Take your foot off the gas and take a seat with us.
Work with a Manhattan therapist who will use a holistic approach to help you pause, process, & progress.
Take your foot off the
gas and take a seat with us.
At The Manhattan Psychotherapy
Collective, we follow the science
and focus on connection.
Authenticity expands expertise
Because trust is not something to blindly give. It's earned. We’re dedicated to earning yours at a pace that feels right. That means we show up as ourselves and guide you with empirically supported psychotherapy techniques. Instead of “just listening,” we’ll be your partner who helps you establish and reach your wellness goals.
meet the team
Because trust is not something to blindly give. It's earned.
We’re dedicated to earning yours at a pace that feels right.
That means we show up as ourselves and guide you with
empirically supported psychotherapy techniques. Instead
of “just listening,” we’ll be your partner who helps you
establish and reach your wellness goals.
Meet your soundboards, gentle
challengers, and fellow complicated humans.
our manhattan therapists
During your free consultation, we’ll determine which Manhattan therapist is right for you based on your clinical needs and budget.
Areas of Focus: Anxiety, self-esteem, depression, life transitions, perinatal mental health, coping skills and emotion regulation, EMDR, trauma-informed therapy.
Danielle Tal, MHC-LP (she/her)
Associate Therapist
03.
Bio & Credentials
Bio & Credentials
Areas of Focus: Anxiety, depression, complex PTSD, EMDR, difficulties at work or school, attachment and relationships, life transitions, dissociative disorders, and psychosomatic experiences.
Sara Housley, MHC-LP (she/her)
Associate Therapist
02.
Bio & Credentials
Bio & Credentials
Areas of Focus: EMDR, anxiety, cPTSD, sexual and attachment-based trauma, perfectionism, body image, relationship issues, adult “glass children,” borderline personality disorder.
Debbie Missud, LMHC-D (she/her)
Founder & Clinical Director
Bio & Credentials
01.
Bio & Credentials
Areas of Focus: Anxiety, depression, trauma, EMDR, couples therapy, attachment and relationship issues, grief/loss, and life transitions.
Katie Marino, LMHC (she/her)
Therapist & Clinical Supervisor
04.
Areas of Focus: Billing, insurance reimbursement, therapist matching, administrative support, new client consultations, practice management.
Lauren Pastolove (she/her)
Client Care & Administrative Coordinator
05.
Bio & Credentials
As a recovering perfectionist and fellow over-achiever, I get it. I’ve spent the majority of my life navigating the hustle and bustle of high-pressure cities—from Paris to Washington, D.C., and now NYC. I’ve seen first-hand how stress from our environments can create a cycle of self-doubt, anxiety, and unhelpful behaviors that impact our self-esteem, relationships, and work.
That’s why I’m so committed to helping ambitious individuals overcome the mental health challenges that are amplified by high-stress environments and traumas. Since receiving my master's from Columbia University, I've worked in private practice with individuals of various ages, races, gender, sexuality spectrums, and religions.
Some of the most common presenting concerns I work with are anxiety, trauma, perfectionism, body image concerns, and relationship issues. I have a particular specialty working with survivors of sexual and attachment-based trauma, as well as adult “glass children.”
As Clinical Director of the practice, I also oversee all therapists and act as a mentor for their caseloads.
When I'm not at MPC, you can find me walking my dog along the East River, in a pilates class, or scoping out new restaurants around the city.
Debbie Missud, LMHC-D
Founder & Clinical Director
Licensed Mental Health Counselor - Diagnostic Privilege
- Teachers College, Columbia University
- Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology
- Master of Education in Mental Health Counseling
- NYS Mental Health Counselor License #D013162
- NYS Department of Education Diagnostic Authority
Trainings and Certificates
- EMDR Consultant-in-Training, EMDRIA, 2024
- EMDR Certified, EMDRIA, 2024
- IFS-Informed EMDR, Syzygy Institute, 2024
- Internal Family Systems for EMDR Therapists, Syzygy Institute, 2023
- Certification in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Evergreen Certifications, in progress
Back
I work from an allied, multiculturally sensitive, and trauma-informed perspective. My style is primarily psychodynamic, though I integrate other frameworks, including internal family systems (IFS), EMDR, inner child work, relational psychotherapy, person-centered therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
My approach is nonjudgmental, collaborative, and individually tailored to complement your needs and treatment goals. I work flexibly and transparently, encouraging your unique history in a safe and therapeutic environment.
I’ve worked with individuals of many ages, cultural backgrounds, and socioeconomic statuses in a variety of settings, including Coney Island Hospital’s Behavioral Health Unit, Brooklyn College’s Personal Counseling Center, and private practice.
Common concerns I help with include anxiety, depression, difficulties at work or school, and relational challenges of all kinds. I have a particular clinical interest in complex trauma and dissociative disorders, in addition to psychosomatic experiences and animal-assisted interventions.
In my spare time, I’m an avid reader, animal lover, and green tea enthusiast!
Sara Housley, MHC-LP
Associate Therapist
Mental Health Counselor, Limited Permit
- Bachelor of Arts (BA) from New York University
- Master of Arts (MA) in Mental Health Counseling from CUNY Brooklyn College
- MHC-LP
- EMDR Basic Training, EMDR Institute, in progress
Back
I specialize in helping people work through anxiety, build stronger self-esteem, and create a life that feels fulfilling and meaningful. I also support individuals navigating life transitions, grief and loss, depression, and relationship challenges, and I have a particular interest in trauma and perinatal mental health.
