Psychotherapy for Neurodivergent Individuals & Anxiety in NYC
Evidence-based treatment for autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, anxiety, and OCD. Therapy that understands different minds.
You're tired of therapists who don't "get it." Who treat ADHD like a behavior problem. Who try to make autistic people act "normal." Who offer generic anxiety advice that doesn't work when you're neurodivergent.
We're different. We specialize in therapy for autistic individuals, people with ADHD, and anyone navigating anxiety, OCD, or life challenges—or those who simply think differently.
We use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), EMDR, and person-centered approaches tailored to how your mind actually works—in our Manhattan office, just one block from Central Park, and flexible telehealth therapy across New York State.
Who We Help
We provide therapy for:
Therapy for Autism
We provide neurodiversity-affirming therapy for autistic children, teens, and adults: • Managing anxiety and sensory overwhelm – Strategies for coping with sensory sensitivities, social anxiety, and autistic burnout • Social communication and relationship skills – Building meaningful connections while honoring your authentic self • Navigating neurotypical expectations – Balancing masking with self-preservation • Executive function and daily living skills – Organization, planning, and managing routines • Self-advocacy and identity development – Embracing your autistic identity • Autistic burnout recovery – Recognizing and recovering from prolonged stress • Family support and parent coaching – Helping families understand and support autistic loved ones We work WITH your autistic brain, not against it. Our approach honors stimming, special interests, and different communication styles while building skills for navigating a neurotypical world.
Therapy for ADHD
Practical, compassionate support for managing ADHD across the lifespan: • Executive function coaching – Organization, time management, planning, and task initiation strategies that actually work for ADHD brains • Emotional regulation – Managing frustration, impulsivity, and rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD) • Building sustainable routines – Creating systems you can actually maintain (not just "try harder") • Medication support – Behavioral strategies to complement ADHD medication • Relationships and communication – Navigating ADHD in relationships, work, and friendships • Work and school success – Strategies for productivity without burnout • Parent coaching for ADHD – Understanding your child's ADHD brain and effective behavior management ADHD brains work differently—we create strategies that fit how you actually think and operate, not forcing neurotypical approaches that don't work.
Therapy for Anxiety & OCD
ACT-based treatment for anxiety and OCD that works with your mind, not against it: • Generalized anxiety and chronic worry – Breaking the cycle of anxious thoughts • Social anxiety – Navigating social situations with more ease • Panic attacks – Understanding and managing panic • OCD and intrusive thoughts – Reducing compulsions and finding peace • Anxiety in autism and ADHD – Addressing anxiety that's rooted in neurodivergent experiences • Perfectionism and control – Letting go of rigid expectations • Health anxiety – Managing health-related worries We use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which helps you change your relationship with anxiety rather than trying to eliminate it—especially effective for neurodivergent individuals.
LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapy
Knowledgeable, affirming support for LGBTQ+ individuals navigating neurodivergence: • Intersection of neurodivergence and LGBTQ+ identity – Many autistic and ADHD individuals are also LGBTQ+. We understand both identities and how they intersect. • Coming out and identity development – Exploring and affirming your authentic self • Gender dysphoria and autism – Navigating the overlap between gender identity and neurodivergence • Family and relationship challenges – Building understanding and acceptance • Minority stress and discrimination – Coping with societal pressures and invalidation • Finding community and belonging – Connecting with others who share your experiences We create a space where all parts of your identity are welcomed and honored.
Parent Support & Family Therapy
Support for parents raising neurodivergent children: • Understanding your child's autism, ADHD, or learning disability – Insight into how your child's brain works • Behavior management strategies that actually work – Moving beyond punishment to understanding and support • Managing stress, burnout, and overwhelm – Taking care of yourself while parenting • Advocating for your child in schools – IEP support and navigating NYC special education • Sibling support – Helping siblings understand and thrive • Couples therapy – When parenting challenges strain relationships • Your own mental health and self-care – You can't pour from an empty cup Parenting a neurodivergent child is uniquely challenging. We help you understand your child, develop effective strategies, and take care of yourself.
Trauma, Grief & Life Transitions
Support through difficult experiences using trauma-informed approaches: • EMDR for trauma processing – Evidence-based treatment for traumatic memories • Medical trauma – Especially common for autistic individuals who've had negative medical experiences • Grief and loss – Processing death, relationship endings, or other significant losses • Life transitions – School changes, job loss, moving, diagnosis in adulthood • Bullying and social trauma – Healing from social rejection and isolation (common in neurodivergent individuals) • Identity shifts – Adjusting to new diagnoses or life circumstances We use EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and other trauma-informed approaches adapted for neurodivergent experiences.
