapy, Gua Sha, Hand Pain, Harassment, Harm Reduction Therapy, Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, Hay Fever / Seasonal Allergies, Headaches and Migraines, Health at Every Size, Health-Related Concerns, Healthy Aging After Menopause, Hearing Impairment Counseling, Heel Pain, Hemifacial Spasm, Hepatitis C, Herniated Disk, High Blood Pressure / Hypertension, Hip Pain, Hip Pain during Pregnancy, Hoarding Disorder, Hormonal Balancing/Drug Side Effects, Humanistic Therapy, Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), IBD (Autoimmune Diseases-Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis), Immigration, Imposter Syndrome, Impulse Control Disorder (ICD), Indecision, Individual Therapy, Induction of labour, Insomnia, Integrative Psychotherapy, Intellectual Disability, Intergenerational Trauma, Internal Family systems (IFS), Internet Addiction, Interpersonal, Intersex, Intervention, Intimate Partner Violence, Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Trauma, Intrusive Thoughts, Irrational Fears, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Itching, IUI and IVF Support, Jaw Pain, Jewish, Joint Pain, Kleptomania, Knee Pain, Labor Pain, Learning Disabilities, Leg Pain, Lesbian, Level 2 Clinician, LGBT Care, LGBTQIA+, Life Coaching, Life Transitions, Life Transitions, Ligament Sprain, Loneliness, Low Back Pain, Low Blood Pressure / Hypotension, Low Blood Sugar, Low Self Esteem, Lower Back Pain / Lumbago, Lupus, Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Malaise, Marijuana Disorder, Marital, Marriage Conflict Resolution, Marriage Counseling, Masculinity-Related Stress, Meaning-Centered Therapy, Medical Detox, Medical Trauma, Medication Management, Medication-Induced Anxiety Disorder, Men's Issues, Men's Mental Health Issues, Mental Health Consultation, Mental Health Problem / Illness, Mentalization Based Treatment, Mentalization Based Treatment for Adolecents (MBT-A), Mentalization Based Treatment for Children (MBT-C), Mentalization Based Treatment for Families (MBT-F), Mid-Life Crisis, Migraines / Chronic Headaches, Mindful-Based Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Money-Related Stress, Mood Disorder/Mood Swings, Morning Sickness, Motivational Interviewing (MI), Multicultural Therapy, Multiple Sclerosis, Munchausen Syndrome, Muscle Cramps, Muscle Pain, Muscle Strain, Narcissistic Personality, Natural Disasters, Nausea and Vomiting, Neck and Shoulder Issues, Neck Pain, Non-suicidal Self-Injury, Non-Traditional Romantic Stress, Obesity, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Open Relationships/Non-Monogomy, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), Osteoarthritis, Painful Menstruation / Dysmenorrhea, Panic Disorder, Parenting, PCOS, Pediatric Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Peer Relationships, Pelvic Pain, Perfectionism, Performance Anxiety, Perinatal Mental Health, Person Centered (Rogerian), Personality Disorders, Phobias, Physical Abuse, Physical Abuse Trauma, Pica, Plantar Fasciitis, Play Therapy, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Metabolic Syndrome, Porn Addiction, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Post-Operative Mobility (Hand and Fingers), Post-Operative Mobility (Joints and Body), Post-Operative Pain, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Counseling, Postpartum, Postpartum Anxiety, Postpartum Depression, Pre-College Fears, Pre-Move In Couples Counseling, Pregnancy, Pregnancy-Related Stress, Premarital / Marital, Premarital Conflict Resolution, Premarital Counseling, Premenopausal Symptoms, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), Prenatal, Procrastination, Prolonged Exposure Therapy, Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD), Psoriasis, Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Psychodynamic Therapy, Psychological First Aid, Psychological Trauma, Psychosis, Psychotic Disorder, Psychotic Features, Quarter-Life Crisis, Queer, Queer-Competent, Questioning, Race-Related Stress, Racial Justice Framework, Racism Issues, Radicular Pain, Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), Raynaud's Phenomenon, Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD), Recently Moved, Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections, Refugee Trauma, Relapse Prevention Therapy, Relational, Relational Therapy, Relationship Struggles / Issues, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Romantic Life, Round Ligament Pain, Rumination, Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Pain, Safety Planning, Schizophrenia, School Phobia, Sciatica, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Selective Mutism, Self Esteem, Self-Harm / Injury, Self-Reflection, Seniors (65+), Separation Anxiety, Sex Trafficing, Sexual Abuse, Sexual Abuse counseling, Sexual Addiction, Sexual Dysfunction, Sexual Fear, Sexual Identity, Sexuality, Shoulder Pain, Sibling-Related Stress, Sleep Disorder, Sleep Problems, Social Anxiety, Social Anxiety Disorder, Social Justice, Social Life, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD), Special Needs, Spine Pain, Spiritual Crisis or Transition, Spirituality, Sports Performance, Stammer, Stiff Neck, Stomach Ulcer, Straight, Strength-Based, Strength-Based Therapy, Stress, Stress Management, Suicidal Feelings, Suicidal Ideation, Suicidal Tendencies, Teen Violence, Teenagers/Adolescents (13-17), Temporo-Mandibular Joint (TMJ) Pain, Tendinosis, Tennis Elbow, Testing and Evaluation, Thought Disorders, Thyroid Disorders, Tiredness / Fatigue, Tourette Syndrome, Trans-Competant, Transgender, Transitioning, Trauma / Trauma Focused, Trauma Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Traumatic Brain Injury, Traumatic Grief, Trichotillomania/Body-Focused Repetitive Disease, Trypanophobia (needles), Ulcerative Colitis, Ulnar Nerve Entrapment, Varicose Vein(s), Vertigo, Veteran-Related Stress, Veterans, Video Game Addiction, Voices, Visions, or Perceptual Disturbances, Vulnerability, Walk and Talk Therapy or OutdoorTherapy, Weight Loss, Women's Health, Women's Issues / Obstacles, Women's Issues Therapy, Work-Related Counseling, Worry, Wrist Pain, Young Adulthood, Young Adults (18-24)
Location: New York, No-Mad, Tele-Health/Virtual

