EMPOWER YOURSELF WITH COOPER MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING
Full service group practice offering a range of therapy and psychological services.
OUR STORY
Cooper Mental Health Counseling was developed by its founder Dr. Marty Cooper. There are several principles that guide our work. We believe that in order to help you we need to understand your concern from your perspective. We believe that you can feel better. Our focus is on your whole life and by maintaining this focus you have the potential to radically change your life. Although we recognize that therapy may be difficult at times, we believe that you have the possibility of finding something awesome on the other side. We will work tirelessly with you to help you develop a road map that may guide you for years beyond your work with us.
Support That Makes a Difference
PERSON BASED APPROACH
Need help to achieve your goals in life? We use both tried and true techniques and cutting edge evidence based methods to give you the tools for success.
Healing and Moving Forward
INDIVIDUAL THERAPY
Individual therapy will help you understand how you have come to this particular place in your life. We will help you see what is maintaining your area of concern. Finally, we will help you plan a route toward feeling better.
Understanding our relationship
COUPLES THERAPY
Whether you are coming in for premarital counseling or you are having difficulty in your relationship, we will help you understand what is happening. Couples therapy will provide you insight into your relationship and tools to make effective changes to help meet your goals.
Make my work life meaningful
CAREER COACHING
Work take a lot of our time. Sometimes we find ourselves unfulfilled and desiring a change. Career Counseling will help you explore what you desire, where your interests lie, how your skills may transfer to different careers, and how your values can be aligned with your work.
TEAM
Get to Know Us
I am so proud of the team we have built and I hope you will come to appreciate them as much as I do. These individuals were chosen because they bring something special not only to the practice but the practice of counseling. Although you would have an awesome therapist with any of these team members, I encourage you to read what they have to say and let this guide your selection.
MARTY COOPER, PHD, LMHC, NCC
Licensed Psychologist
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
My trauma informed and multicultural focus in treatment is understanding you as a whole person. I believe this includes many areas including intimate relationships, family, friends, work, spirituality, as well as many others. We work together to understand your concern and remove some of the barriers that are preventing you from flourishing. Our work will help you understand what has led to your current circumstances, what changes are possible, and will closely monitor your progress toward your goals.
In addition to my generalized training, I have specific training in lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues, trauma, domestic violence, psychosis, older adults, and substance use. Currently, I am an Assistant Professor in the graduate mental health counseling program at SUNY Old Westbury.
NAEEMA AKTER
Psychologist
When disconnected and overwhelmed by the world and those around you, you may experience feeling dissatisfied or drained with your relationships, occupation and other aspects of your life. Or you may be curious about your inner experiences and want to learn more about yourself in order to become more self-aware, present, and adept at handling life’s troubles. I believe psychotherapy is a collaborative approach, where I am open and nonjudgmental to your experiences and help you create and live a life you find fulfilling.
My doctoral training and years of delivering psychotherapy have provided me with extensive experience helping adults with anxiety, depression, substance abuse, trauma, identity exploration, adjustment and life transition issues, and other life situations. I have experience in outpatient and inpatient hospitals and community mental health clinics. My integrative approach is well-suited for addressing interpersonal and multicultural issues. I work from a social justice-oriented and trauma-informed lens to provide you with culturally competent treatment.
MELISSA ACEVEDO, MSED, LMHC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
My main focus in treatment is to assist individuals in achieving their goals, while also addressing their needs and desires. I look at the person as a whole, taking into account all their domains (career, family, spiritual, etc.) to ensure that all aspects of their concerns are being tended to in session, alongside anything that might be occurring in their day-to-day life. I see both individuals and couples for a wide range of concerns including, but not limited to, depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, career concerns, and interpersonal conflicts.
I received my MSed in Mental Health Counseling from CUNY Hunter College in New York, NY. I have additional training in REBT/CBT, psychoanalysis, crisis intervention, harm reduction, and safety planning. I have clinical experience working with LGTBQ individuals, sex workers, and individuals who have experienced violence or some type of trauma, including sexual abuse/assault and intimate partner violence.
ZACH UDKO
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Psychotherapist
I believe that spending 45 minutes each week to process your emotions, thoughts, and goals should be a vital part of everyone's self-care routine. I enjoy working with clients who are eager to improve areas in their lives related to self-esteem, relationships, intimacy, sexuality, trauma, and career satisfaction. Together we will increase your self-acceptance, authenticity, and connectedness with others; you will develop skills to reduce feelings of shame, anxiety, and hopelessness.
My warm, open-minded, and non-judgmental style cultivates a process that is both inviting and challenging. We'll explore and confront the cognitive and behavioral blocks in your daily life, as well as past events that are still holding you back. Because no two individuals are the same, our treatment plan will be tailored to reflect your aspirations.
In addition to being a psychotherapist, I have been a full-time professor at New York University for the past 15 years. I specialize in counseling clients in the entertainment industry, creatives in related fields, and the LGBTQ community.
LAUREN LARKIN
Mental Health Counselor, MHC-LP
Together, we can make positive, lasting changes in your life in a supportive and understanding environment. As we promote healing and self-exploration, we will also implement skills that help you to manage stress, anxiety, and depression. I believe that this process involves a commitment to challenging work, and it is my honor to be an equal partner in your journey to becoming your best self.
My approach treats each client from a holistic wellness perspective, which includes building a strong interpersonal connection in order to understand you better. Through collaboration, I help clients improve multiple aspects of their lives, ranging from relationships, career, self-esteem, and other long-term goals.We will work to understand your past in order to overcome the obstacles that are keeping you from reaching your goals. I am particularly interested in working with the LGBTQ community, women’s issues across the lifespan, eating disorders, and life transitions.
CHRISTANIA CAYO
Mental Health Counselor, MHC-LP
I believe every human being is capable of change. We are a combination of experiences, relationships, and traumas, yet our past does not need to define who we are. My approach to the therapeutic process is an integrative blend of, psychodynamic, humanistic, and spiritual psychotherapy.
I would describe myself as an engaging, honest, and open-minded therapist who aims to help clients, help themselves. While my main area of interest involves race and women’s issues (particularly black women), I am also intent in supporting anyone interested in living their best life.
JULIA WYKA
Psychotherapist in Training
I recognize that the process of entering therapy can be overwhelming so I strive to create a warm and relaxed environment. Whether meeting with me alone, or as a part of a couple, I listen thoughtfully and we will work at a pace with which you are most comfortable. My work with patients centers on moving beyond their habitual reactions to identify their true values. I have a particular interest in helping patients with anxiety, relationship issues, self-esteem, career transitions and executive coaching.
I utilize a holistic, integrative approach that is comprised of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Every patient is different and complex, so this eclectic approach provides you with a personalized plan to identify and meet your goals.
I welcome you to email me for a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation to see if we would be a good fit.
GITA SAWHNEY
Psychotherapist in Training
My approach to therapy is holistic and relational. I think it is so important for you to be comfortable and have a good rapport with your therapist. As an immigrant and someone who has worked in the finance and accounting world in her previous life, I understand the importance of good communication, forging stable relationships, and creating boundaries.
I am familiar with corporate issues, and how women, minority and LGBTQ populations are treated.
We will work together to process, heal, explore your experiences, and challenge you to achieve your goals. We will develop skills to manage anxiety, moods especially in the current COVID environment. The therapeutic process takes time, and commitment; if you are willing to commit and challenge yourself, we will likely be a good fit.
Carl Rogers
"The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction not a destination.”