Our Therapeutic Approaches
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) - Our Primary Approach​
ACT helps you:
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Accept difficult emotions rather than fighting them
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Defuse from unhelpful thoughts
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Be present in the moment
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Clarify your values
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Take committed action toward what matters​
Why ACT works especially well for neurodivergent individuals:
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✓ Doesn't pathologize different ways of thinking
✓ Focuses on psychological flexibility, not rigid rules
✓ Honors your values and identity
✓ Works WITH your brain, not against it
✓ Extensive research support for anxiety, OCD, ADHD, and autism
Person-Centered & Integrative
We tailor therapy to your unique needs, integrating:
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Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques
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Mindfulness and present-moment awareness
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Strengths-based approaches
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Relational and attachment-informed therapy
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Behavioral strategies for ADHD and autism
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Every person is different—we adapt our approach to what works for YOU.
Clinical Hypnotherapy
For some clients, clinical hypnotherapy is integrated into treatment for anxiety, stress management, pain, or habit change. Hypnotheray uses guided relaxation and therapeutic suggestions to help you access calm states and reframe unhelpful patterns.
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Particularly helpful for:
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Medical anxiety (especially for neurodivergent individuals)
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Chronic pain or stress-related physical symptoms
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Sleep difficulties
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Habit change (nail biting, skin picking)
What Happens in Therapy?
Initial Session
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Discuss what brings you to therapy
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Understand your goals and challenges
​Ongoing Therapy Sessions (45 - 60 minutes)
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Weekly or biweekly sessions (based on your needs)
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Building practical skills and strategies for anxiety, ADHD, autism, and more
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Family involvement and parent coaching when needed
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Flexible approach that adapts to your needs and preferences
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Regular check-ins on progress toward goals
Length of Treatment: Varies based on goals and needs. Some clients work with us for a few months, others longer. You're in control of your treatment timeline.
Therapy in Nature: Walk and Talk Sessions
For clients who prefer a more natural and movement-based experience, we offer walk and talk therapy sessions in Central Park. These sessions combine the benefits of psychotherapy with the grounding effects of being outdoors, helping you connect with your thoughts, emotions, and values in a relaxed, open environment.
Walking side by side can make it easier to process difficult topics, reduce anxiety, and promote mindfulness and emotional balance. It's a great option for clients who find traditional office settings too confining or who simply enjoy being active and outdoors.
​Details
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Location: Our office is one block from Central Park, making outdoor therapy convenient and accessible.
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Availability: Walk and talk sessions are available seasonally and weather permitting.
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Who it's for: Particularly helpful for anxiety, ADHD (movement helps focus), and anyone who prefers a less formal setting
Our Team
Dr. Harry Voulgarakis provides individual therapy on a limited basis, specializing in autism, ADHD, anxiety, chronic illness, and LGBTQ+ concerns. He uses ACT, CBT, and applied behavioral approaches tailored to neurodivergent individuals.
Dr. Cheryl Giacomelli specializes in supporting parents of neurodivergent children and families navigating autism, ADHD, and learning differences. She also provides counseling for individuals and couples experiencing infertility and reproductive challenges.
Why Choose HMV Psychology for Therapy
Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach
We don't try to make you "normal." We honor autistic and ADHD identities while building skills for navigating the world.
Deep Understanding of Neurodevelopmental Conditions
Not general mental health therapists who happen to see autism/ADHD clients—this is our specialization.
Evaluation + Therapy Integration
If you were evaluated with us, therapy builds directly on those results. Seamless continuity of care.
Evidence-Based but Flexible
We use proven approaches (ACT, EMDR, CBT) but adapt them to how your brain actually works.
LGBTQ+ Affirming and Knowledgeable
We understand intersecting identities and minority stress.
Convenient Location Near Central Park
One block from Central Park with the option for walk and talk therapy
Flexible Options
In-person, telehealth, or outdoor sessions—choose what works for you
Expertise Bridging Clinical and Neuropsychological Perspectives
Unique combination of clinical psychology and behavioral analysis background
Common Questions
Do I need an evaluation before starting therapy? No! You can start therapy without evaluation. Evaluation is helpful if diagnosis or school documentation is needed, but not required for therapy.
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Is telehealth as effective as in-person? Research shows telehealth is equally effective for most therapy. Many neurodivergent individuals prefer it (no sensory overwhelm of commute, familiar environment, easier to focus).
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What if I've tried therapy before and it didn't help? Many neurodivergent individuals have had negative therapy experiences with therapists who didn't understand autism or ADHD. We're different—our specialization makes all the difference.
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Is walk and talk therapy right for me? Walk and talk can be especially helpful for anxiety, ADHD (movement aids focus), and anyone who finds traditional office settings too confining. We can discuss whether it's a good fit during your initial consultation.