Meet Our Therapists

Our Vibrant Team of Therapists

At City Mental Health Counseling, our dynamic team of therapists embodies a diverse range of backgrounds, specialties, and experiences. United by a shared passion for mental health advocacy and compassionate care, each member brings their unique expertise and perspective to our practice.

Team of therapists

Meet the Team

Bernie crowl

Bernie Crowl

LMHC-S, Clinical Director/Founder

As a licensed therapist and passionate advocate for mental health equity, I founded CMHC with a clear mission: to create an affirming, inclusive, and culturally diverse space where LGBTQ+ individuals and people from all backgrounds can feel truly seen, heard, and supported. My journey into therapy was shaped by both personal experience and a professional calling—recognizing the deep need for compassionate, identity-affirming care in communities that have too often been marginalized or overlooked.

With specialized training in LGBTQ+ mental health, trauma-informed care, and culturally responsive therapy, our team works with clients navigating a wide range of challenges, including identity exploration, coming out, anxiety, depression, relationship dynamics, immigration, and systemic oppression. Our approach is rooted in warmth, collaboration, and authenticity. We aim to build a therapeutic relationship grounded in trust, respect, and mutual understanding—where you can safely explore who you are without fear of judgment or misunderstanding.

Representation and inclusivity are at the core of this practice. We strive to ensure that people of color, queer and trans individuals, immigrants, and those from varied cultural or spiritual backgrounds feel reflected in the therapeutic environment. This means ongoing commitment to learning, unlearning, and showing up with cultural humility in every session.

Our goal is not only to help clients heal, but also to empower them—to reconnect with their inner resilience, celebrate their identities, and live fuller, more aligned lives. Whether you are seeking support through a transition, processing complex experiences, or simply looking for a space that honors all of who you are, I welcome you. This practice was built with you in mind.

Andrew Peake

LMSW

The experience of overwhelming anxiety symptoms, past and current trauma, as well as recurring depression, can make life difficult to tap into your inner potential. Let’s work together and safely explore better practices to enrich your life.

I have a passion for helping individuals navigate through anxiety, trauma, complex traumas, and depression. I hold a Master's degree from the University of New England in Social Work, specializing in Trauma-Informed modalities, including DBT, Informed Internal Family Systems, Motivational Interviewing, and harm reduction for dual diagnosis and substance use.

In my practice, I work to create a safe space for you to work through your unique experience(s), which can include trauma, anxiety, and depression, in addition to your family and developmental history. I seek to assist my clients in developing mindfulness, emotional regulation, and distress tolerance. It is my privilege to guide my clients on their journey. 

Andrew Peake

Alina Liu

LMHC, Clinical Supervisor

Welcome to a therapeutic space dedicated to your well-being and growth. I believe in the transformative power of a safe, empowering, and non-judgmental environment, where healing can flourish. My mission is to help you embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing, addressing difficult subjects, deep-seated trauma, or unspoken thoughts that may be holding you back.

I am a bilingual mental health therapist in English and Mandarin and received my master’s degree from Teachers College, Columbia University. I have worked with individuals, adolescents, and families from diverse backgrounds, addressing a wide range of clinical issues such as anxiety, trauma, PTSD, mood disorders, family of origin issues, self-esteem, self-worth, and academic challenges. I am dedicated to creating an inclusive therapeutic space and welcoming individuals from LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities.

My therapeutic approach is evidence-based and tailored to your unique needs. I draw from modalities like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Psychodynamic Therapy while maintaining a trauma-informed and strengths-based perspective. My goal is to guide you through your healing journey with warmth, collaboration, and empathy, empowering you to make meaningful improvements in your life.

I firmly believe that while the journey towards healing and growth can be challenging, it is profoundly empowering to discover your inherent capacity for healing and recovery. Let's embark on this path together, working towards a brighter, more fulfilling future. 

Ashley Chan

LMHC, Clinical Supervisor

The stressors of everyday life can become overwhelming with the uncertainty of tomorrow. We're quickly filled with anxiety when feeling unprepared for these uncertainties. With our bodies designed for survival, symptoms of anxiety become easily integrated into our daily life. If you’re wishing to improve your quality of life, I’m glad you found yourself here as I can confidently tell you this is absolutely possible. People are rarely told what it takes to create a happy & fulfilling life, but that’s the beauty of it: YOU have the POWER to create it. I can help you gain the necessary tools to create the life you’ve always envisioned.

