One-on-one support, at your pace.

Who it’s for

I work with teens ages 16 and older, adults, and seniors who are physically located in New York at the time of each session. Most of the people I walk with are navigating their 20s, 30s, and 40s — seasons of life with a lot of change, pressure, and questions.

• Anxiety and constant worry
• Depression and low motivation
• Grief, loss, and painful transitions
• Trauma and difficult past experiences
• Work, school, and relationship stress
• Self-esteem and self-discovery

For teen clients, parent or guardian consent and involvement may be required based on age and circumstances. I work with teens ages 16 and older.

How the process works

Starting therapy can feel like the hardest part. Here’s exactly what to expect, step by step, so nothing about the process is a mystery.

1. 1

   Reach out

   Send a short note through my consultation form, or book a time directly through online scheduling. You only need to share a sentence or two about what you're looking for — no detailed history required.

2. 2

   A brief consultation

   I start with a short, low-pressure conversation about what's bringing you here, any questions you have, and the practical side — insurance, scheduling, and how sessions work. It's a chance to see if it feels like a good fit.

3. 3

   Your first full session (intake)

   The intake session is a longer, deeper conversation. I go at your pace as I help you map out what's been happening, what you want to be different, and what's worked or hasn't worked before. By the end, I'll help you develop an initial plan and a sense of direction — written in plain language, together.

4. 4

   Ongoing sessions

   Most people meet weekly at first, then adjust as things shift. Sessions run 45 or 60 minutes, virtually, so you can join from home, a parked car, or a private room at work. Each session builds on the last, and I regularly check in with you about what's helping and what isn't.

5. 5

   Reviewing and moving forward

   Counseling isn't meant to last forever. As things lighten, I help you stretch out sessions and eventually taper off — with a plan for recognizing warning signs and coming back if you ever need to. Many clients return for a check-in during a hard season, and that's always welcome.

How I work with you

There’s no single script for feeling better. Sessions draw on several well-established approaches, chosen around you rather than the other way around:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  Noticing the thought patterns that feed anxiety and low mood, and practicing steadier ways of thinking and responding.

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

  Clarifying what genuinely matters to you and building the ability to move toward it, even when difficult feelings come along.

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills

  Practical tools for managing intense emotions, tolerating distress, and navigating relationships.

• Internal Family Systems (IFS)

  Getting to know the different parts of yourself — the critic, the worrier, the one holding it all together — with curiosity instead of judgment.

• Person-centered and eclectic

  Above all, sessions are led by you. I blend methods as needed, and the relationship itself — being truly heard and understood — does a great deal of the work.

The practical side

• All sessions are virtual (telehealth), available only when you are physically located in New York.
• I accept many major insurance plans, and Headway helps check your benefits before the first visit — coverage isn’t guaranteed until that’s done.
• Self-pay rates are shared up front: $200 intake, then $175 (60 min), $150 (45 min), or $125 (30 min) per session.
• Sessions are led by Richard E. Zekaria, LMHC — a licensed therapist in New York.

Curious whether couples counseling might fit better? Read about couples counseling.