Mental Health Treatment in NYC
Dr. Nina Cerfolio, an Assistant Clinical Professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in NYC, is a renowned board-certified psychiatrist and psychoanalyst with over 30 years of experience in mental health conditions, specializing in trauma, mass shootings, and terrorism.
As former Chief of the Psychiatric Emergency Room and Walk-In-Clinic at St Vincent's Hospital in New York City, Dr. Nina Cerfolio evaluated patients with various psychiatric emergencies, and taught psychiatric fellows, residents, and medical students.
She has presented her original work on the psychological influences of spirituality, trauma, and terrorism in national and international venues. She uniquely integrates spiritual training with traditional psychiatric approaches, has been widely published in esteemed journals, and is known for her groundbreaking work on the psychological impacts of trauma and terrorism, highlighted in her recent book.
She has been featured on national TV and numerous international and national news outlets including, The New York Times, The Daily Beast, The Washington Post, The Detroit News, Psychology Today, NBC, CBS and PBS as a mental health expert in transforming adversity, National Geographic Adventure for winning the Half Marathon on the Great Wall of China, the Daily News for her humanitarian work during the Chechen genocide, and the Yomiuri Shimbun (Japan’s national daily newspaper) for her work as a first responder at Ground Zero.
Dr. Cerfolio offers psychotherapy services for a range of mental health conditions within her private practice in Manhattan, including the following:
ANXIETY & DEPRESSION
Anxiety may exist on its own or also be closely linked with various mental health issues, including depression, OCD and PTSD. These conditions can frequently coexist or share similar underlying factors, making it important to address anxiety as a part of comprehensive mental health care. Dr. Cerfolio offers a specialized treatment designed to empower her patients with effective tools and techniques, and to manage and alleviate anxiety symptoms according to their unique needs.
Depression is one of the most common mental health issues, and directly affects a person's mental and emotional well-being, and may require focusing on addressing the underlying causes and providing mental health support that’s tailored to their individual experiences. Recognizing and treating depression through therapy, medication (if needed), and other treatments is offered at Dr. Cerfolio’s private practice.
A balance of positive emotional well-being, a supportive environment, and a healthy lifestyle can foster and nurture creativity, whereas negative emotions, restrictive environments, or unhealthy habits may inhibit it. Together with Dr. Cerfolio, patients will explore and address emotional barriers, develop coping strategies for creative blocks, and gain insights into harnessing their creative expression.
GRIEF
When tragedy occurs, the aftermath of loss and pain can lead to severe emotional distress, social withdrawal, and an increased risk of long-term mental health conditions. Therapy can provide a safe, supportive, and structured environment for individuals to explore their feelings of grief, express their emotions and develop coping strategies for long-term mental health.
INSOMNIA / SLEEP ISSUES
Sleep can both influence and be influenced by psychological factors, which is one reason as to why persistent sleep problems are a common issue that’s often linked to mental health concerns. Conditions like anxiety, depression, and chronic stress can lead to sleep disturbances and insomnia, while sleep problems can exacerbate existing mental health issues. By working through and addressing these mental health conditions, patients find that their sleep issues also improve.
LIFE TRANSITIONS
Times of change - even when the change is bittersweet - can trigger a range of emotions, and as a result, significantly impact one’s mental health by causing stress, loss of self-esteem and even feelings of doubt about one’s sense of identity. Recognizing and unpacking the emotional aspects of life transitions is essential to ensuring that you can adapt and thrive during these transformative periods.
MEDICATION EVALUATION & MANAGEMENT
In certain cases, medication can be a vital component of effective treatment for mental health conditions. Dr. Cerfolio will provide a thorough medical and psychiatric evaluation to rule out medical illnesses, determine if medication is appropriate, and follow up with careful medical management to ensure the best possible outcomes.
OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDERS (OCD)
Recurring obsessions and compulsions that stem from OCD can cause significant emotional distress and interfere with daily life. Effective psychiatric treatment can help individuals with OCD to alleviate and manage their symptoms and improve their overall mental well-being.
Trauma is the aftermath of a severe traumatic event, such as loss, an act of violence or terrorism, and it can have lasting and profound effects on an individual's psychological well-being. Psychotherapy, particularly trauma-focused therapy to transform the pain into a sense of interconnectedness, can help individuals process, heal, learn from, and even grow from traumatic events.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) develops after exposure to a traumatic event. It leads to symptoms like intrusive memories, nightmares, flashbacks, avoidance behaviors, and severe anxiety or emotional distress. Early intervention and appropriate treatment can provide significant improvements in the mental health and quality of life of those suffering from PTSD.