Through holistic & evidence-based practices, my approach is to meet you where you’re at in your healing journey as we work together to create a safe & nonjudgmental path toward your goals. I strive to cultivate meaningful, therapeutic relationships with those seeking to live authentically by tailoring my approach to the unique needs of each person.

I'm committed to the safety & understanding of my clients with my core values being compassion, empathy, and communication. My curiosity of others allows me to be deeply passionate about self-expression & authenticity. Trauma responses are learned behaviors from past experiences. I encourage you to look deep within for the answers you seek with my guidance. 

Katya Dow

LMHC, EMDR, Clinical Supervisor

I offer a safe space in which you can be fully seen and valued for who you are, while developing new tools for navigating life’s challenges. My approach is trauma-informed, multicultural, and focuses on understanding you as a whole person. I offer a sex-positive, LGBTQ affirming, and strengths-based space. Through healing and self-exploration, we will implement skills together that can help you manage life stressors and improve your life, whether that is improving relationships, managing anxiety, overcoming trauma, building self-esteem, enhancing connection to life, help with feeling stuck, or making peace with tormenting thoughts.

I have extensive experience working with anxiety, panic disorder, trauma, relationship issues (including family of origin and narcissistic or antagonistic relationships), and improving sexual dynamics. I come to this specialization after having spent years as an attorney representing youth and families in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems.

You don't have to go through this alone. Your well-being matters, and I'm here to support you every step of the way. If you are interested in scheduling a session with me, please reach out to set up a 15-minute free introductory phone call.

David Litner

MHC- LP  

We are not defined by our obstacles. I believe that everybody is capable and deserving of realizing their potential, and it is never too late for any of us to make a change and shift our narratives. Throughout our work together, I will prioritize developing a judgement-free, trusting, collaborative relationship with you as we identify limiting thought patterns and behaviors, then work to recognize and achieve your personal goals. I am empathetic, warm, and compassionate, and I believe in being direct and authentic with my clients.

My approach is trauma-informed and psychodynamic incorporated with solution-oriented strategies. I believe that the ways in which we navigate the world are strongly influenced by what we learned and what we experienced at a young age. I will support you in processing these experiences and addressing how they are presenting in your life today.

I want to know what holds meaning to you: what gives you a sense of purpose, connection, community, and personal fulfillment? My goal is to validate your past experiences while supporting you in developing new strategies and behaviors which unapologetically embrace those meaningful aspects of your identity.

Margia Shiriti

LMHC

In life, facing times of distress and confusion may be inevitable. During such tough times, guidance from a trained professional may prove invaluable. I am a mental health therapist whose primary intention is to provide a safe environment for your personal growth. I help people with a variety of mental health concerns including: depression, anxiety, family and personal relationships, trauma and complex PTSD. Many of my clients come in with a specific concern in mind while others simply want to feel better. Let me empower you to navigate your own unique situation and pursue clarity together.

I am bilingual and able to work with both Bengali and English speaking clients. I enjoy working with a diverse population whilst providing a culturally sensitive approach to treatment using CBT and person centered techniques. Additionally, I have extensive experience working with professionals facing performing arts and media industry related stressors.

Rowan O’Leary

LMSW  

I believe therapy should feel like a space where you can show up exactly as you are, no need to filter or perform. My goal is to create a supportive, affirming environment where you feel safe, seen, and heard.

My approach is flexible and collaborative. I pull from different styles and tools like trauma-informed care, harm reduction, relational therapy, CBT, and more depending on what feels most helpful for you. I’m here to support you in exploring whatever’s coming up, whether that’s stress, anxiety, identity, trauma, relationships, or just figuring things out.

I specialize in working with LGBTQ+, queer, trans, and non-binary clients, and I’m passionate about supporting neurodivergent individuals and people navigating open or non-monogamous relationships. My practice is inclusive, sex-positive, and grounded in a deep respect for the diverse ways people live, love, and make sense of their experiences.

Whether we’re meeting in person or online, I want therapy to feel like your space. You set the pace, and I’ll be here with you, offering curiosity, compassion, and real support along the way.

