Mental health Counseling
347-421-8024
Info@alifatherapy.com
About us
Our psychotherapy practice offers compassionate mental health care, focusing on individual experiences and the broader societal influences that shape them. We emphasize a therapeutic alliance to help clients learn from past experiences, gain awareness of the present, and foster a safer future. Specializing in anxiety, relationship issues, and depression, we offer individual, couples, family, and group counseling, adapting our approach to meet each client’s unique needs. We believe healing begins with being heard and accepted in a non-reciprocal, nurturing space. Our therapists provide support against the overwhelming cacophony of urban life and personal challenges, helping clients navigate their mental health journey.
At our psychotherapy practice, we understand that everyone’s path is filled with unique challenges. Life can sometimes feel overwhelming, and its impact profound on how we view ourselves and interact with others. Our approach is rooted in empathy and respect for your individual journey, whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, or relationship issues. We believe that healing starts with feeling heard and accepted. Our therapists are here to support you, providing a safe and nurturing space where you can express yourself without judgment. We aim to help you learn from the past, become more aware of the present, and build a positive future. Our services cater to individuals, couples, families, and groups, ensuring that everyone can find the support they need. With flexible payment options and acceptance of various insurance plans, we strive to make our services accessible to all.
Areas of Services
Specialties
Anxiety
.
Relationship Issues
.
depression
.
Individual Counseling
Couples
Counseling
Group
Counseling
Types of Therapy
Our Therapist
Omar Kazi, M.A, M.Ed, LMHC
- actively seeking client
(917) 528-5030
omar922@gmail.com
Language: English and Bangla
Omar Kazi, our senior-most psychologist, is an experienced Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a Master’s in Counseling Psychology from Columbia University. Boasting 20 years of specialized expertise in assisting immigrant populations through the challenges of acculturation and racial trauma, he has made notable contributions to mental health and community welfare. An immigrant from Bangladesh and a former Peace Corps Volunteer in Ukraine, Mr. Kazi presently serves as the program director at TCCNY’s Jamaica Family Wellness Center, where his focus lies in bolstering underserved communities.
Alif Ahmed, M.S, LCSW
- actively seeking client
(347)-421-8024
info@alifatherapy.com
Language: English, Bangla, Hindi-Urdu and American Sign Language
Alif is a legal and social policy scholar focused on supporting unauthorized immigrants, refugees, and asylees. With a Master’s in Social Work from Columbia University and currently a PhD student at NYU, his work bridges health and immigration policy. He is a member of the Society for Asylum Medicine and conducts immigration psychological evaluations. Alif provides psychotherapy to individuals facing immigration challenges and advocates for improved access to mental health services, using his expertise to drive policy changes benefiting New York’s immigrant community.
Taslima Choudhy, LMHC
- Not actively seeking client
(917) 579-0359
talkingwithtas@gmail.com
Language: English, Bangla, Hindi-Urdu
Taslima is a South Asian therapist who stands out as an expert in child and adolescent psychotherapy, with a strong focus on relational dynamics, couple’s therapy, and multi-generational trauma. Her unique educational background combines clinical proficiency with a policy perspective, granting her insightful knowledge into how multiple systemic factors interlink to continue the cycle of trauma and mental disorders. In her practice, Taslima places great importance on the personal narratives of her young clients and the systems they are part of, fully recognizing the substantial impact these have on the mental health of children and adolescents.
Sonia Lasmin, MA. MHC-LP
- actively seeking client
(201) 468-0335
sonialasmin@gmail.com
Language: English, Bangla and Hindi-Urdu
Sonia Lasmin, the newest member of our psychotherapy team, brings rich life experience to her role. As a mother, she deeply understands the complexities of parenting, which enhances her ability to address family and developmental challenges. Sonia’s empathetic, non-judgmental approach creates a nurturing space where clients feel secure. She applies evidence-based, culturally sensitive methods and is skilled in individual and group therapy, particularly for mental illness and substance abuse. Fluent in English, Bangla, and Hindi, Sonia connects with diverse clients, offering both professional expertise and real-world empathy.
