Meet Our Team of Psychologists & Therapists

Lauren Schutzman, PsyD
Licensed Psychologist – NY & NJ

Nicole Livingston, PhD
Clinical Psychologist – NJ

Michael Cruz, LMHC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor – NY

Luisa Enriquez, LSW
Licensed Social Worker – NJ

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
Licensed Clinical Social Worker – NJ

Ivelisses Cooke, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker & Clinical Supervisor – NY & NJ

Julie Figliolia, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker – NJ

Nada Simic, LMSW
Licensed Social Worker – NY & NJ

Ariana Chotkowski, LMHC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor – NY

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

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

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





Phone
212-906-4495
therapy@avenapsych.com
Mailing Address
99 Wall Street #4424 New York, NY 10005