Sophia: (She/Her) completed her Master of Science degree in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. After enjoying many years in the south, she is excited to move back to her home state of New York. Sophia uses experience and insights to inform her work and feels fortunate to work with and learn from her clients.    

Sophia’s concentration in psychiatric disabilities and rehabilitation counseling offered opportunities to gain experience working in various settings with diverse populations. Her experience in hospitals, specialized mental health clinics, and the VA Health Care system provided opportunities to develop her counseling skills and knowledge. She has experience working with developmental disabilities, chronic illnesses, posttraumatic stress disorder, substance use, self-injurious behaviors, anxiety, and mood disorders. While working with Veterans, she developed her interest in trauma-informed care and addressing co-occurring disorders. Over the last several years, she collaborated on evidence-based psychotherapy research and publications to advocate for access to informed care. 

As a therapist, she strives to develop trusting relationships and offer a unique space for authenticity and support. She believes in the importance of recognizing individual strengths, while empowering self-awareness and growth. Her approach is relation-centered and integrative to incorporate modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Humanistic Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Trauma-Informed Care. Sophia uses an eclectic approach, which creates space to recognize different experiences and ensure therapy is accessible and effective.   

Sophia could be described as an introverted extrovert. While she enjoys spending time with others and getting lost in conversation, she always carves out time to retreat to the comfort of reading a book on the couch. She is happiest near a body of water and swimming is her favorite form of exercise. Dog time is a staple in her life, and she enjoys any chance to get outside and explore new places.

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Sophia Berlin, MS, MHC-LP, CRC

Psychotherapist

Sophia: (She/Her) completed her Master of Science degree in Clinical...

Michelle Castellanos

Michelle Castellanos, MSW, LMSW

Position: Psychotherapist
Phone: 929-280-2428
Email: michelle.c@collaborative-people.com
Areas of Work: *Out of Network*, Adjustment Disorder, Adolescent / Teen Issues, Adult Psychotherapy, Adults (25-64), Aetna, Alcohol Use, Anxiety Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, Attachment Disorder, Attachment Theory, Behavioral Therapy, Bereavement / Grief Counseling, BIPOC Mental Health Issues, Bipolar Disorder, Bisexual, Body Image, Body-Focused Repetitive Behavior (BFRB), Bullying, Burnout, Career-Related Stress, Caregiver Burnout, Caregiving Challenges, Child, Childhood Trauma, Children (<13), Chronic Illness, Chronic Pain, Cigna, Co-Occuring Disorders, Codependency, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) , Compassion Fatigue, Compassion Focused, Complex Trauma, Confidence Issues, COVID-19 Stress, Cultural Competence, Cultural Diversity Issues, Culturally Sensitive, Depression, Early Childhood Trauma, Emotional Abuse, English, Family, Family Conflicts / Issues, Family Therapy, Family Therapy, Female Identifying, Gaslighting, Gay, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Grief and Loss, Grief Support, Group Therapy, Group Therapy, Health-Related Concerns, Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Individual Therapy, Intergenerational Trauma, Internet Addiction, Interpersonal, Intimate Partner Violence, Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Trauma, Lesbian, Level 2 Clinician, LGBT Care, LGBTQIA+, Life Transitions, Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Marital, Medical Trauma, Mental Health Consultation, Mental Health Problem / Illness, Mentalization Based Treatment, Mentalization Based Treatment for Adolecents (MBT-A), Mentalization Based Treatment for Children (MBT-C), Money-Related Stress, Mood Disorder/Mood Swings, Non-suicidal Self-Injury, Nonreligious, Panic Disorder, Parenting, Peer Relationships, Perfectionism, Performance Anxiety, Perinatal Mental Health, Person Centered (Rogerian), Physical Abuse Trauma, Play Therapy, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Counseling, Postpartum, Postpartum Anxiety, Postpartum Depression, Pre-College Fears, Pregnancy, Pregnancy-Related Stress, Premarital / Marital, Prenatal, Procrastination, Psychodynamic Therapy, Psychological Trauma, Queer, Queer, Queer-Competent, Questioning, Race-Related Stress, Racial Justice Framework, Racism Issues, Refugee Trauma, Relational, Relational Therapy, Relationship Struggles / Issues, Rumination, School Phobia, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Self Esteem, Self-Harm / Injury, Separation Anxiety, Sex Worker Positive, Sexual Abuse, Sexual Fear, Sexual Identity, Sexuality, Social Anxiety, Social Anxiety Disorder, Social Justice, Social Life, Spanish, Strength-Based, Strength-Based Therapy, Stress, Stress Management, Suicidal Feelings, Suicidal Ideation, Suicidal Tendencies, Teenagers/Adolescents (13-17), Trans-Competant, Trauma / Trauma Focused, Trauma Therapy, Trichotillomania/Body-Focused Repetitive Disease, Vulnerability, Women's Health, Women's Issues / Obstacles, Women's Issues Therapy, Worry, Young Adults (18-24)
Location: New York, No-Mad, Tele-Health/Virtual