Ellen Chen, LMSW
- actively seeking client
(973) 544-8499
talkwithellenchen@gmail.com
Language: English and Mandarin
I moved to New York City from Shanghai in 2016, so I understand the challenges of adjusting to a new city and culture. Growing up in China gives me insight into how culture impacts my clients’ mental health. I see struggles as knots, and my job is to help untie them. My approach to therapy is warm, empathetic, and genuine. I work with young adults, specializing in issues like perfectionism, identity, self-esteem, anxiety, and relationships. I offer therapy in both English and Mandarin.
Ryan Hill, MDiv
- actively seeking client
(646) 883-8472
talkwithryanh@gmail.com
Language: English
Ryan Hill, a healing circle facilitator, creates safe spaces for personal growth. With a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary, he blends theology, spirituality, and mindfulness meditation in his wellness practices. Passionate about social justice, Ryan advocates for marginalized communities, including LGBTQIA individuals, striving to dismantle systemic barriers. He believes in the dignity of every person and is dedicated to fostering healing, liberation, and love for all, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status.
Taspia Karim, BA
- actively seeking client
(225) 323-8406 movementwithtaspia@gmail.com
Language: English and Bangla
Taspia Karim, also known as Tia, is a visionary movement artist and artistic director known for her innovative approach to healing through movement. With a Bachelor’s in Architecture from Louisiana State University, she blends design with the fluidity of dance to address societal issues. Starting as a contemporary dancer and expanding to Hip-Hop and Afro styles, Tia’s journey showcases her transformative power. Her commitment to self-awareness and personal growth drives her to create healing experiences for herself and those she guides.
Sha-King Graham, MSW
- actively seeking client
(347) 362-0459
shagraham81@gmail.com
Language: English
Sha-King Graham is a dedicated professional with a strong background in community organization and human services. Starting as a community organizer, he advocated for social justice and connected first-time felons to essential resources. Over the past decade, Sha-King has excelled as a care coordinator and case manager supervisor. Currently, under the Ryan White Short-term Housing contract, he prepares clients for independent living, ensuring they have the necessary tools for successful transitions. He is pursuing a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree, expected to graduate in Spring 2025, highlighting his commitment to making a positive impact.
Q Hailey, LMSW
- actively seeking client
917-780-2891
talkwithqh@gmail.com
Language: English
I’m Q Hailey, an experienced psychotherapist and hospital chaplain focused on supporting LGBTQ individuals navigating mental health, trauma, and religious trauma. With over 15 years in mental health and hospital settings, I’ve gained insight into the unique challenges faced by this community, including elders and those impacted by sudden trauma. My trauma-informed approach emphasizes building trust and connection, creating a safe space for clients to explore their experiences without judgment. Whether dealing with anxiety, depression, or identity issues, I’m here to support your journey toward healing and self-discovery.
Manashi Hazra, MSW
- actively seeking client
646-535-5147
talkwithmanashihazra@gmail.com
Language: English,Bangla
Manashi Hazra is a mental health professional with deep cultural insight, having moved from Bangladesh to NYC in 2010. She earned her Master of Social Work from the Silberman School of Social Work and is known for her empathetic, client-centered approach. Manashi emphasizes culturally competent care and emotional intelligence, helping clients navigate complex circumstances with resilience. She creates a safe space for exploration and expression, specializing in work-life balance, relationship issues, client resistance, conflict resolution, and crisis intervention. Manashi believes that embracing new experiences fosters personal growth and better choices for the future.
Onleilove Chika Alston, MDiv, MSW
- actively seeking client
(201) 616-0538
talkwithOnleilove@gmail.com
Language: English
Onleilove Chika Alston, MDiv, MSW, combines over 17 years of nonprofit leadership with community organizing in NYC, DC, Baltimore, and West Africa. Currently the Social Worker for Neighborhood Initiative’s Family Support Network, she also teaches at Columbia School of Social Work. Pursuing a Doctor of Ministry at Virginia Union University, her book “Prophetic Whirlwind” explores communal healing and justice. She specializes in healing from trauma, particularly for women and African immigrants. Born in East New York, Brooklyn, Onleilove is dedicated to faith-based advocacy and intersectional equity.
