DEPRESSION & ANXIETY 

Depression may be brittle, but with medication and psychotherapy it is treatable.The search for a psychiatrist whom you can trust, connect with, and confide in may only heighten the overwhelming burden for those already grappling with anxiety and depression. 

I am here to guide you along your journey to healing and well-being, sharing that I, too, have faced trauma, struggled with adversity, but have been able to transform my pain and loss into harmony and equanimity.

Drawing from my more than 35 years of experience in treating patients with depression and anxiety both in my private practice, as well as former Chief of the Psychiatric Emergency Room at St Vincent’s Hospital, and former Consultation/ Liaison Attending at New York University Hospital/ Bellevue, I combine my professional expertise with my extensive clinical knowledge and training to provide a variety of specialized services tailored to meet you at your current mental health. 

The Link Between Depression & Anxiety 

Depression and anxiety may be closely related mental health conditions, and they may often coexist and influence each other. Individuals with anxiety disorders are at a higher risk of developing depression, and vice versa. 

The symptoms of anxiety, such as constant worry, fear, and agitation, may contribute to the development of depression over time. Similarly, the persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and lack of interest associated with depression can lead to increased anxiety.

Distinguishing between anxiety and depression as some of the root causes of symptoms may be challenging due to their overlapping nature. Similarly medical illnesses may be the underlying causes of these symptoms. My medical background and training is imperative to ruling out and identifying these medical illnesses first.

In our sessions, we can focus on predominant symptoms and patterns, consider onset times, and I’d conduct an extensive psychiatric evaluation for an accurate diagnosis, followed by a comprehensive treatment plan with a holistic approach to address both your depression and anxiety effectively. If medication is indicated, I will safely prescribe psychotherapeutic medication. 

Depression Treatment & Therapy Services

As a trained psychoanalyst, my expertise is in dealing with depression, anxiety, and trauma related issues. As a first responder at 9/11 and as a humanitarian who provided medical and psychological care to Chechen civilians in The Second Chechen War and genocide, I have seen and treated a variety of trauma related disorders.

I provide psychiatric care to those who were suffering from depression, anxiety, PTSD, dissociative disorders, and panic attacks, as they often were having difficulty coping in the aftermath of these devastating events. I also teach my psychotherapy and psychoanalytic patients how to overcome the pain and trauma of terror to find greater happiness, calm, interconnectedness, and harmony.

I have worked as Chief of the Psychiatric Emergency Room at St Vincent's Hospital in Greenwich Village for many years, where I dealt with patients who were struggling with depression and anxiety, as well as emotional & physical abuse, PTSD, Dissociative Disorder, Depersonalization Disorder, Somatic Symptom Disorder, and eating disorders.

I create a secure and nurturing space to help you navigate through depressive episodes and distressing experiences, seeking to empower you on your unique journey towards healing.The mental health recovery process is complex and differs for each individual, and I am committed to supporting you holistically through this personalized path to well-being.

In my practice, I focus on addressing the intricate relationship between depression and anxiety, understanding that each person's experience is unique. Drawing from my background in trauma therapy, I offer a comprehensive range of therapy services tailored to support individuals in their healing process. 

These services include: 

• Psychotherapy

• Psychoanalysis 

• Mindfulness techniques 

• Embodied Imagination (a specific technique of dream work)

• Medication evaluation and management

• Spiritual healing

• Ruling out or identifying underlying medical illnesses
  

Why Choose Dr. Nina E Cerfolio

Compassionate, Empathetic & Experienced Psychoanalyst 

As a human being who has personally faced and overcome adversity and loss, I embody deep compassion and empathy with extensive clinical knowledge of depression, anxiety, pain and suffering. I provide a nurturing environment for my patients, where they feel safe to share their feelings, to be genuinely heard and understood. If indicated, I guide and teach my patients how to overcome the pain and trauma of terror to find greater happiness, calm, interconnectedness, and harmony.

Proven Track Record of Success

With over 30 years of experience as a board-certified psychiatrist, trauma expert, and award-winning psychoanalyst, My passion that I have dedicated my life to is the care and healing of my patients. (Some of my awards that I have been honored with are Castle Connolly Top Doctors, America’s Most Honored Doctors - Top 1% , NY Times, Top National Physician, Leading Physicians of the World, America’s Top Psychiatrist, Top Psychiatrists in New York, and  Patient’s Choice Awards, America’s Most Compassionate Doctors and an Exceptional Women in Medicine recognition by Castle Connolly.) My focus on individual well-being is evident in the positive outcomes achieved throughout my areas of practice. Through compassionate support and evidence-based therapeutic methods and medication, I am grateful to have assisted many individuals in their paths toward recovery, inner strength, and a more hopeful tomorrow. 

Safe and Confidential Environment, Whether in Person or Virtual 

Your privacy and comfort are paramount, and my practice provides you with a secure and confidential space for your therapeutic journey, whether you choose in-person sessions in New York City or virtual appointments from anywhere in the world. You can trust that your sessions will be conducted with the utmost discretion, confidentiality and professionalism, and will serve as a judgment-free space where you can explore your feelings and experiences without fear.

What Others Have Said

“My work with Dr. Cerfolio over the past 20-plus years has been transformative. Not only is she a highly-skilled psychotherapist, but she is also a wonderful human being. She has helped me change the way I see myself and make better choices; I can't overstate how this has improved my life. It is a privilege to have Dr. Cerfolio as my psychiatrist.”
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Healthgrades
March 18, 2023

“Dr. Cerfolio is incredible at what she does. My personal life and relationships have improved greatly from working with her. I am calmer, happier, and I am able to see things from a more positive perspective. I can have respect and compassion for myself others.”
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Healthgrades
September 8, 2021

Start Down a Path to Recovery with Dr. Nina Cerfolio 

Beginning a journal of mental health is more than selecting a psychotherapist; you're embarking on a journey of healing and resilience with a board-certified psychiatrist who truly understands and cares about your well-being and can gently guide you to find equanimity, calm and joy. Get started today.