Specialists in CBT & Exposure Therapy for Anxiety, OCD, Phobias, & More
Serving NY State In-Person & Virtually
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Our Approach to Therapy
We are a team of clinical psychologists and social workers that provide affirmative therapy for all individuals. We focus on creating safe spaces to facilitate healing while encouraging our clients to take committed action towards the lives they crave.
Our approach to therapy is grounded in evidence-based practices like exposure therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). These approaches have a profound impact on individuals navigating anxiety, OCD, panic attacks, phobias and more. Using measurement based care and tailored assessments, our therapy approach captures not only the ways in which you feel better, but objective data about how your symptoms are improving in response to treatment.
Our Specializations
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
We specialize in treating Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders (OCD) using evidence-based methods to help you regain control of your life. Our approach centers on Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP/ExRP), a gold-standard therapy that gradually exposes you to feared thoughts and situations while teaching you healthier ways to respond. Backed by extensive research, our treatments are designed to reduce compulsions and anxiety, empowering you with practical tools to manage OCD effectively. If you're ready to take the first step toward lasting relief, we invite you to book a free consultation and explore how our expert team can support your journey to wellness.
Anxiety
Our team of experts specialize in helping individuals overcome anxiety and stress with science-backed treatments that provide real, lasting relief. We use proven approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) alongside Exposure Therapy to help you create a hierarchy of difficult challenges in your real world to help you show up differently to those challenges. This results in increased confidence in yourself and skills that last outside of your therapy sessions. Whether you're struggling with social anxiety, panic attacks, or generalized anxiety disorder, we provide personalized care to support your unique needs. Take the first step toward a calmer, more balanced life—book a free consultation today and start your journey to greater peace of mind.
Phobias
At Aspire Psychotherapy, we specialize in treating phobias using exposure therapy designed to help you overcome fear and regain control. Using our evidence-based approach, we provide a proven method that gradually and safely desensitizes you to your specific fear, we help you build confidence and reduce anxiety in a supportive environment. Our expert team tailors your exposure treatment to help you get your life back from your phobias. Our goal is to empower you with practical tools to manage and overcome your phobias, allowing you to reclaim your personal and professional life. Take the first step toward freedom from fear—book a free consultation today and start your journey to lasting relief.
Our Team of Experts
Dr. Anya Scolaro, Psy.D., LCSW, BCN
Dr. Anya Scolaro, Psy.D., LCSW, BCN (she/her), is a licensed clinical psychologist with expertise in a wide variety of presenting issues such as mood and anxiety disorders, serious mental illness, and family/relational problems. Dr. Scolaro has rigorous training in providing affirmative LGBTQ+ therapy and evidence-based treatments for OCD, Body Focused Repetitive disorders, phobias, ADHD and behavioral issues in children and adolescents with a focus in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), biofeedback, and behavioral interventions.
Her commitment involves helping individuals envision a version of a happier, more fulfilling life. With a hands-on approach, she collaborates with clients to identify practical ways to navigate challenges and work towards their desired state of well-being.
Brie Scolaro, LCSW, SIFI
Brie Scolaro, LCSW, SIFI (they/their), is a queer licensed clinical social worker and performance coach that helps folx navigate anxiety, depression, and stress in one or more areas of life. Their style is a blend of a direct, structured approach and a supportive place for processing thoughts and feelings, drawing primarily from behavioral approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with or without exposure. In addition to talk therapy and coaching, Brie is certified in Heartmath Biofeedback and often uses technology to support athletes, students, creatives and professionals excel in their field.
Paula Carrizosa, LMSW, LSW
Paula Carrizosa, LMSW, LSW (she/her), is a queer licensed social worker and psychotherapist who focuses on treating anxiety disorders, depression, emotion dysregulation and trauma. Paula draws from evidence-based behavioral approaches like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure Therapy, and Prolonged Exposure (PE) and often incorporates somatic and mindfulness practices into sessions. Paula is also fluent in English and Spanish.
Ready to move forward and make a change?
Book a free consultation to get matched with the right therapist for you and learn more about how we can help.
Connect with a Therapist at Aspire Psychotherapy
Whether you're looking for concrete tools to manage anxiety, OCD, phobias, or something else, working with a therapist at Aspire Psychotherapy can help.
Fill out the form below and we will reach out with your therapist match. We hope to speak with you soon!
What Our Clients Have to Say
“After suffering my whole life and then having what I’d constitute as a mental breakdown, I’m living generally an anxiety free life without using medication.”
“I was having anxiety, panic attacks and insomnia last year and started seeking help. I am now a much more balanced, mindful and calm person who feels empowered with an armada of useful strategies and techniques to manage and regulate stressful situations in my life.”
“Dr. Scolaro is an incredibly gifted therapist who has helped me learn and practice vital CBT skills that have changed my life”
Frequently Asked Questions
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We all have times when anxiety, stress and depression take over our life. Relationships, family or work just feel harder to deal with, if not impossible. That's where therapy can help. Connect with an affirmative therapist at Aspire Psychotherapy to start thriving, not just surviving.
Whether you're looking for tangible tools to manage anxiety, or a safe space to vent about your dating life or work stress, therapy can help you take back control of your life.
We meet our clients where they are at and honor their stories and unique experiences. If you're not sure how to begin, the first step is starting the conversation and trusting that together, we will find the right path for you.
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Dr. Anya Scolaro, Psy.D. and Brie Scolaro, LCSW started Aspire Psychotherapy to provide the high quality, effective and compassionate mental health care they felt was missing in the therapy space. They believed in creating a space that was welcoming and affirming towards all humans, but that equally prioritized expert care and research backed solutions. From providing clear information online to being responsive to our clients, clinicians at Aspire Psychotherapy center their patients in their care. Aspire Psychotherapy is a therapy practice built from love, collaboration and a dedication to facilitate healing, and it is this foundation from which we look forward to helping you reach your goals.
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Our practices focuses on understanding your therapy goals and pairing you with a provider with the expertise to get you there. All new patients first meet with one of our Directors, Dr. Anya Scolaro, Psy.D or Brie Scolaro, LCSW, for a 30-minute Intake Appointment. During this appointment, we will evaluate your history, current symptoms and goals, and treatment preferences, in order to match you with an expert clinician on our Aspire Psychotherapy team. From there, you will meet with your individual or partners therapist on a weekly basis for 45 minute sessions.
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Our prices are comparable to other clinical psychologists and therapists in New York. The cost per session varies based on the level of the provider you choose to work with, such as with a Senior Staff Member, an Associate Staff Member or a Student/Intern. Please email us or book a 15-Minute Consultation to speak more about pricing!
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At this time, we do not accept insurance. You may be eligible for out of network benefits from your insurance plan, which can cover anywhere from 50-80% of total costs! If so, we can send you a superbill that you can submit to your insurance provider for potential reimbursement. You will be responsible for the full session cost at the time of your appointment, and will receive any reimbursement from your insurance company directly.
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We can work with anyone within New York State and in New Jersey.
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Currently, we are 75% telehealth (video / phone) and have limited spaces for in-person in both our Manhattan (UES) and Upstate NY locations. Our Upstate NY office is located in Stone Ridge, NY.