Priya Doshi, LMSW
- actively seeking client
347-468-2825
talkwithdoshi@gmail.com
Language: English, Hindi-Urdu and Gujrati
Asking for help can be challenging, but change begins with you—a desire for more, starting with psychotherapy. With 10 years of experience, I support adults and the elderly, including those transitioning from nursing homes to community living. I offer emotional support and resources for readjustment. My services include care coordination and supportive psychotherapy for PTSD, anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, family conflict, grief, and LGBTQ issues. I specialize in clients with medical diagnoses, aging, caretakers, and those navigating life transitions, particularly within the South Asian experience.
Aneesha Behl, LCSW, Pro-bono
- actively seeking client
845-481-0020
talkwithaneesha@gmail.com
Language: English, Hindi-Urdu and Punjabi
Aneesha is a trauma-informed South Asian clinician with a strong academic background, fluent in English, Hindi, and Urdu. She integrates psychodynamic, mindfulness, CBT, and DBT approaches, considering cultural nuances in her practice. With extensive experience supporting survivors of intimate partner violence and disenfranchised communities, including South Asian and BIPOC immigrants, she helps clients address unresolved feelings and hindering behaviors. Aneesha treats anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, OCD, and relationship issues, providing compassion, structure, and balance throughout therapy.
Insurance & Payment
Cash Payments
Our payment structure operates on a sliding scale to ensure affordability based on annual income.
For those earning under $45,000 a year, the minimum payment is $90.
At the higher end, individuals with an income of $100,000 a year are expected to pay $220.
For someone in the middle, such as with an annual income of $75,000, the estimated payment would be appropriately adjusted within this scale to reflect their income level, ensuring fairness and accessibility for all our clients.
Insurance
Medicaid
- Healthfirst
- MetroPlus
- Fidelis
Commercial
- United Health Care,
- Optum
- GEHA
- Oscar
- Harvard Pilgrim
- Oxford
- UMR
- UHC Golden Rule
- All Savers, Health Plan Inc. (Harvard Pilgrim)
- Cigna
- Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
- Aetna
- Anthem
group therapy schedule
Time
Tuesday
Saturday
SUnday
1-2 pm
Saturday( Jackson Heights)
X
Survivors Women's Group
(Jackson Heights)
X
2-3 pm
Saturday( Jackson Heights)
X
Parenting Skills Women's Group
(Jackson Heights)
X
3-4 pm
Saturday( Jackson Heights)
X
Batterers Women's Group
(Jackson Heights)
X
6-7 pm
men’s support group
X
women’s support group
7-8 pm
Survivors Women's Group
X
women’s movement therapy group
* Jackson Heights Office: 37-07 74th Street, Suite 8, Jackson Heights, NY 11372
* Manhattan Office: 315 5th Ave office Manhattan
Office Locations
Manhattan (Midtown): 315 Fifth Avenue, Room 701, New York, NY 10016
Queens (Jackson Heights): 37-07 74th Street, Suite 8, Jackson Heights, NY 11372
Bronx (Castle Hill): 920 Castle Hill Avenue, Bronx, NY 10472
Our Partners
Linking Diet, Obesity, and Mental Health
Diet and obesity can influence mood either directly or through stress-related mental disorders, which may alter eating habits and affect weight, while common factors like stress or predisposition can contribute to both obesity and mental disorders such as depression and PTSD.
Psychiatric Services
Munibur Rahman, MD
Phone: 917-402-6342
Jackson Heights:
37-28 77th St, Jackson Heights, NY 11372. Wednesday: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Jamaica:
170-12 Highland Ave, Jamaica, NY 11432. Sunday: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Referrals
Sexual Assault Support
855-234-1042
Queens Family Justice Center
718-575-4545
Domestic Violence Victim Advocate
718-533-2034, 718-626-2007
Manhattan Restitution
212-577-1268
The National Suicide Prevention
1-800-273-8255
NYC WELL
1-888-NYC-WELL
Resource Guides
Membership
