Our Clinicians

At Mind Muse, you will work with a therapist who best matches your needs. The therapist and mental health professionals receive training in various models, including cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-informed cognitive therapy, family structural therapy, play therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and dialectical behavior training.

Dr. Judy Fernandez, DSW, LCSW

Founder & Clinician

Judy is a licensed clinical social worker, and an EMDR trained therapist. She focuses on the here and now while working with individuals to understand how past experiences have influenced the present. She works with individuals and practices using a variety of contemporary approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy, meditation, and mindfulness.

Specialties

  • General Mental Health
  • Anxiety and Panic Disorders
  • Depression
  • Life Transitions
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
  • Trauma
  • PTSD

Chelsea Gutierrez, MHC

Psychotherapist

Starting therapy can be scary, but with the right therapist, it will feel just right. She believes therapy is a place where individuals can be themselves and talk about their life challenges and stressors in a safe and secure environment. Her hope is to help people of all ages, through their personal, emotional and social journeys.

Her desired goal is to help individuals reach their own personal goals through a person-centered approach, mindfulness, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Every individual leads the conversation with confidence and hope for a better future.

She began her counseling journey through school counseling with her Masters of Science in Education and eventually earning her advanced certificate in Mental Health Counseling at Alfred University. She has experience working with adolescents and adults with anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, substance abuse, and trauma.

Specialties

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • School Issues
  • Self-Esteem
  • Substance Use

Cassandra Mathelier, LMSW

Psychotherapist

Whether it’s starting a new job, ending a relationship, or feeling stuck in a recurring pattern of behavior, life’s many surprises and challenges can feel overwhelming. Therapy can help. Cassandra works with individuals to practice reflection and receive their internal wisdom in an empathic and healing environment.

In the therapeutic process, you are the driver and Cassandra holds a map to help you get to your desired destination. She values a person-centered approach where you are the expert of your own experience. Through various therapeutic techniques, she can help you build upon your skills in a space we build together for your self-exploration and development.

She earned her Masters in Social Work from Columbia University with a particular focus on individual and couples therapy. She primarily works with clients who cope with depression, anxiety, and challenging life transitions.

Specialties

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Life Transitions
  • Career Counseling
  • Stress Management

Ruby Elgar, LMFT

Psychotherapist

The relationship between the therapist and client is one of the most integral factors in therapy. I offer my clients a relationship that is based on empathetic attunement, honesty, and acceptance. While my approach is informed by psychodynamic thinking, I recognize that each individual, couple, and family is unique and there is no “one size fits all” solution to healing.

My goals as a therapist are to help clients explore different facets of themselves and offer new insights. Ultimately, I work to empower my clients to dive deep, address fears, and live a value driven life.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist with an MA in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in marriage and family therapy from Pepperdine University. I received my BA in Psychology from California State University, Fullerton.

Specialties

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Relationship Issues
  • Self-Esteem Issues
  • Trauma Informed Practice

Nayla Raad, LMSW

Psychotherapist

Nayla approaches each individual through a person-in-environment lens. Nayla values exploring how a client’s environment, past experiences, and culture shapes their world view and behaviors. Together, we will be curious and explorative, strive to make meaning of life’s challenges.

Nayla has successfully partnered with children, adolescents, and adults to develop new ways of coping with and understanding symptoms of anxiety, depression, relationship patterns, and traumatic life experiences. Nayla approaches each individual as the unique expert in their own lives, and will work as a partner and gentle guide to adapt to your unique needs.

Specialities:
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Trauma
  • Self-Esteem
  • Relationships

Emma Luster, LMSW

Psychotherapist

Therapy is a place to explore your authentic self. Together, we can build an environment where that can happen. Life throws many challenges our way, but through therapy, one can develop skills and insights to help us navigate those challenges. She values the therapeutic relationship and believe it is essential to seeing real change in therapy.

 

She primarily utilizes psychodynamic, somatic, and cognitive behavioral approaches. Her goal is to create a collaborative process in which we work together to focus on healing. You are not alone in the process.

She received her Masters in Social Work from Columbia University. She has worked with many different populations, that range from young children to older adults. She has completed training in Brief Strategic Family Therapy. Her primary area of focus is coping with trauma, depression, anxiety, and challenging life transitions.

Specialities:
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Stress Management
  • Life Transition
  • Relationship issues

Contact

Location

Mailing Address: 46 Gramatan Ave #1077, Mount Vernon, NY 10550
Office Address: 56 W. 39th Street, New York, NY 10018

Email

judy@drfernandez.health

Hours

Mon - Fri: 9am - 9pm
Saturday: 9am - 2pm