Sylvia Leal, LCSW

Experienced mental health professional

Provides online counseling through BetterHelp

At a glance

Sylvia is an experienced, licensed Mental Health Professional who specializes in affordable online therapy offered through our partner, BetterHelp.

Speaks English and Spanish
Offers Telehealth visits
Licensed in New York

More about Sylvia

10 years' experience
Female
LCSW

I am licensed in New York with 16 years of professional work experience. I am a dynamic Licensed Clinical Social Worker and I specialize in life transitions (time in a person’s life, which calls for deep self-evaluation and reflection), depression, anxiety, relationships, attachment anxiety, codependency, parenting, childhood/adult trauma, religious trauma. I use compassion and empathy, as well as alternative methods of healing to help you identify your own life’s path. While life is an ongoing process of learning and growth, I will help you walk your journey free from the grips of anxiety, depression, inner criticism and fear of loss.

I often utilize a combination of treatment methods in my practice. In your first session, we'll explore what brought you to therapy and then decide the most appropriate ways to help you make progress. We will take a look at your history, thoughts, emotions, current experiences and dreams to explore their relationship to each other and your mental health. During treatment, I'll help you learn how to push back against barriers that keep you from identifying and achieving your goals.

During our work together you can expect validation, acceptance, improved understanding of the dynamics that are impacting your mental health and human development, as well as a clear/thoughtful approach toward the resolution of matters that you are seeking to address/resolve. Most of my clients see a gradual lifting of symptoms within the first month and sustained improvement thereafter.

Specialties

Stress Anxiety Relationship issues Self esteem Depression Coping with life changes Abandonment Aging and geriatric issues Attachment issues Autism and Asperger Syndrome Blended family issues Body image Caregiver issues and stress Chronic pain, illness, and disability Codependency Commitment issues Communication problems Control issues Dependent personality Divorce and separation Domestic violence Eating and food-related issues Emptiness Family of origin issues Family problems Fertility issues Forgiveness Guilt and shame Hoarding Immigration issues Infidelity Isolation / loneliness Jealousy Life purpose Midlife crisis Money and financial issues Mood disorders Panic disorder and panic attacks Paranoia Postpartum depression Post-traumatic stress Prejudice and discrimination Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Self-love Social anxiety and phobia Women's issues Workplace issues

Licenses

Sylvia Leal's National Provider Identifier (NPI) is 1013152354.

LCSW · New York · 076808 · Expires January 2027

About online counseling

Affordable.: Pay a low flat fee.
Convenient.: Do it at your own time and at your own pace. Communicate whenever you feel it's needed.
Available now.: There is no waiting list and no calls to make. Simply fill out a short questionnaire and send your first message.

Online counseling allows you to receive care from a mental health practitioner via phone, video chat, or instant messaging. It is convenient for those who may have trouble getting to or would prefer not to have in-person therapy appointments. Starting at $65 per week, online counseling is generally more affordable than in-person counseling. A study by researchers at University of California, Berkeley found that online counseling can be just as effective as face-to-face therapy while being more convenient, affordable, and accessible.

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Frequently asked questions

Does Sylvia Leal offer telehealth visits?

Yes. Sylvia Leal works with clients by exchanging messages, chatting live, speaking over the phone, or video conferencing based on what works for the client at that particular time.

What language(s) does Sylvia Leal speak?

Sylvia Leal speaks English and Spanish.

How many years of experience does Sylvia Leal have?

Sylvia Leal has 10 years of experience.

Where is Sylvia Leal licensed to practice?

Sylvia Leal is licensed to practice in New York.

Does Sylvia Leal accept clients outside of the United States?

No, Sylvia Leal does not accept clients outside of the United States.

Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?

Numerous studies support the effectiveness of online platforms in facilitating life changes. For instance, research published by JMIR Publications, conducted by teams from the University of Berkeley, UCSF, and SF General Hospital, found that "users of BetterHelp experienced significantly reduced depression symptom severity after engaging with the platform."

How can I communicate with Sylvia Leal?

Sylvia Leal can be engaged in any one of four ways: (1) Exchanging messages, (2) chatting live, (3) speaking over the phone, or (4) video conferencing. You can use different ways at different times as you wish, based on your needs, availability, and convenience.

How do I get started with Sylvia Leal?

Just tap the CHAT NOW button or tap here: A new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation. Please note: It can take up to a few days to be matched to a therapist.

Mental health conditions are real, common, and treatable.

And recovery is possible.

When you tap CHAT NOW a new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation. Please note: It can take up to a few days to be matched to a therapist.