RELATIONSHIPS
Relationships have a profound impact on mental health, and navigating the complexities of relationships - whether romantic, platonic or familial - can be challenging. Dr. Cerfolio provides guidance and counseling to help both individuals and couples navigate these nuances. Her therapy approach is always tailored to suit the unique circumstances and specific needs of her patients.
SELF-ESTEEM & SELF-LOVE
Healthy self-esteem promotes resilience, motivation, and positive coping strategies, while low self-esteem may lead to negative self-perceptions, emotional distress, difficulties in relationships and harmful behaviors. Recognizing and addressing self-esteem issues as part of your mental health is crucial for improving overall well-being and quality of life.
ABOUT DR. NINA CERFOLIO
Nina is not just a therapist, but also a survivor who has personally faced and overcome trauma and two terrorist attacks. Her own experiences have equipped her to understand the depth of pain and suffering that can result from terrorism, and a wide breadth of knowledge on diverse mental health topics. She provides a nurturing, empathic environment for her patients where they feel comfortable to open up, share their experiences, and feel genuinely heard and understood. Through these therapy sessions, she gently guides her patients to empower themselves on their path to recovery.
Her commitment to her patients’ well-being is also reflected in her supreme track record of success, having helped thousands of individuals on their journey to recovery, resilience and a brighter, hopeful future.
🏆 2024 Top 10 Psychoanalyst in New York on Yelp
🏆 2024 Top 10 Psychiatrist in Greenwich Village, New York City on Yelp
🏆 2014 to present: Doctors of Excellence
🏆 USNews’ Patients top Choice Awards
🏆 2016 to present: Castle Connolly Top Doctors
🏆 Winner of the Journal of Psychodynamic Psychiatry Prize for best published research article on terrorism and domestic mass shootings in the past two years.
✔ Experienced trauma specialist with a background in terrorism, mass shooting and violence
✔ Customized treatment plans tailored to client’s specific needs and history of trauma
✔ Safe, confidential environment that nurtures open and honest communication between therapist and patient
WHAT PATIENTS SAY
“I went to Nina suffering with PTSD due to trauma and loss. In the years since then I have “done the work,” made a lot of progress and now live a happy and fulfilled life. Nina is a huge part of that and I couldn’t be more grateful.”
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- Michelle
“The care I have received from Dr. Cerfolio has been exceptional...her insight and guidance have been life changing.”
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- Kathryn K.
“You are in the best hands with Dr Nina Cerfolio.”
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- James S.
“Dr. Nina Cerfolio MD is highly intelligent, compassionate and insightful. I have worked with her for many years to achieve life-changing improvements to the choices I make and my overall peace of mind. I am immeasurably grateful to have found her and would recommend her to anyone seeking change in their own lives.”
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- Julie C.
Help from wherever you are.
One size doesn’t fit all.
Let’s face it, sometimes it’s just not feasible to come into the office. Dr. Cerfolio believes in a comprehensive, compassionate treatment plan doesn’t need to be one way or another – it should seamlessly reflect individual needs. That's why appointments are also offered by phone, FaceTime, or Skype.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if therapy is right for me?
Deciding if therapy is right for you involves considering your individual circumstances and needs. If you're experiencing symptoms of mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, or OCD, and these symptoms are interfering with your daily life or causing emotional distress, therapy can be a valuable and life saving option. Even if you’re not currently dealing with these symptoms, but you’re going through a life transition, or have been battling with low self-esteem, treatment through psychotherapy can help you better understand and manage your challenges. Ultimately, only you can decide if therapy is the right decision for you.
What can I expect during my first therapy session?
During your first therapy session, I will provide a full psychiatric assessment with treatment options. We will discuss your reasons for seeking therapy, your personal history, and any immediate concerns or goals you have. I’ll spend some time asking questions to get to know you better and to gather information that will help tailor your treatment plan. It's also an opportunity for you to ask questions and express any apprehensions as you begin your therapeutic journey.
What are the benefits of online therapy or teletherapy?
The benefits of online therapy, or teletherapy via Zoom, Skype or telephone, include increased accessibility and convenience, allowing you to attend sessions from the comfort of your own space. Some patients find that this option offers them greater privacy and higher consistency in attendance, making it a flexible and effective option for receiving mental health support.
How long does therapy typically last, and how frequently should I attend sessions?
This common question is difficult to put timelines to as therapy is a highly personalized journey. The duration and frequency of therapy varies widely based on individual needs and treatment goals. Typically, therapy sessions are scheduled on a weekly basis and last around 45 minutes. The overall length of therapy can range from just a few sessions for specific issues to several months or even years for more complex or long-standing concerns.