Jeb Bunting

LMSW

Psychodynamic therapy is an invitation to listen closely to the hidden stories we carry — the old wounds, silent hopes, and tangled patterns that shape our days. It does not promise to erase life’s sorrows, but it can open a path to living with greater depth, freedom, and aliveness.

In my practice, I make room for the healing power of art, work, love, and the transformative promise of genuine relationship. Together, we create a space where your words, images, longings, and struggle are met with compassion and curiosity, not shame. Here, you can come home to what is most true and yet undiscovered within you.

I work with individuals navigating grief, depression, anxiety, addiction, longing, and the questions that dwell at the heart of who we are — shaped by love, sexuality, race, class, and the wider world. I welcome you as you are, and I stand beside you as you step toward a life more fully your own.

I earned my Masters in Social Work from Fordham University and have experience working with youth, young adults, and adults. In addition to my clinical practice I also write, record, and perform as a songwriter and musician, and enjoy working clinically with fellow artists.

Kate Dotson

LMHC

Our own narratives about our past, present, and future, tell powerful stories about who we are, how we got here, and where we are going. I find having a deep understanding of your own story helps you to feel more secure in your identity, equipped to face your challenges, and grounded in your life. Getting to know your story in all its messy, beautiful, and complicated parts is where our therapeutic relationship will begin. I know that sharing your life with a stranger can feel vulnerable, risky, and uncertain as you wonder if you will truly be seen. My goal is to help you feel, heard, seen, and empowered in the counseling space so that I can meet you where you are in life and help you attain your goals.

My personal counseling style is grounded in traits of empathy, humility, and compassion as well as education and experiences in identity formation, multicultural competencies, and social justice issues. I utilize an integrative approach to counseling bringing together aspects of Internal Family Systems Theory (IFS), Person-Centered, Narrative Therapy, Social Justice Theory, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). Based on how our relationship develops, I will pull from these theories to best support our work together depending on your needs. Through these modalities, together we can help you stand authentically in your story, in all of its parts, and feel empowered in continuing it.

I obtained my Master’s in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness at New York University. I have experience working with youth, young adults, and adults, including those who identify with marginalized groups. I specialize in supporting clients struggling with trauma, grief, CPTSD, interpersonal concerns, women’s issues, college students/emerging adults and anxiety.

Joe Leo

LMSW

I'm glad you're here. Welcome to a transformative space where I understand that you are the author of your narrative, and healing becomes a powerful, intentional journey. Life can be tough, and sometimes it doesn't go as planned, but in therapy, we can shape our responses and redefine our stories. I am deeply committed to guiding you towards discovering profound meaning, embracing healing, and cultivating a resilient identity. My goal is to empower you not just to overcome challenges but to ignite genuine excitement and success in your own life.

My therapeutic approach is grounded in evidence-based techniques, including Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Strength-Based Therapy, and Narrative Therapy. I strive to unravel the threads of your narrative to gain insights, develop empowering coping strategies, and build resilience while also using humor and metaphors, all rooted in compassion.

In our therapeutic partnership, your unique story takes center stage. It is important for you to know that in our sessions, I provide a compassionate and non-judgmental space for you to explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Above all, I am committed to supporting you and helping you achieve healing and growth. Remember, you are not alone.

Amy McNamara

MHC-LP

Something needs to change. We all feel this way sometimes – overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, caught in old patterns or held down by circumstances beyond our control. Challenges happen. How we face them matters. My approach is relational, warm and accepting. I offer a safe, non-judgmental and collaborative environment. We will work together to help you gain insight and develop skills to move forward with an increased sense of self-awareness, autonomy, self-compassion and confidence.

I am an LGBTQIA+ ally and welcome clients from all cultures, and of all identities. I have an anti-oppressive, relational, and social-justice orientation. I am completing an MSEd in Mental Health Counseling. My work is supported and supervised by seasoned and dedicated therapists.

Counseling requires trust. It is important to find a counselor who is a good fit for you. I bring my life experience, deep listening, and a love of learning. Connection is healing. I look forward to meeting you.

Jess Miller-Suchet

MHC-LP

My therapeutic approach is based on the idea that we create narratives about ourselves, which can either empower us or hold us back. Through the counseling process, we will explore these narratives and work together to discover new perspectives. We will also explore the parts of yourself that you feel shame, guilt, or distress about. It is important to me to explore these parts and narratives not only from an individual perspective but also from a systemic and social justice-oriented lens. My approach is tailored to your unique needs and integrates Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), and Narrative Therapy. 

