Simona Ostrow , LMHC

Simona Ostrow is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) practicing in New York with 20 years of professional experience. She works with adults facing stress, anxiety, depression, bipolar mood concerns, career challenges, and the many practical and emotional effects of life transitions. Simona also supports people coping with caregiver responsibilities, chronic pain or illness, communication struggles, and issues tied to isolation, self-worth, and life purpose.

Her clinical work draws on evidence-based methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy to help clients build coping skills, manage symptoms, and make meaningful changes. She approaches each person with the belief that they are the expert in their own story and that existing strengths can be mobilized to address current difficulties. Sessions focus on practical strategies as well as deeper exploration of patterns that interfere with wellbeing.

Taking the first step into therapy can require courage, and Simona aims to make that beginning feel respectful and empowering. She typically checks messages a few times per day Monday through Thursday and responds as quickly as she can, while appreciating clients may need patience when she is attending to other professional or personal responsibilities.

Applying CBT and DBT in Online Therapy

Simona uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors - a practical approach that supports managing anxiety, depression, and stress by teaching concrete coping strategies and problem-solving skills. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is used to build emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, which can be especially helpful for mood instability and intense emotional reactions.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and she works collaboratively with each person to determine what fits best based on their needs, goals, and preferences. Together they explore which techniques are most helpful and adjust the plan as progress unfolds.

Online sessions offer flexibility and accessibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, allowing clients to connect from home or during busy schedules. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care, practice skills between meetings, and fit therapy into everyday life while working with licensed professionals and therapists who tailor care to individual circumstances.