Michelle  Casarella
Zencare Vetted

Michelle Casarella

She/Her/Hers

Psychologist, PsyD Specialties Insurance & Fees Locations
New York, Florida Waitlist Online
Updated July 10, 2023

Specialties & Expertise

  • Maternal/perinatal mental health
  • Transition to motherhood
  • Anxiety
  • Mindfulness
  • Women Entrepreneurs
  • Adoption & foster care

Professional statement

Dr. Michelle Casarella is a clinical psychologist with an office in Hawthorne, New York (Westchester County). For your convenience, she also offers in home sessions or online therapy. Her specialties include early motherhood, perinatal mental health, anxiety and the unique stressors entrepreneurs face. Dr. Casarella especially enjoys working with mothers seeking additional support for the challenges and stressors of raising young children.

Dr. Casarella helps mothers as they adjust to parenthood, and all the transitions and new demands that accompany it – demands stemming from both external and internal factors. She understands that parenthood entails major, fundamental shifts, and she works with clients to navigate and find balance in the midst of such a major adaptation.

Dr. Casarella takes an approach that is practical and skills-based, blending Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) in order to effect immediate change and also make a natural, organic progression. Additionally, she incorporates mindfulness strategies, which she finds helpful for soothing anxiety for mothers who feel that they are constantly “on.”

As a mother herself, Dr. Casarella understands the pressure and guilt that moms at any stage are subjected to, and looks forward to helping her clients learn to manage such feelings of overwhelm in order to find inner peace and stay present with their family.


Message to clients

Becoming a mom changes your entire world instantaneously. You love your kids so much it hurts & at the same time you’re trying to navigate the person you are now. You have many other roles (partner, employee, etc.) to fulfill, as well as carrying the mental load of the family (doctors' appointments, soccer practice, packing the diaper bag, etc.). There is so much to do, it's no wonder modern moms are stressed! You find yourself experiencing mom guilt, overwhelm, anxiety, questioning yourself & feeling like you're always failing in some way. Things may look good on the outside, but you're struggling on the inside & need support.

Imagine what it would feel like to better manage the mom guilt, anxiety and feelings of constant overwhelm. You would have more patience, more time to do things that fulfill you, and more happiness in your home. You want to be a happier mom who is both at peace with herself and present with her family. Therapy can help with all the things of #momlife.

I want to give you the support you DESERVE while navigating motherhood. As a woman and a mom, I get it. As a psychologist, I can help. My services accommodate your busy mom life: therapy in my office, concierge therapy at YOUR home or office and online therapy. Schedule your complimentary phone consult to find out how I can help and if we'd be a good fit. If it doesn't feel like a good fit, I'm happy to help you find someone else. 


Specialties

Maternal/perinatal mental health - Addressing issues specific to women and families during the pregnancy and postpartum period, including postpartum depression and anxiety

Transition to motherhood - Working with women as they adjust to new motherhood; cultivating self-care and stress management

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

Mindfulness - Developing practices to encourage a state of active, open attention on the present

Women Entrepreneurs - Support navigating work-related expectations and stress; increasing effective ways of restoring and maintaining emotional stability and health

Adoption & foster care - I offer psychological evaluations for those looking to adopt a child. These evaluations are typically required for international adoptions.




Clientele

  • Adults (24+)
  • Couples
  • Parents
  • Teenagers (13-18)
  • Young adults (18-24)

Insurance

  • Aetna
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Cigna
  • United Healthcare

Michelle Casarella is accepting clients using listed insurances, paying listed fees, or using health insurance out-of-network benefits other than:

  • Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Oscar Health


Out-of-pocket fees

  • Individual sessions: $225 (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
  • Courtesy billing
  • Direct billing
Payment options
  • Cash
  • Credit Card
  • Debit Card
  • Venmo
Session frequency

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

  • Weekly
  • Monthly
  • Every other week
  • As needed
Therapist's note

I manage all the hassle of dealing with the insurance companies so all you have to do is show up for your session!

I offer these options:

--Bill your insurance directly for reimbursement

--Immediately verify your benefits to determine how much reimbursement you will get (if you don't have the above insurances)

--Courtesy Billing: I will directly submit the itemized bill for you and then you'll directly receive reimbursement

These services are not typically offered but I work with busy moms who have enough to do and are always taking care of everyone else--so I take care of all this for you!


Location(s)

Online Sessions (New York)
Accepting new clients with a 2 - 3 week wait online
Currently Available Times
  • Morning (Before 10am)
  • Daytime (10am - 1pm)
  • Afternoon (1pm - 5pm)
  • Evening (After 5pm)
  • Weekends
Regular Hours
  • Mon By appointment
  • Tue By appointment
  • Wed By appointment
  • Thu By appointment
  • Fri By appointment
  • Sat Closed
  • Sun Closed

Online Sessions (Florida)
Accepting new clients with a 2 - 3 week wait online
Currently Available Times
  • Morning (Before 10am)
  • Daytime (10am - 1pm)
  • Afternoon (1pm - 5pm)
  • Evening (After 5pm)
  • Weekends
Regular Hours
  • Mon Closed
  • Tue 9:00-5:00
  • Wed 9:30-5:00
  • Thu 9:00-5:00
  • Fri 9:30-5:00
  • Sat Closed
  • Sun Closed

Work and Education

Private Practice, 2018 - Present
New York City Police, Department Psychologist, 2015 - 2018

California School of Professional Psychology, PsyD, 2015


Licensure

Florida: TPPY85

New York: 022541


Languages

English


Client testimonials

"My call with Michelle was on time, to the point, and I felt like I had a nice chance to hear her view."
- Zencare client • November 2019