As a queer, nonbinary, and neurodivergent person, I understand the challenges that many who share these identities face. I aim to create a therapeutic space where you are free to be your full self and are met with empathy. I am also affirming of polyamory/non-monogamy, kink, and sex work. In addition to sexuality and gender identity, my focus areas include ADHD and autism, disability, trauma (including systemic trauma), anxiety, depression, and OCD. 

Michael Wozniak

MHC-LP

I’m Michael (he/they), a queer therapist who brings both professional training and lived experience to my work with LGBTQ+ individuals and couples. I offer affirming, nonjudgmental support for folks navigating identity, relationships, trauma, and life transitions, including those exploring polyamory and ethical non-monogamy.

My approach integrates Internal Family Systems (IFS) with somatic and compassion-focused practices. Together, we’ll explore your inner world with curiosity and care, build self-compassion for the strategies that helped you survive, and develop tools to support nervous system regulation and emotional safety.

I work with clients experiencing shame, self-criticism, developmental trauma, depression, and the impacts of discrimination and minority stress. I’m especially committed to supporting neurodivergent clients and honoring the ways neurodivergence, trauma, and identity intersect.

Therapy with me is collaborative, culturally responsive, and paced with intention. Whether you’re seeking healing, clarity, or deeper self-understanding, I aim to create a space where all parts of you are welcome.

Jenna Balducci

MHC-I

Therapy is a space to slow down, reflect, and better understand the emotional patterns that shape our experiences. My work is grounded in meeting people where they are and creating a therapeutic environment that feels safe, respectful, and clients can show up fully and honestly.

My approach is collaborative and thoughtfully paced, blending holistic perspectives with evidence-based practices. I draw from Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to support emotional awareness, regulation, and meaningful change. Together, we may explore thoughts, emotions, and relational dynamics, while also gently attending to parts of the self that carry discomfort, self-criticism, or unresolved pain. I believe that personal experiences are shaped not only by internal processes, but also by relationships, culture, and social systems. Sessions are tailored to your goals, with care taken to move at a pace that feels supportive rather than overwhelming.

I am committed to offering an affirming, inclusive space and welcome clients of all identities, backgrounds, and relationship structures. With this in mind, I approach therapy through a culturally responsive and socially informed lens, honoring each client’s lived experience and values. Whether you are seeking greater clarity, emotional connection, or personal growth, therapy is a place to explore what healing can look like for you.

Bryan Feng

MHC-I

I believe that therapy should be a warm, collaborative, and non-judgmental space where you feel truly understood on your own terms. My approach is centered on meeting you exactly where you are, honoring the unique complexities of your intersectional identities, and helping you navigate life’s challenges and uncertainties. Operating from a place of deep cultural humility, I view you as the ultimate expert of your own life, recognize the bigger social structural picture and its influence on your life, and strive to individualize my care to assist you in achieving well-being and finding your anchor in the world.

I’m a bilingual mental health counselor in training and can work with Mandarin and English speaking clients. In my clinical work, I support clients navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and identity-based stress. My integrative framework utilizes Person Centered Therapy (PCT) as a base for authentic and supportive human connection. From there, I blend structured, skills-based approaches from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) that provide clear and supportive frameworks for navigating overwhelming symptoms with psychodynamic strategies to further explore deep emotions, meaning, and underlying relational patterns. Having personally navigated multiple minority identities as an East-Asian international student and an asexual individual, I have a dedicated soft spot for supporting LGBTQ+ individuals, racial minorities, and anyone processing identity-based stress and trauma. I look forward to walking alongside you on your journey toward healing, insight, and self-discovery.

Mariel Peck

LMHC-DP, EMDR

Humans are hardwired for connection, that's why relationships (including the one we have with ourselves) are the fabric of our existence. We are products of our environments and experiences. For some of us, relationships and connecting with others in healthy ways can be challenging. We can work together, metabolizing internal conflict and transforming pain into purpose in a safe and empathic environment built upon acceptance, respect, and curiosity.

We can’t change difficult experiences from the past, but we can better understand and resolve challenges in our present life by exploring new ways of feeling and thinking. I weave together proven and emerging theories on human behavior, development, and personality that can lead to positive life changes such as happiness, health, and purpose.

Chairs

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