Arlene (Ari) Lev LCSW-R, CASAC, CSTS is a social worker, family therapist, educator, and activist with over 30 years experience. She is the Founder and Clinical Director of Choices Counseling and Consulting (www.choicesconsulting.com) and TIGRIS: The Training Institute for Gender, Relationships, Identity, and Sexuality (www.tigrisinstitute.com) in Albany, NY. Ms. Lev offers supervision, consultation, and mentorship for social workers, and other mental health providers. She is an approved Mentor with the GEI (Global Education Initiative) seeking WPATH Certification, a Certified Sex Therapy Supervisor through ASSECT, and an approved AAMFT Supervisor. Ms. Lev is a lecturer at the University at Albany, School of Social Welfare and has taught at Smith College, Empire College, and the Union Institute and University. She is the Founder and Board President for Rainbow Access Initiative, Inc., providing low-cost therapy to LGBTQ individuals. She served as a committee member of for WPATH’s 7th revision the Standards of Care which has revolutionized the medical and mental health treatment of transgender people worldwide. She has a certificate in Grief Counseling. She has published three books: The Complete Lesbian and Gay Parenting Guide, Transgender Emergence: Therapeutic Guidelines for Working with Gender-Variant People and their Families, and Families in Transition: Parent Perspectives on Raising Gender Diverse Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults (with Andrew Gottlieb).
10 Colvin Ave Suite 102 Albany, New York 12206
My name is Lindsay Fernandez and I am both a Bereavement Counselor & Grief Educator, who is passionate about Mental Health and changing the way we as a society look at grief. Professionally, I have 7+ years of experience providing 1:1 and group supportive counseling services to individuals affected by Dementia-related illnesses, Cancer, Parkinson’s disease, & COVID-19. My work focuses on providing individuals with psychoeduation, support, validation, and a community, which has allowed them to gain insight and a deeper understanding of their experiences. This understanding has allowed them to develop effective coping skills but also to feel more hopeful about life and the future. As a Bereavement Counselor, Certified Grief Educator, & Certified Grief Movement Guide, my mission is to help empower grievers to learn how to own and understand their grief experience, as well as understand the different ways they can navigate through difficult experiences and intense emotions. In January 2023, I will be launching a 12-week online group program that will consist of three elements: Grief Education, Supportive Counseling, and Learning to Move Grief through the Body. The purpose of the program is to help grievers understand the different areas that grief can impact and provide them with the tools and resources that can help them navigate through it with less judgment and more compassion, patience, and understanding.
58 Union Avenue Rutherford, New Jersey 07070
We’re always looking for experienced providers for this state. To submit your practice, visit:
New York City
212-289-8570
Rochester
The Grief & Trauma Recovery Centre Home
585-735-4785
Staten Island
347-850-2322
Carson’s Village has collected this list of counselors to make it easier for you to find a grief and bereavement specialist. However, the information about the counselor’s skill and practice areas has been provided by the counselor themselves (or their practice group), therefore, we cannot guarantee the counselors on this list are right for you or your specific needs. We recommend that you schedule a consultation with two to three different counselors. Most will meet with you for a brief consultation free of charge. It is important that you feel comfortable with your counselor, so make sure that you find someone who is polite, accommodating, listens and understands your needs, and is conveniently located (or easy to meet/contact). Use consultations to ask about fees and insurance, if the counselor truly specializes in grief and bereavement (or whatever your needs are), and to assess your fit with them in general. As a rule of thumb, follow your gut and don’t select a counselor until you find someone with whom you feel comfortable and supported. Please note: This resource list is provided for information purposes only and is not an endorsement of the organizations or individuals listed or the services provided.