I take an integrative and trauma-informed approach, blending Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) with process-oriented work, including Internal Family Systems (IFS) and EMDR. My approach combines practical coping strategies you can use right away with opportunities for deeper processing. Above all, my goal is to create a warm, nonjudgmental space where you feel seen, understood, and empowered to make lasting changes.
With a master's in Mental Health Counseling and Wellness from New York University and a master's in Clinical Psychology from Columbia University, I bring both clinical expertise and research experience to our work together. As someone born and raised in Montreal to immigrant parents, I understand the importance of cultural identity in mental health and provide culturally sensitive care.
When I’m not in the therapy room, you’ll find me baking, painting watercolors, or walking my dogs through Central Park!
Danielle Tal, MHC-LP
Associate Therapist
Mental Health Counselor - limited permit
- Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling and Wellness from New York University
- Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Columbia University
- EMDR Basic Training, EMDR Institute, in progress
Back
For Individuals: I specialize in helping clients work through anxiety, depression, trauma, attachment and relationship issues, grief/loss, and life transitions. For those struggling with present-day triggers or looking to process trauma more deeply, I also offer EMDR.
For Couples: Whether you're just starting your relationship or have been together for years, I work with couples facing concerns such as chronic "gridlock" conflict, trust and commitment struggles, sexual difficulties, emotional disconnection, intimacy challenges, family conflict, value differences, and major life changes.
To best support each client, I use a strengths-based, systems approach that incorporates evidence-based methods that prioritize client empowerment and safety. I have a particular clinical interest in complex relationship dynamics and working with individuals who are anxious or strained in their relationships.
When I’m not helping clients, you can find me enjoying live music around the city, reading a great book, or trying out new restaurants.
Katie Marino, LMHC
Therapist
LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR
- Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling & Behavioral Medicine, Boston University’s School of Medicine
- National Certified Counselor #1670883
- NYS Mental Health Counseling License #015616
- EMDR Training, EMDR Institute, in progress
- Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Gottman Institute (2024)
- Treating Relationships with Only One Person, Simple Practice Learning (2024)
- Helping Clients Heal From Self Harm: A DBT Approach, Core Wellness (2024)
- Navigating the Evolution of Female Desire, Modern Sex Therapy Institute (2023)
Back
I want to commend you on your bravery for taking this step in your journey and hope that I can do my part to make sure your experience is everything you could ask for.
In my role, I focus on creating a warm and supportive environment for both the patients and staff. I take pride in guiding each patient to the therapist who best fits their unique needs, ensuring a smooth and personalized experience. By fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement, I strive to enhance the quality of care we provide. My goal is to make your journey at Manhattan Psychotherapy one of growth, understanding, and empowerment.
When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my husband and two cats, volunteering at a local animal rescue, and watching as many Mets games as possible.
Lauren Pastolove
Client Care & Administrative Coordinator
- Adelphi University, Bachelor of Arts
- Molloy College, Certificate in Non-Profit Management
Back
We need to examine your full context to troubleshoot sources of distress. Not only does this help us uncover answers. It allows us to support you with general wellness goals too.
We also use a variety of integrative modalities like EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, and Internal Family Systems Therapy. While these aren't a fit for everyone, they can be powerful for those who have hit a plateau with talk therapy alone.
Psychology + environment + mind-body connection
The pressure can feel so real.
Let’s turn off the anxiety tap.
When you work and play hard in a city like New York, you might feel like you constantly need to do and be more.
Balancing a career, social life, dating, and family dynamics is a lot. It can cause burnout, pressure to perform, or just a sense of blah. Sometimes that inner critic turns up the volume, magnifying those nasty "what ifs" and making you question your worth.
Or maybe past stressful experiences—like toxic relationships and “Big T” traumas—weigh you down. They might unexpectedly emerge in everyday scenarios.
Believe us, we’ve been there. And we’re here to help.
When you work and play hard in a city like New York, you might
feel like you constantly need to do and be more.
Balancing a career, social life, dating, and family dynamics is a lot. It
can cause burnout, pressure to perform, or just a sense of blah.
Sometimes that inner critic turns up the volume, magnifying those
nasty "what ifs" and making you question your worth.
Or maybe past stressful experiences—like toxic relationships and
“Big T” traumas—weigh you down. They might unexpectedly
emerge in everyday scenarios.
Believe us, we’ve been there. And we’re here to help.
book a free consult
Find a better state of mind with our experts by your side.
How do I find a good therapist in Manhattan?
Finding the right therapist in Manhattan starts with getting clear on what you need support with—whether that’s anxiety, trauma, relationships, or life transitions. From there, it’s helpful to look for therapists who specialize in those areas and offer approaches that resonate with you (like EMDR, DBT, or holistic therapy). Many Manhattan therapists offer free consultations, so you can get a feel for their style and see if it’s a good fit. Trust matters. It’s okay to take your time finding someone who feels like a genuine, supportive partner in your growth.
What types of therapy are offered in Manhattan?
In Manhattan, you’ll find a wide range of therapy options tailored to different needs and preferences. Some common types include individual therapy, couples counseling, trauma therapy (like EMDR), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) groups, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), somatic therapy, and integrative approaches that combine mind-body work. Whether you're looking to process a painful experience, strengthen your relationships, or manage daily stress, there’s a therapy style—and a therapist—ready to meet you where you are.
At the end of the day, it’s about finding someone who truly sees the full you—and has the tools and expertise to guide you forward with care.
book a free consult
While we’re experts in mental health,
you are the expert in yourself.
At The Manhattan Psychotherapy Collective, our approach is collaborative. We’ll help you gather tools and practice strategies while knowing you are the expert in your own life experience. That’s where your true wisdom comes from.
Book a free consultation to match with one of our Manhattan therapists.
