Facing anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, or a crisis? Our experienced counselors offer compassionate, evidence-based therapy for individuals, couples, and families —
helping you heal and move forward.
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Our staff is trained in a variety of approaches including:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)
Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
Various Trauma Treatment Modalities
Psychodynamic Therapy
Strength Based Perspectives
Motivational Interviewing Techniques
Exposure Therapy
Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE)
JFS NENY is part of the following insurance networks:
- Aetna
- BlueCross BlueShield
- CDPHP
- CDPHP Medicare/Medicaid
- Highmark/BSNENY
- MVP
- MVP Medicare/Medicaid
- Medicare
For questions or concerns, please contact:
Stacey Wager, Intake Coordinator/Referral Specialist: 518-482-8856, Option 0
Meet Our Clinical Staff
DARA RITCHIE, LCSW, MBA, CCTP
Director of Clinical Services
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Dara has over 10 years of experience working with at vast array of clients from all ages and backgrounds. Her clinical practice is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), highlighting the impact someone’s thoughts have on their overall mood, while incorporating many other treatment modalities.
JENNIFER STANLEY, LCSW, CCTP
Clinician
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Jennifer has over 25 years experience providing clinical services to individuals of all ages and backgrounds, in a wide variety of settings. She strives to work in close collaboration with each client, developing a solution-focused approach that acknowledges each person’s unique life experiences and goals for treatment.
MELANIE MAHLER, LCSW
Clinician
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Melanie has four years of clinical experience specializing with clients based within the Jewish community of all denominations — as well as members outside of the Jewish community. Her clinical practice is grounded in Psychodynamic therapy, focusing on one’s thoughts and their influence on behavior and well-being, while including several other evidence-based treatments modalities.
RACHEL GATES, LMSW
Clinician
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Rachel has a passion for helping individuals create meaningful change. She believes in the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Solution-Focused Therapy to support clients in identifying their strengths, developing coping strategies, and working towards their goals. Her approach is collaborative and tailored to meet you where you are, empowering you every step of the way.
ADAM VAN BUREN, LMSW
Social Work Care Manager
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Adam received his Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Albany and his Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services from Cazenovia College. He has over a decade of experience in the non-profit sector of the Capital Region in direct care roles supporting individuals with disabilities.
JAMIE BERGER, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
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Jamie joined JFS in 2025 excited to tap into her passion for providing services for individuals with mental health diagnoses. Jamie has 3+ years working with adults and older adults in physical rehabilitation settings as an occupational therapist both in subacute and acute rehabilitation.
Alfred Z. Solomon Counseling Program
Thanks to the generosity of the Alfred Z. Solomon Charitable Trust, JFS is able to offer limited scholarships for counseling or for groups if you do not have insurance or cannot afford a co-payment, co-insurance or deductible. Please print and complete this application to apply for assistance, and email to info@jfsneny.org