Michelle (she/her) is a New York City based psychotherapist and licensed social worker whose focus is building trusting relationships with her clients. She was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY before she headed off to study Psychology and Spanish at Swarthmore College. She returned to New York where she graduated with a Master’s in Social Work from Fordham University in 2019. Michelle can conduct sessions in English and Spanish. She is passionate about providing quality care to people of all backgrounds. She has gained a wide array of experience working with many diverse types of clients working in agencies, nonprofits, hospitals, and community mental health.  

Michelle is enthusiastic about creating strong therapeutic relationships with clients. She knows that the relationship between client and provider is one of the building blocks to achieve a client’s goals and that the vulnerability developed during the session is a sacred thing. She partners with her clients to strive for meaningful change. She has worked with different types of people, including children, teens, birthing people, domestic violence survivors, immigrants and refugees, families, and more. She is particularly focused on the impact of trauma on a person’s life and how the process of healing can create new opportunities for someone. With her social work background Michelle is aware of the effect systems have on a person and a group and uses a social justice approach to help clients reach their goals. She aims to empower her clients to gain self-awareness and to develop effective coping strategies. 

An enthusiastic reader, Michelle is always happy to get book recommendations of all genres. She is also a happy pet mom to her cat Chicharron. In her free time Michelle also enjoys baking cakes and pastries, crocheting blankets and sweaters, and watching TV with her husband and her cat on her lap.  

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Michelle Castellanos, MSW, LMSW

Psychotherapist

Michelle (she/her) is a New York City based psychotherapist and...

