Sara Mattina Psychotherapy, LCSW

Therapy was such a natural fit that I feel like I didn’t choose my career; it chose me. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been captivated by human behavior and the relationships we keep. Even something as simple as the way we greet each other piqued my curiosity. Mix in cultural norms and power dynamics and I was hooked. People are fascinating! I began studying the human experience, including the ultimate relationship: the one we have with ourselves. Since becoming a therapist, I’ve worked with patients as they explore their relationship with self and with people, places, and things.

During our first session, I strive to learn about you and your goals. We’ll discuss what brings you to therapy, any previous experiences you may have had in therapy, and what you are hoping to gain from therapy moving forward. My aim is to provide you with a safe space where you feel comfortable sharing your experiences and thoughts. I strive to be your partner and believe therapy is a collaborative, custom-made process; my approach is tailored to meet your needs and preferences. The modalities I often draw from include CBT, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness.

Mental health is as important as physical health when it comes to the overall wellness of body, mind, and soul. Mental health even impacts physical health and vice versa. If you're feeling depressed, anxious, or overwhelmed, engaging in therapy is no different than going to a medical doctor when you have an ear infection or chronic back pain. Therapy isn’t just a way to get better, it’s an investment in your current and future self. It’s an empowering process — one that is highly effective in helping you achieve your goals. You might feel anxious when starting, but don’t let a little discomfort stop you from making a big difference in your own life.

Our society has finally begun to shatter the mental health stigma; we’re demystifying it across communities more and more each day. While we still have a ways to go, people continue to emerge from the shadows, speaking openly and honestly about their mental health challenges and their experiences in therapy. There’s nothing shameful in asking for help; those who do it are strong and courageous.

Virtual therapy has opened the door and empowered clinicians to help people we previously couldn’t reach. It’s effective, safe, accessible, and convenient. My current practice is entirely virtual — you only need a comfortable place, a device with a camera, and motivation to heal. If desired, I’m happy to discuss strategies on making your space as private as possible. Communication takes place through a confidential, secure platform that you will access via a personal link. From Albany to Zena, virtual therapy allows me to help clients throughout New York. I hope that one of them is you!