Dr. Mercedes J. Okosi, (Psy.D.)
Director/licensed Psychologist
Dr. Mercedes J. Okosi is a bilingual (English/Spanish) New York State licensed clinical psychologist practicing in New York City and specializing in trauma.
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Dr. Okosi studied Applied Psychology at the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development at New York University. Unlike a traditional psychology degree, this developmental and sociocultural-focused program immersed her in both foundational psychological knowledge and fieldwork opportunities to engage in clinical practice with marginalized populations in the city. Her fieldwork involved working with adolescents and young adults in a nonprofit setting dealing with mental illness, extreme poverty, immigration difficulties, and a host of other psychosocial burdens. Dr. Okosi extended herself to internships and part time work throughout her undergraduate career to gain experience in areas including HIV+, substance abuse, and serious mental illness. She graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Psychology and a minor in Spanish language.
Dr. Okosi advanced immediately to a clinical psychology doctoral program at the prestigious Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology at Rutgers University. At Rutgers, she gained 5 years of direct clinical experience. She was able to expand her range of experience across settings and populations both establishing a foundation for competent, comprehensive clinical practice, and establishing an area of specialization.
Dr. Okosi worked with college students experiencing depression, anxiety, ADHD, and adjustment issues; provided individual and family therapy to high school students, provided therapy and developed socioemotional school interventions in Newark; and engaged in motivational interviewing for previously incarcerated college students.
Later, she had experiences providing psychotherapy to women experiencing trauma, substance abuse, and mood disorders; and working with individuals with mood disorders, personality disorders, grief, trauma, substance abuse, and severe mental illness in both general outpatient and inpatient populations at New York City hospitals. She also became competent at facilitating both skills-focused and process groups.
Throughout her experiences, she found that underlying many of the presenting issues of her patients was a common theme: trauma. An overwhelming amount of patients had trauma in their pasts that made them vulnerable to mental illness or exacerbated illness. Passionate about this area of specialization, she hopes that by addressing trauma, individuals and communities can be empowered to overcome stigma surrounding mental illness and flourish. Dr. Okosi earned her Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) degree in clinical psychology with certificates of specialization in both multicultural psychology and community psychology.
Dr. Okosi worked at New York University’s McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research as Clinical Director of the Safe Mothers, Safe Children Initiative. She assessed and diagnosed women of color with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and provided evidence-based individual and dyadic parenting trauma psychotherapy.
Dr. Okosi currently works full time at the Columbia University Counseling and Psychological Services center where she does individual and group therapy for students presenting with a range of diagnoses. She also engages in campus outreach initiatives.
Commitment to Social Justice
Dr. Okosi is deeply committed to learning and appreciating the whole person including their sociocultural context and how it impacts them. She makes a conscious effort to welcome people of all racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, gender, sexual orientation, ability, citizenship status, and religious identities into the often difficult process of psychotherapy. A primary mission is to reduce stigma and other barriers to accessing mental health services. In addition, Dr. Okosi embraces a stance of cultural humility, acknowledging that each patient is an expert on their personal cultural experiences, and being open to what may challenge assumptions.
Dr. Okosi Telephone: 646.822.4624
Email: drmokosi@gmail.com
georgia Lavey, LCSW
Clinician
Georgia Lavey, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in New York, holding a B.A. in Psychology and a Master’s in Social Work. Her therapeutic approach is anchored in a comprehensive understanding of how systemic and interpersonal dynamics influence mental health.
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Georgia collaborates closely with clients to not only address their symptoms but also to
uncover and build upon their inherent strengths and resilience.
Drawing from a blended psychodynamic framework, Georgia integrates Cognitive Behavioral
Therapy (CBT), Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), mindfulness-based interventions,
trauma-focused therapy, and behavioral therapy for anxiety. Her practice emphasizes
contextualizing clients’ experiences within their broader life and social environments, identifying
patterns, reinforcing support systems, and developing tailored, actionable treatment plans.
Georgia Lavey, LCSW Telephone: 917.480.1464
Email: glaveylcsw@gmail.com
KYLENE ALEXANDER, B.a.
MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY INTERN
To truly understand others is to understand the various societal and familial systems they exist in.
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As a Marriage and Family Therapy graduate student, I want nothing more than to understand my clients, keeping in mind the families they come from, the relationships they build, and the systems of oppression that affect their mental well-being. Therapy is not a one size fits all solution for those struggling with their mental health. My goal is to create a safe collaborative environment where your racial, gender, sexual, and religious identities are taken into account and every therapeutic method used is tailored uniquely to you and your human experience.
I have a bachelor’s degree in psychology and am currently working on my master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Syracuse University. My interest are in working with individuals, couples, and families. Lets come together and dive into your struggles, frustrations, beliefs, goals, and dreams. Tell me what you want to change. Whether we are using narrative therapy to rewrite your story or contextual therapy to encourage fairness and balance in your relationships, I hope to provide you support in your journey of self discovery, understanding your love ones, overcoming life obstacles and improving your mental health.
Ms. Kylene Alexander, B.A. Telephone: 646.450.9761
Email: TherapywithKA@gmail.com
Dr. Adaora J. Ede, DNP, PMHNP-BC
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing
Dr. Adaora J. Ede is a doctorally-prepared psychiatric nurse practitioner with a strong commitment to providing high-quality, patient-centered mental health care from an intersectional lens.
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Dr. Ede began her journey to becoming a clinician with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Emory University, which is where she developed a strong foundation in evidence-based practices. Years of experience as an RN in various addiction and psychiatric sub-specialties helped her develop a deep understanding of the importance of positive, therapeutic patient-provider relationships.
Her psychiatric clinical training at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she earned her Doctorate in Nursing Practice, combined with her current work in outreach and homelessness, has shaped her passion for working with underserved client populations such as LGBTQIA+, neurodiverse and BIPOC clients. Social justice is injected into everything she does, and she wants to always create a safe, inclusive space for all clients.
Her practice has prepared her to utilize both established therapeutic approaches and emerging treatments. Her fieldwork experiences as well as academic study have given her a unique perspective on the interconnectedness of the mind, soul and body. She specializes in the concurrent use of medication management with psychotherapy, particular engaging techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy, and social skills building. Whether opting for medication or therapy when treating your mental health concern, Dr. Ede’s approach is trauma-informed and holistic. Dr. Ede’s ultimate goal is always to collaborate with her clients to create a plan that reflects their unique needs, identities, and backgrounds.
Dr. Adaora J. Ede Telephone: 646.734.1080
Email: adaora.j.ede@gmail.com
Mynique J. Wright, M.s.
clinician
Mynique J. Wright is a Mental Health Counselor passionate about trauma work in BIPOC communities, veterans, LGBTQIA+, geriatric therapy and work with teens.
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Deciding to find a suitable Counselor can be daunting. I start where you are. My job is to help you develop tools and discover resolutions appropriate for you. Simply put: I quarterback your biggest conflicts. Your job is to take the tools and run with them until your goal is achieved.
I have over ten years of experience in providing support to individuals who are experiencing distress in many forms. My interventions are client centered solution focused with the intention of helping you achieve holistic wellness in a way that makes sense for you.
We'll work together to identify barriers and blocks Interfering with your goals in a safe and non judgmental way. Whether you need help in repairing relationships, overcoming a break-up, parenting, life stress, work stress, career transitions, LGBT issues or managing any other emotional instability. I can help.
The path to happiness is not always clear but starts with a decision to change. Decide now that you will no longer allow circumstances to define your pain. Instead, let's journey together toward peace of mind. If you are ready let's take steps together toward wellness and become the best version of yourself.