Michelle Pinel, MS, NBC-HWC

Position: Clinical Intern
Phone: 929-688-4676
Email: michelle.p@collaborative-people.com
Areas of Work: *Out of Network*, 12- Step Friendly, Abdominal Pain, Absence of Menstruation / Amenorrhea, Addiction, Adjustment Disorder, Adolescent / Teen Issues, Adults (25-64), Aetna, Anger, Anger Management, Anorexia Nervosa, Anti-Social Personality Disorder (ASPD), Anxiety Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, Artist-Related Stress, Asexual, Asexual, Asexual Abuse Trauma, Attachment Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Autoimmune Diseases, Behavior Modification, Behavioral Issues / Problems, Betrayal Trauma, Binge Eating Disorder, BIPOC Mental Health Issues, Bipolar Disorder, Bisexual, Bisexual, Body Dysmorphic Disorder, Body Image, Body Positivity/Health at every size, Body-Focused Repetitive Behavior (BFRB), Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Buddhist, Bulimia Nervosa, Bullying, Burnout, Canabis Use disorder, Cancer Pain, Cancer Support, Career-Related Stress, Child, Childhood Trauma, Chronic Illness, Chronic Impulsivity, Chronic Relapse, Cigna, Co-Occuring Disorders, Codependency, Combat Stress Reaction (CSR), Commitment Obstacles, Community Violence, Compassion Fatigue, Complex Trauma, Confidence Issues, Coping Mechanism Development, Couples (Relationship Therapy), COVID-19 Stress, Creative Blocks, Crisis Intervention, Cultural Diversity Issues, Dating, Depression, Developmental Disorder, Dialectical, Disruptive, Impulse-Control and Conduct Disorders, Dissociative Disorder, Dreams, Drug Addiction, Drug Use, Dual Diagnosis, Early Childhood Trauma, Eating Patterns or Eating Disorders, Emerging Adulthood, Emotional Abuse, Emotional and Behavioral Disorders, Emotional Disturbance, Emotional Overeating, Emotionally Focused, End of Life Challenges, English, Existential Crisis or Transition, Family Conflicts / Issues, Family Dynamics / Systems, Family Planning, Family Therapy, Fear of Failure, Female Identifying, Fertility / Infertility, Food-Related Stress, Gambling / Crypto Addiction, Gaslighting, Gay, Gay, Gender Dysphoria, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Grief and Loss, Group Therapy, Harassment, Health-Related Concerns, Hoarding Disorder, Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Imposter Syndrome, Impulse Control Disorder (ICD), Indecision, Individual Therapy, Insomnia, Intellectual Disability, Intergenerational Trauma, Internet Addiction, Intersex, Intrusive Thoughts, Irrational Fears, Lesbian, Lesbian, Level 1 Clinician, LGBTQIA+, Life Transitions, Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Male Identifying, Marijuana Disorder, Masculinity-Related Stress, Medical Trauma, Medication-Induced Anxiety Disorder, Men's Issues, Men's Mental Health Issues, Mental Health Problem / Illness, Mental State Opinion, Mid-Life Crisis, Money-Related Stress, Mood Disorder/Mood Swings, Non-Binary, Non-suicidal Self-Injury, Obesity, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Open Relationships/Non-Monogomy, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), Panic Disorder, Pansexual, Parenting, PCOS, Peer Relationships, Perfectionism, Performance Anxiety, Personality Disorders, Physical Abuse, Physical Abuse Trauma, Porn Addiction, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Postpartum Anxiety, Postpartum Depression, Pre-College Fears, Premarital / Marital, Procrastination, Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD), Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Psychological First Aid, Psychological Trauma, Psychosis, Psychotic Disorder, Psychotic Features, Quarter-Life Crisis, Queer, Queer, Queer-Competent, Questioning, Race-Related Stress, Racial Justice Framework, Racism Issues, Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD), Recently Moved, Romantic Life, School Phobia, Self Esteem, Self-Harm / Injury, Self-Reflection, Separation Anxiety, Sex Positive/Kink Friendly, Sex Worker Positive, Sexual Abuse, Sexual Addiction, Sexual Dysfunction, Sexual Fear, Sexual Identity, Sexuality, Sibling-Related Stress, Sleep Problems, Social Anxiety, Social Anxiety Disorder, Social Justice, Social Life, Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD), Special Needs, Straight, Stress, Suicidal Feelings, Suicidal Ideation, Suicidal Tendencies, Teenagers/Adolescents (13-17), Terrorism and Violence, Thought Disorders, Trans-Competant, Transgender, Transitioning, Transitioning, Trauma / Trauma Focused, Traumatic Grief, Trichotillomania/Body-Focused Repetitive Disease, Vegan, Video Game Addiction, Voices, Visions, or Perceptual Disturbances, Vulnerability, Women's Health, Women's Issues / Obstacles, Worry, Young Adulthood, Young Adults (18-24)
Location: New York, No-Mad, Tele-Health/Virtual

Michelle is a master’s level counselor who approaches the therapeutic process from an integrative medicine lens, exploring concerns of mind, body, and spirit to help clients achieve optimal wellness. She works with individuals experiencing a range of mental and physical health concerns, including anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, depression, substance abuse, and chronic physical pain. She uses evidence-based treatment models, including humanistic-existential therapy, behavioral therapy, and somatic therapy, to get to the root cause of mental health concerns and connect clients to their innate capacity for personal growth and healing. She also works with couples and is skilled at empathetically supporting couples as they navigate conflict, communication, and intimacy. Her couple’s work is informed by Imago therapy, Gottman Method, and the Non-Violent Communication framework. 

Michelle fosters a safe and accepting space for clients to explore their needs and collaborates with clients to create a tailored treatment plan. She lovingly empowers individuals to take control of their life and achieve self-determined goals. Michelle is a warm, caring, creative, and humorous therapist who deeply cares about the suffering of others. It is her heart-filled mission to help people connect to their strengths, values, and life purpose, so they can live a more fulfilling life. 

Michelle is in her final year in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at Saybrook University. She also holds a Master of Science in Mind-Body Medicine from Saybrook University’s College of Integrative Medicine and Health Sciences. Her research focused on the effectiveness of mind-body therapies in treating chronic health disorders within Mind-Body Medicine from Saybrook University’s College of Integrative Medicine and Health Sciences. Her research focused on the effectiveness of mind-body therapies in treating chronic health disorders, with a focus on gastrointestinal conditions (e.g., irritable bowel syndrome). Michelle is passionate about the mind-body connection and its role in chronic illness. She is also a National Board-Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC) and is adept at using holistic healthcare practices proven to reduce stress, anxiety, and pain while optimizing sleep and self-care. Before entering the health and healing space, Michelle was a corporate executive with 15+ years of experience leading high performing teams. 

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Michelle Pinel, MS, NBC-HWC

Clinical Intern

Michelle is a master’s level counselor who approaches the therapeutic...

