212-906-4495 therapy@avenapsych.com

Meet Our Team of Psychologists & Therapists

Lauren Schutzman, PsyD

Licensed Psychologist – NY & NJ

Nicole Livingston, PhD

Clinical Psychologist – NJ

Counselor Michael Cruz, MHC-LP at Avena Psychological Services

Michael Cruz, LMHC

Licensed Mental Health Counselor – NY

Luisa Enriquez, LSW

Licensed Social Worker – NJ

Prestasia Cohen, MA, Intern at Avena Psychological Services

Dr. Ashley McCall, PsyD

Postdoctoral Psychology Resident – NY & NJ

Andrene Spencer-Lovejoy, PsyD

Postdoctoral Psychology Resident – NY

Jessica Zur-Linden, LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker & Clinical Supervisor – NY

Katalin Vinczi-Sierra, LCSW

Katalin Vinczi-Sierra, LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker – NJ

Ivelisses Cooke, LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker & Clinical Supervisor – NY & NJ

Julie Figliolia, LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker – NJ

Therapist Nada Simic

Nada Simic, LMSW

Licensed Social Worker – NY & NJ

Ariana Chotkowski, LMHC

Licensed Mental Health Counselor – NY

Prestasia Cohen, MA, Intern at Avena Psychological Services

Prestasia Cohen, MA

Marriage & Family Therapy Intern – NY

Laila Elashaal, MHC-LP

Mental Health Counselor – NY

Jolie Avena, PsyD

Owner and Clinical Director

At Avena Psychological Services, our approach to therapy is collaborative, conversational, and deeply empathetic. As a team, we work from a culturally competent and nonjudgmental perspective, meeting each client with genuine curiosity and care. While our foundation is rooted in psychodynamic theory, we thoughtfully integrate mindfulness-based practices, emotion-focused interventions, and attachment-based approaches to meet each individual’s unique needs. We believe the single most important factor in successful therapy is the relationship between therapist and client. That’s why we’re committed to building trusting, compassionate, and connected therapeutic relationships—helping our clients explore their experiences, achieve their goals, and deepen their understanding of themselves along the way.

Virtual Mental Health Therapy Tailored For Your Comfort

Online therapy at Avena Psychological Services

Video Call Therapy

Online therapy conducted via Zoom. Video meetings allow you to see your therapist from the comfort of your preferred location.

Phone therapy at Avena Psychological Services

Phone Therapy

Full service therapy conducted via a phone call. Have full conversation with your therapist without the need to be seen.

Concierge therapy at Avena Psychological Services

Concierge Therapy

Personal appointments can be tailored to special locations through a prior approved agreement with Dr. Avena.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Payment Methods Are Accepted?

We are in-network with Aetna and Blue Cross Blue Shield. We also accept out of network benefits and will submit claims for our out of network clients. We also accept self-pay and can sometimes offer reduced rates.

Our office staff are happy to do the groundwork for you, and they will verify your benefits, submit your claims, and have any reimbursements paid directly to you.

How Do I Verify My Out of Network Benefits?

Avena Psychological Services partners with Advekit to serve our clients using their out-of-network benefits. If you are interested in utilizing your out-of-network benefits for therapy services, or are unsure whether your plan includes out-of-network coverage, please use the links below to enter your insurance information into your prospective therapist’s Advekit profile.

After entering your information, Advekit will verify your benefits and will email you about your coverage. After verification, our office staff are happy to submit your insurance claims, and have any reimbursements paid directly to you.

If you decide you would prefer to be self-pay or do not have out-of-network coverage, please feel free to contact our office to discuss reduced rates!

Where Are You Located?

We conduct all therapy through digital means. Our business mailing address is:

99 Wall Street #4424
New York, NY 10005

After entering your information, Advekit will verify your benefits and will email you about your coverage. After verification, our office staff are happy to submit your insurance claims, and have any reimbursements paid directly to you.

If you decide you would prefer to be self-pay or do not have out-of-network coverage, please feel free to contact our office to discuss reduced rates!

Schedule An Appointment

Avena Psychological Services logo
Phone

212-906-4495

Email

therapy@avenapsych.com

Mailing Address

99 Wall Street #4424 New York, NY 10005