Pamela Petkanas Psychotherapy, LCSW

Not Taking New Clients

Pamela Petkanas is a psychotherapist who works with individuals, youth, families, and couples treating depression/anxiety, insomnia, relationship and family issues, ADHD, and trauma. Her approach is creative, incorporating different types of therapies to suit a client’s unique needs. Pam’s goal is to collaborate with clients to develop their innate abilities to meet challenges.

Specialties

Anxiety and Panic Disorders
Depression
Marriage and Partnerships
ADD/ADHD
Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Pay with insurance

UnitedHealthcare
Oxford Health Plans
Cigna
Aetna
Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield
including BlueCard Network access

Have coverage through another Blue Cross Blue Shield plan? You may be eligible to see this provider if you have BlueCard Network access. Check if this applies to your plan
UMR
Oscar
UHC Student Resources
Harvard Pilgrim

Pay with a program

Optum Live & Work Well (EAP)

Pay out-of-pocket

$ $ $ $ $

>$260
Sliding scale

A sliding scale is a range of out of pocket fees that providers accept based on financial need.

Locations

Offers virtual sessions

Licensed in

New York

“I want to create dynamic, validating, and collaborative spaces so clients feel both safe and excited to chart a new course together.”

What was your path to becoming a therapist?

My first career was in visual arts as an editorial illustrator in NYC. I have always been interested in social justice issues that have affected people’s stories of origin and how various systems have intersected with families and individuals throughout their lives. I chose to pursue a master’s in social work with a specialization in families and children from Fordham University and now have 14 years of clinical experience as a dialectical behavior therapist on an adolescent inpatient unit, a family mental health clinic, and in private practice. Additional training in internal family systems, the polyvagal theory, and accelerated resolution therapy (ART) for trauma reprocessing has given me many of the creative tools I use to maintain momentum during the therapeutic experience.

What should someone know about working with you?

When meeting a new client, I want to understand what called them to take action at this particular moment in time. Where are they now? Where have they been? Where do they want to go? Asking for help can be hard and it’s a privilege to bear witness to that process. I want to create dynamic, validating, and collaborative spaces so clients feel both safe and excited to chart a new course together. Our lives are intersected by many different systems that can cause pain and pressure or bring insight and clarity. I work with clients to develop their internal positive resources and to create deliberate new practices to move through those pressure points. Using a variety of therapeutic tools and the latest research on the brain, I help clients to tune into body sensations and explore ways to self-soothe while showing them how to use the power of validation and self-compassion to heal emotional pain.

What are you most excited about within the evolving mental health landscape?

I am very excited to see the mental health field evolve with technology into widespread use of an online format for therapy. It makes clinical treatment accessible to a wider audience with more privacy, convenience, and opportunities for participation. Helping people access mental health treatment in a safe and environmentally friendly way improves options and further destigmatizes therapy. I am excited to be able to serve clients from all over New York state.

“Using a variety of therapeutic tools and the latest research on the brain, I help clients to tune into body sensations and explore ways to self-soothe while showing them how to use the power of validation and self-compassion to heal emotional pain.”