Mental health Counseling

347-421-8024 | Info@alifatherapy.com

Our approach

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

.

Treatment Approach

Types of Therapy

Individual Counseling

Couples
Counseling

Family
Counseling

Group
Counseling

Office Locations

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 Therapist

meet our team

Omar Kazi, M.A, M.Ed, LMHC

(917) 528-5030 

omar922@gmail.com 
Language: Bangla, Hindi-Urdu

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

(347)-421-8024

info@alifatherapy.com
Language: Bangla, English, Hindi-Urdu and American Sign Language

Alif is a legal and social policy scholar dedicated to supporting unauthorized immigrants, refugees, and asylees. With a Master’s in Social Work from Columbia University and engaged in PhD studies at NYU, his work critically examines the nexus of health and immigration policies. As an active member of the Society for Asylum Medicine and a practitioner involved in immigration psychological evaluations, Alif employs evidence-based strategies to foster health equity. His clinical practice includes providing psychotherapy to individuals grappling with immigration issues, while his policy work aims to improve access to mental health services. This blend of academic rigor and practical application highlights Alif’s commitment to advocating for policy changes that benefit New York’s diverse immigrant community, positioning him as a key figure in both legal and social spheres.

Taslima Choudhy, LMHC

(917) 579-0359

talkingwithtas@gmail.com 
Language: 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.

Shifti Kamal, LMSW

(646) 504-4138

shifti.kamal20@gmail.com 
Language: Bangla, Hindi-Urdu

Shifti is an exceptional South Asian therapist, renowned for her unparalleled expertise in connecting the individual and systemic aspects of care, positioning her as the premier organizational link within her team. With a Master of Social Work from Columbia University, she possesses a unique blend of clinical wisdom and policy knowledge. This rich educational foundation equips her to adeptly navigate the intricate relationship between personal experiences and broader systemic influences, which are crucial in the perpetuation of trauma and mental health disorders. In her practice, Shifti expertly merges individual narratives with wider societal frameworks, making her an invaluable member of her team and a vital support to her clients for her insightful understanding of the profound connections that affect mental well-being.

Sonia Lasmin, MA. MHC-LP

(201) 468-0335

sonialasmin@gmail.com 
Language: Bangla, Hindi-Urdu

Sonia Lasmin, though the newest member of our psychotherapy team, brings a depth of life experience that enriches her professional role. As a mother, she possesses a profound understanding of the complexities and demands of parenting, an insight that proves invaluable when addressing familial and developmental challenges within her practice. Sonia’s empathetic and trust-based approach creates a therapeutic space that is both nurturing and non-judgmental, allowing clients to feel secure and understood. Her application of evidence-based and culturally sensitive methodologies ensures that each client’s unique situation is addressed with care and competence. Sonia’s background in individual and group therapy, especially in tackling mental illness and substance abuse, is further bolstered by her linguistic skills in English, Bangla, and Hindi, facilitating a deeper connection with a diverse clientele. Her dual role as a mother and therapist endows her with a special empathy and real-world perspective that is a significant asset to both her clients and the team.

Joy Liu, LMSW

(917) 828-6494

joymerryliu@gmail.com 
Language: Mandarin, English

Joy is a practitioner whose dedication to mental health care is rooted in a deep-seated passion for holistic and creative therapeutic practices. Her approach is not only industrious but also imbued with humility, always placing the needs and goals of her clients at the forefront. She specializes in working with a diverse age range, from youth to elders, and those dealing with anxiety, depression, and transitional life phases. Joy employs a strength-based and culturally sensitive methodology, frequently integrating arts-based modalities to address traumas, gain insights, and reinforce identities. With her unwavering commitment to her clients’ well-being, Joy works collaboratively to discover solutions, develop new skills, and highlight personal strengths, all while drawing from community and cultural resources. This combination of dedication and innovative care truly makes her one of the most hardworking therapists in the field.

Ryan Hill, MDiv

(646) 883-8472

talkwithryanh@gmail.com
Language: English

Ryan Hill, a healing circle facilitator, creates safe spaces for personal exploration and growth. With a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary, he blends theology, spirituality, and non-western modalities like mindfulness meditation. Ryan integrates spirituality and personal philosophies in wellness practices. Passionate about social justice, he advocates for marginalized communities, including LGBTQIA individuals, striving to dismantle systemic barriers and create inclusive environments. Ryan believes in the dignity and worth of every person and is dedicated to fostering healing, liberation, and love for all, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status.

Ellen Chen, LMSW

(201) 468-0335

Talkwithellenchen@gmail.com

Language: English, Mandarin

I moved to New York City from Shanghai in 2016. I understand the experiences of adjusting to a new city, country, and culture. I also understand the challenges of being an international student, working professional, and most importantly an individual. Being raised in China, I have a clear understanding of how culture plays a role in my client’s mental health struggles. I believe those struggles that prevent them from advancing smoothly in life, are like knots in a string. My job is to help them untie that knot. My approach to therapy is warm, empathetic, genuine, and authentic. I enjoy working with high-functioning young adults and adults. I specialize in issues surrounding perfectionism, identity, guilt, relationship, friendship, family, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and adjustment issues. I can offer therapy in both English and Mandarin.

Taspia Karim, BA

(225) 323-8406 movementwithtaspia@gmail.com

Language: English and Bangla

Taspia Karim, also known as Tia, is a visionary movement artist and artistic director, renowned for her innovative approach to creative healing through movement. Armed with a Bachelor’s in Architecture from Louisiana State University, she seamlessly integrates her design expertise with the fluidity of dance, constantly pushing boundaries to address contemporary societal issues. From her origins as a contemporary dancer to embracing diverse styles like Hip-Hop and Afro, Tia’s journey is a testament to her transformative power. With an unwavering commitment to personal growth, she champions the path of self-awareness and truth, catalyzing profound healing experiences for herself and those she guides.

Insurance & Payment

Out-of-Pocket

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 (Bronx)

Saturday( Jackson Heights)

1-2 pm

Saturday( Jackson Heights)

Survivors Women's Group

2-3 pm

Saturday( Jackson Heights)

Parenting Skills Women's Group

3-4 pm

Saturday( Jackson Heights)

Batterers Women's Group

4-5 pm

Survivors Women's Group

Tuesday (Bronx)

5-6 pm

Batterers Women's Group

Tuesday (Bronx)

* Jackson Heights Office: 37-07 74th Street, Suite 8, Jackson Heights, NY 11372
* Bronx Office: 920 Castle Hill Avenue, Bronx, NY 10472

Forms

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