Frances Zhang

Frances Zhang, Ed.M, MHC-LP

Position: Psychotherapist
Phone: (929) 556-4936
Email: frances.z@collaborative-people.com
Areas of Work: *Out of Network*, 12- Step Friendly, Adaptive Mentalization based integrative treatment, Addiction Counseling, Additional Areas of Specialization, Adjustment Disorder, Adolescent / Teen Issues, Adults (25-64), Aetna, Alcohol Use, Anger Management, Art Therapy, Asexual, Attachment Theory, Behavioral Therapy, Bereavement / Grief Counseling, Bisexual, Body Positivity/Health at every size, Body-Focused Therapy (ex: Tapping), Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music (GIM), Buddhist, Burnout, Career-Related Stress, Christian, Cigna, Coaching, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - Insomnia (CBT-I), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Psychosis (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD (CPT), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) , Compassion Fatigue, Couples (Relationship Therapy), Creative/Expressive Arts Therapy, Cultural Diversity Issues, Culturally Sensitive, Dating, Depression, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Emerging Adulthood, Emotionally Focused Therapy, English, Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Family Therapy, Fear of Failure, Female Identifying, Gay, Gestalt Therapy, Group Therapy, Group Therapy, Harm Reduction Therapy, Hindu, Hypnosis or Hypnotherapy, Imposter Syndrome, Individual Therapy, Interpersonal, Lesbian, Level 2 Clinician, LGBT Care, LGBTQIA+, Life Transitions, Mandarin, Marriage Counseling, Masculinity-Related Stress, Mindful-Based Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Music Therapy, Non-Binary, Nonreligious, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Open Relationships/Non-Monogomy, Pansexual, Person Centered (Rogerian), Positive Psychology, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Counseling, Pre-Move In Couples Counseling, Procrastination, Psychedelic Integration, Psychedelic Integration Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Queer, Queer-Competent, Racial Justice Framework, Racism Issues, Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), Reiki, Relationship Struggles / Issues, Romantic Life, Self-Harm / Injury, Seniors (65+), Sex Worker Positive, Social Anxiety Disorder, Somatic Therapy, Spirituality, Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapy (SIP), Straight, Strength-Based Therapy, Stress, Stress Management, Teenagers/Adolescents (13-17), Trans-Competant, Women's Health, Women's Issues / Obstacles, Young Adulthood, Young Adults (18-24)
Location: New York, No-Mad, Tele-Health/Virtual

Born and raised in mainland China, Frances (she/her) has lived in New York City for the past decade. She is a client-centered psychotherapist dedicated to empowering her clients to accept, honor, and find meaning in their everyday experiences.

Frances holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology  from New York University and earned her Master’s degrees in Psychological Counseling and Mental Health Counseling from Teachers College, Columbia University.

She uses an eclectic approach in her practice, incorporating CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), MI (Motivational Interviewing), and EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy). She is certified in TF-CBT (Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). Her unique style blends Zen Buddhism practices with Western psychotherapy, emphasizing balance and reflecting her own experiences in both worlds.

Trained in the heart of NYC, Frances has extensive experience working with a diverse clientele. She conducts sessions in both Mandarin and English, and adopts multicultural and Queer-and-LGBTQIA+ inclusive frameworks. She specializes in treating depression, anxiety, ADHD, anger management, and grief. She works with individuals, couples, and families, and enjoys addressing intimate relationship and family-of-origin challenges, especially within the AAPI, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ communities.

Frances is a good match for those seeking a therapist who not only listens, but also challenges, collaborates, and motivates with humor and compassion. In her free time, she enjoys walking with her furry Aussie-doodle son, “Chips,” under abundant sunlight!


Frances Zhang, Ed.M, MHC-LP

Psychotherapist

Born and raised in mainland China, Frances (she/her) has lived...

David Díaz, MS, LMHC

Position: Supervisor & Psychotherapist
Phone: (929) 930-5019
Email: david.d@collaborative-people.com
Areas of Work: *Out of Network*, 12- Step Friendly, Adults (25-64), Aetna, Affirming Therapy, Aging Parents, AIDS - HIV, Alcohol Use, Alcoholism, Anger, Anger Management, Anxiety Disorder, Asexual, Asperger's Syndrome, Attachment Disorder, Behavioral Issues / Problems, Betrayal Trauma, BIPOC Mental Health Issues, Bisexual, Body Positivity/Health at every size, Canabis Use disorder, Christian, Chronic Impulsivity, Cigna, Codependency, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) , Complex Trauma, Couples (Relationship Therapy), Cultural Competence, Cultural Diversity Issues, Dating, Depression, Drug Addiction, Drug Use, Early Childhood Trauma, Emerging Adulthood, Emotional Abuse, Emotionally Focused, Emotionally Focused Therapy, English, Existential Anxiety, Existential Crisis or Transition, Family Conflicts / Issues, Family Dynamics / Systems, Family Therapy, Family Therapy, Gay, Gay, Gender Dysphoria, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Gottman Method, Grief and Loss, Group Therapy, Individual Therapy, Intergenerational Trauma, Intimate Partner Violence, Jewish, Ketamine assisted therapy, Level 3 Clinician, LGBTQIA+, Loneliness, Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Male Identifying, Men's Mental Health Issues, Mood Disorder/Mood Swings, Muslim, Narrative Therapy, Non-suicidal Self-Injury, Non-Traditional Romantic Stress, Nonreligious, Open Relationships/Non-Monogomy, Parenting, Physical Abuse Trauma, Psychedelic Integration Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Queer, Queer, Queer-Competent, Race-Related Stress, Racial Justice Framework, Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD), Self-Harm / Injury, Sex Positive/Kink Friendly, Sex Therapy, Sex Worker Positive, Sexual Abuse, Sexual Dysfunction, Sexual Identity, Social Justice, Spanish, Structural Family Therapy, Suicidal Feelings, Suicidal Ideation, Teenagers/Adolescents (13-17), Trans-Competant, Transgender, Trauma / Trauma Focused, Vegan, Young Adults (18-24)
Location: New York, No-Mad, Tele-Health/Virtual

