The Empowerment Opportunity
Vetted

The Empowerment Opportunity

Facilitating Connections
Specialties Insurance & Fees Locations
New York Accepting Online
Upper East Side Accepting In-person

New child and adolescent practice! Accepting new clients!

Updated December 14, 2023

The Empowerment Opportunity uses an integrative team approach. Mary received her MSW from Columbia University and her doctorate from The University of Pennsylvania. Mary specializes in treating trauma survivors. Alena Kwong received her MSW from New York University and is also a Reiki Master, nutrition and wellness coach and a certified yoga teacher. Alena creatively combines modalities to holistically address all areas of a person's life. Molly Bagli, received her MSW from New York University and before joining the practice worked with children and adolescents in school settings. Nicoleen Prince-Burrell also received her MSW from NYU and has a background in business which gives her a special understanding of people dealing with professional stressors. We all teach self compassion to clients.

Clients seek therapy with us to address various topics including: a need to be perfect, trauma, identity issues, attachment issues, and feeling alone. We are passionate about serving women, new parents, children and adolescents, recent graduates and the LGBTQ community. Mary recently published an Adlerian children's book called The Leader of The Parade which is also used as a therapeutic tool for children.

We integrate psychodynamic therapy, Adlerian approaches, cognitive behavioral therapy and holistic approaches such as breath work to help connect the body and mind. With respectful curiosity, we help facilitate personal growth and encourage you to look at your life in different ways.

Our style is collaborative, respectful, warm and integrative. When clients first start therapy, we aim to establish a trusting relationship and safe environment where clients can speak about anything. We let the client set the pace on how much they want to disclose and when. Taking time to build trust is a healthy skill. We genuinely look forward meeting you and helping you live the best version of yourself.

Nicoleen   Prince-Burrell
Nicoleen Prince-Burrell

Licensed Master Social Worker, LMSW

LMSW


About

What services does your practice offer?

The Empowerment Opportunity provides psychotherapy, psychoanalysis, parenting guidance and distance healing (Reiki). We will also be offering groups beginning in September on enhancing self esteem, and a DBT skills group for learning better coping and emotional regulation. In addition we are also publishing a developmental interactive educational workbook for both children and their parents based on Adlerian principles of social connection. The book should be available in the fall of 2021.

What are your practice's specialties?

We specialize in treating trauma, stress, anxiety and depression using psychodynamic, cognitive and holistic tools as appropriate to achieve optimum results.

Why should I choose your practice?

The Empowerment Opportunity uses a team approach to help you achieve the best results. Since we have different training and expertise we are able to collaborate and offer different services, if needed, to the same person.

How does payment work at your practice?

At The Empowerment Opportunity, we are in network with Aetna insurance.

If you do not have this insurance, our fees range from $130-$275 depending on the provider and service offered. We are happy to give you invoices with the exact information needed for you to submit out-of-network claims to your insurance. Please check your out-of-network benefits, most people are surprised at the amount of money they can receive back.


Specialties

Women's issues - Therapy tailored to common concerns among women; providing a safe and understanding space to address life challenges, stressors, and questions around identity as a woman

Depression - Providing support and promoting healing of hopelessness, low motivation and energy, sadness, irritability, sleep disturbance, and loss of interest and pleasure in life

Anxiety - Coping with excessive worry, nervousness, or stress; intense discomfort in social settings (social anxiety); sudden and intense feelings of panic (panic disorder)

Self-esteem - Cultivating self-compassion, assertiveness, and confidence; developing ways to reduce suffering, anxiety, social withdrawal, and self-neglect

Loss, grief, and bereavement - Emotionally preparing for the anticipated passing of a loved one; managing feelings and reactions to a death or loss of significance; support during the process of healing and acceptance

Attachment issues - Development of effective relational and communication skills; insight into family attachment patterns;fostering healthy family relationships.




Clientele

  • Adults (24+)
  • Children (<12)
  • Parents
  • Seniors (65+)
  • Teenagers (13-18)
  • Young adults (18-24)

Insurance

  • Aetna

Out-of-pocket fees

  • Individual sessions: $200 (50min)
  • Sliding scale: $125 - $200
  • Initial session: $225 (60min)
  • Reiki (distance healing): $130 (50min)

Additional session information

Out-of-network billing options

This provider can support you in getting reimbursement from your insurance company if you are seeking out-of-network reimbursement. Here are the out-of-network billing options they provide:

  • Super billing
Payment options
  • Check
  • Credit Card
  • Venmo
  • Zelle
Session frequency

Frequency of sessions this provider offers to see clients once you are an established client.

  • Weekly
  • Multiple times a week
Therapist's note

Dr. McCluskey's fee is $250-300 (limited appointments available)

Alena's fee is $125-225


Location(s)

Online Sessions (New York)
Accepting new clients online
Currently Available Times
  • Morning (Before 10am)
  • Daytime (10am - 1pm)
  • Afternoon (1pm - 5pm)
  • Evening (After 5pm)
  • Weekends
Regular Hours
  • Mon 8-8
  • Tue 8-8
  • Wed 8-8
  • Thu 8-8s
  • Fri 9-630
  • Sat Please inquire about hours
  • Sun Please inquire about hours

Upper East Side practice
341 East 79th St, New York, New York 10065
Accepting new clients in-person
Currently Available Times
  • Morning (Before 10am)
  • Daytime (10am - 1pm)
  • Afternoon (1pm - 5pm)
  • Evening (After 5pm)
  • Weekends
Regular Hours
  • Mon 8-6
  • Tue 8-7
  • Wed 8-6
  • Thu 8-7
  • Fri 8-5
  • Sat occasionally
  • Sun none

Head of Practice's Licensure

New York: 078329


Languages

English

Hebrew

Russian