David’s (he/him) practice incorporates knowledge and techniques from various therapeutic modalities. Fluent in both English and Spanish, David has extensive experience in supporting individuals navigating attachment styles, family conflict/communication styles, trauma work, infidelity, identity issues and issues related to sexuality. Trauma work can incorporate people’ experience with sexual abuse, intimate partner violence, and intergenerational and racial trauma.
He specializes in working with individuals within the Queer and LGBTQIA+ community, offering a supportive and affirming environment. David’s therapeutic approach is rooted in narrative therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy and evidenced-based practices like CBT and DBT. David draws from various interventions such as experiential therapy, family systems, Gottman’s Method, psychodynamic and structural family therapy.

He aspires to undergo training in EMDR and offer Ketamine-Assisted Therapy. Over the last several years, David’s couples counseling experience has involved many different themes such as infidelity, coparenting, Ethical Non-Monogamy (ENM), Poly Relationships, Erectile Dysfunction Disorder (ED), supporting families with life transitions, improving communication skills, mixed families and more.

In his leisure time, they enjoy biking to various restaurants with friends, hosting dinners and gatherings, engaging in painting or pottery, dancing in nightlife scenes, and traveling to new countries. David has a preference for sunny weather and delights in lounging on grassy areas, beaches, and spending time on the floor of living rooms with friends. They have aspirations to learn woodworking, master swimming against currents, surf, and enhance their dance choreography skills.

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David Díaz, MS, LMHC

Supervisor & Psychotherapist

David’s (he/him) practice incorporates knowledge and techniques from various therapeutic...

Hanni Flaherty, PhD, LCSW-R, CASAC-M

Position: Founder & Social Work President
Phone: (929) 362-4913
Email: hanni.f@collaborative-people.com
Areas of Work: *Out of Network*, Addiction Counseling, Addiction Therapy, Adult Psychotherapy, Adults (25-64), Aetna, Afflictions, Anxiety Disorder, Attachment Theory, Attachment-Based Family therapy (ABFT), Behavior Modification, Behavioral Therapy, Bereavement / Grief Counseling, Burnout, Career-Related Stress, Child and Parent Interaction Therapy, Cigna, Client Centered Therapy/Rogerian Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Psychosis (CBT), Coping Mechanism Development, Costs/Insurance, Couples (Relationship Therapy), Couples Conflict Resolution, COVID-19 Stress, Crisis Intervention, Culturally Sensitive, Depression, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Drug Use, Dual Diagnosis, Family, Family Conflicts / Issues, Family Dynamics / Systems, Family Systems, Family Therapy, Family Therapy, Female Identifying, Founders Level, Group Therapy, Group Therapy, Harm Reduction Therapy, Humanistic Therapy, Individual Therapy, Integrative Psychotherapy, Internal Family systems (IFS), Interpersonal, Jewish, LGBT Care, LGBTQIA+, Light Assisted Therapy, Male Identifying, Mental Health Consultation, Mentalization Based Treatment, Mentalization Based Treatment for Adolecents (MBT-A), Mid-Life Crisis, Mood Disorder/Mood Swings, Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Multicultural Therapy, Narcissistic Personality, Non-Binary, Non-suicidal Self-Injury, Non-Traditional Romantic Stress, Open Relationships/Non-Monogomy, Parent-Child Interaction (PCIT) Person-Centered, Parenting, Peer Relationships, Person Centered (Rogerian), Positive Psychology, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Counseling, Pre-Move In Couples Counseling, Pregnancy-Related Stress, Premarital / Marital, Premarital Conflict Resolution, Psychoanalytic and Psychodynamic Therapy, Quarter-Life Crisis, Queer-Competent, Racial Justice Framework, Relapse Prevention Therapy, Safety Planning, Schema Therapy, Self Esteem, Self-Harm / Injury, Sex Worker Positive, Social Anxiety, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Strength-Based Therapy, Stress Management, Structural Family Therapy, Teaching, Teenagers/Adolescents (13-17), Trans-Competant, Transitioning, Trauma / Trauma Focused, Trauma Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Veterans, Women's Issues / Obstacles, Young Adults (18-24)
Location: New York, No-Mad, Tele-Health/Virtual

Hanni (She/Her) is a New York City-based Clinical Social Worker specializing in adolescents, young adults, and families. Over the past 10 years, she has worked with clients who struggle with a wide range of issues. Her areas of expertise include treating adolescents and young adults with family conflict, substance use, high-risk behaviors, self-harming behaviors, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, personality disorders, trauma, bullying, gender, and sexuality struggles.

Her practice uses a Cognitive Behavioral Treatment approach that takes into consideration each person’s strength and experience. She has a Ph.D. in clinical social work, an LCSW-R, and a CASAC. She is also trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Family Structure Therapy. In addition, she is a Certified Addiction and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) and New York State DUI evaluator.

Her treatment style encompasses open and honest communication to help clients achieve their goals through short-term treatment, long-term treatment, family therapy, and group treatment. Through the development of a strong therapeutic alliance, they work together to develop effective coping skills. In treatment, she strives to create a safe, understanding, and collaborative atmosphere where her clients can share their emotions and explore their struggles. They all have the ability to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. Therapy should be a helpful force in achieving life goals and overcoming life struggles.


Hanni Flaherty, PhD, LCSW-R, CASAC-M

Founder & Social Work President

Hanni (She/Her) is a New York City-based Clinical Social Worker specializing...

Kyle McEvoy, MS, LPC, LMHC, CCMHC, NCC

Position: Founder & Therapy President
Phone: (929) 227-6289
Email: kyle.m@collaborative-people.com
Areas of Work: *Out of Network*, Abstinence Based Psychotherapy, Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Adaptive Mentalization based integrative treatment, Addiction, Addiction Counseling, Adjustment Disorder, Adolescent / Teen Issues, Adolescent Addiction / Substance Use, Adult Psychotherapy, Adults (25-64), Aetna, Affirming Therapy, Anti-Social Personality Disorder (ASPD), Anxiety Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, Applied Behavioral Analysis, Art Therapy, Artist-Related Stress, Asexual, Attachment Disorder, Attachment Theory, Attachment-Based Family therapy (ABFT), Behavior Modification, Behavioral Issues / Problems, Behavioral Therapy, Bereavement / Grief Counseling, Biofeedback Treatment, Bisexual, Bisexual, Body Dysmorphic Disorder, Body Image, Body Positivity/Health at every size, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Bullying, Burnout, Canabis Use disorder, Career-Related Stress, Caregiver Burnout, Child, Child Abuse Consultation, Child and Parent Interaction Therapy, Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), Childhood Trauma, Children (<13), Christian, Chronic Illness, Chronic Impulsivity, Cigna, Client Centered Therapy/Rogerian Therapy, Clinical Supervision and Licensed Supervisors, Coaching, Coaching, Codependency, Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD (CPT), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) , Commitment Obstacles, Community Violence, Compassion Fatigue, Compassion Focused, Complex Trauma, Confidence Issues, Coping Mechanism Development, Couples (Relationship Therapy), Couples Conflict Resolution, COVID-19 Stress, Creative Blocks, Crisis Intervention, Crisis Intervention, Cultural Competence, Cultural Diversity Issues, Culturally Sensitive, Dating, Depression, Developmental Disorder, Dialectical, Disruptive, Impulse-Control and Conduct Disorders, Dissociative Disorder, Dream Analysis, Dreams, Drug Addiction, Drug Use, Dual Diagnosis, Dual Diagnosis, Early Childhood Trauma, Eclectic, Emerging Adulthood, Emotion-Focused Family therapy (EFFT), Emotional Abuse, Emotional and Behavioral Disorders, Emotional Disturbance, Emotionally Focused, Emotionally Focused Therapy, English, Ex-Cult Support, Excoriation, Existential Anxiety, Exposure & Response Prevention (ExRP) Therapy, Family, Family Conflicts / Issues, Family Dynamics / Systems, Family Planning, Family Systems, Family Therapy, Family Therapy, Fear of Failure, Female Identifying, Fertility / Infertility, Founders Level, Gaslighting, Gay, Gay, Gender Dysphoria, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Grief and Loss, Group Therapy, Group Therapy, Harassment, Harm Reduction Therapy, Health-Related Concerns, Humanistic Therapy, Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Immigration, Imposter Syndrome, Impulse Control Disorder (ICD), In-Home, Indecision, Individual Therapy, Intergenerational Trauma, Internal Family systems (IFS), Interpersonal, Intervention, Intimate Partner Violence, Intrusive Thoughts, Irrational Fears, Jewish, Learning Disabilities, Lesbian, Lesbian, LGBT Care, LGBTQIA+, Life Coaching, Life Transitions, Life Transitions, Loneliness, Low Self Esteem, Male Identifying, Marijuana Disorder, Masculinity-Related Stress, Medical Trauma, Men's Issues, Men's Mental Health Issues, Mental Health Consultation, Mental Health Problem / Illness, Mentalization Based Treatment, Mentalization Based Treatment for Adolecents (MBT-A), Mentalization Based Treatment for Children (MBT-C), Mentalization Based Treatment for Families (MBT-F), Mid-Life Crisis, Mindful-Based Therapy, Money-Related Stress, Mood Disorder/Mood Swings, Motivational Interviewing (MI), Multicultural Therapy, Multisystemic Therapy (MST), Munchausen Syndrome, Narrative Therapy, Natural Disasters, Non-Binary, Non-suicidal Self-Injury, Non-Traditional Romantic Stress, Nonreligious, Obesity, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Open Relationships/Non-Monogomy, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), Panic Disorder, Pansexual, Parent-Child Interaction (PCIT) Person-Centered, Parenting, Peer Relationships, Perfectionism, Performance Anxiety, Personality Disorders, Phobias, Physical Abuse, Physical Abuse Trauma, Pica, Play Therapy, Porn Addiction, Positive Psychology, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Counseling, Postpartum, Postpartum Anxiety, Postpartum Depression, Pre-College Fears, Pregnancy, Pregnancy-Related Stress, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), Procrastination, Prolonged Exposure Therapy, Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD), Psychedelic Integration Therapy, Psychoanalytic, Psychoanalytic and Psychodynamic Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Psychological Trauma, Psychotic Disorder, Psychotic Features, Quarter-Life Crisis, Queer, Queer, Queer-Competent, Questioning, Race-Related Stress, Racial Justice Framework, Racism Issues, Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD), Recently Moved, Relapse Prevention Therapy, Relational, Relational Therapy, Relationship Struggles / Issues, Romantic Life, Rumination, Safety Planning, School Phobia, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Self Esteem, Self-Harm / Injury, Self-Reflection, Seniors (65+), Separation Anxiety, Sex Positive/Kink Friendly, Sex Therapy, Sex Trafficing, Sex Worker Positive, Sexual Abuse, Sexual Abuse counseling, Sexual Addiction, Sexual Dysfunction, Sexual Fear, Sexual Identity, Sexuality, Sibling-Related Stress, Sleep Disorder, Sleep Problems, Social Anxiety, Social Anxiety Disorder, Social Justice, Social Life, Social Skills Training (SST), Social Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD), Somatic Therapy, Special Needs, Sport/Performance Counseling, Sports Performance, Straight, Strength-Based, Strength-Based Therapy, Stress, Stress Management, Structural Family Therapy, Suicidal Feelings, Suicidal Ideation, Suicidal Tendencies, Teaching, Teen Violence, Teenagers/Adolescents (13-17), Terrorism and Violence, Text-Based and Phone Therapy, Trans-Competant, Transactional Analysis, Transgender, Transitioning, Transitioning, Trauma / Trauma Focused, Trauma Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Traumatic Grief, Trichotillomania/Body-Focused Repetitive Disease, Validation Therapy, Video Game Addiction, Vulnerability, Walk and Talk Therapy or OutdoorTherapy, Women's Health, Worry, Young Adulthood, Young Adults (18-24)
Location: Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, No-Mad, Tele-Health/Virtual

Kyle McEvoy (He/Him) is the Founder and President of Collaborative, a multidisciplinary clinical community focused on establishing effective, evidence-based treatment founded on an adaptive mentalization-based treatment model.

Kyle holds advanced training in mentalization-based (MBT) and adaptive mentalization-based integrative treatment (AMBIT) through the Anna Freud Centre for Children and Families. He specializes in complex attachment and identity-related disorders such as borderline, avoidant, antisocial, dependent, and obsessive-compulsive personalities, along with gender-diverse individuals.

He focuses on understanding the individual to engage in a comprehensive execution of a person’s desires, wants, and needs. Kyle has participated in the client’s long-standing change from maladaptive behaviors, thoughts, and feelings through these scientific approaches. Kyle will implore you to participate in your treatment and discuss the techniques actively. He has helped people struggling with substances, explore individual identity (LGBTQIA+), cope with psychological/cognitive/developmental disorders, accept medical diagnoses, and overcome sexual abuse/intimate partner violence.

In addition to Kyle’s direct clinical work, he is a prominent national speaker, writer, and educator of the mental health community in efforts to deepen provider and patient understandings of mentalization, identity formation, and clinically challenging circumstances. In addition, Kyle continues to bolster his clinical approach through continued education and research of personality development from a psychoanalytic perceptive as a student of the Center for Modern Psychoanalytic Studies.

Kyle believes practical and engaging clinical support has the power to invoke change. Therefore, he goes beyond the typical therapeutic approach when working with you.



Kyle McEvoy, MS, LPC, LMHC, CCMHC, NCC

Founder & Therapy President

Kyle McEvoy (He/Him) is the Founder and President of Collaborative, a...

Now Accepting Cigna/Evernorth and Aetna!

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