Valerie Lighthall
Valerie Lighthall
Locations New York Therapists Valerie Lighthall
Valerie Lighthall
Zencare Vetted

Valerie Lighthall

She/Her/Hers

Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW-R Specialties • Insurance & Fees • Locations
New York, Connecticut Accepting Online
Updated October 27, 2023

Specialties & Expertise

  • Adjustment difficulties & disorders
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Life transitions
  • Relationship issues
  • Stress management
Valerie Lighthall Valerie Lighthall Valerie Lighthall

Professional statement

Valerie Lighthall is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker that is based remotely and accepting clients in New York State and Connecticut. She specializes in working with teens and adults dealing with a variety of life stressors such as anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, and personal transitions.

Valerie received her masters degree from Syracuse University in the Advanced Standing Clinical Social Work Program in 2010. Since then, she has worked in a diversity of behavioral health environments, including Outpatient, Inpatient, Crisis Stabilization, and Employee Assistance Programs. Prior to her transition to full time private practice in 2022 she assisted in launching one of her community's first Integrated Behavioral Health program's and held the role of Clinical Supervisor of that program for five years.

Message to clients

Often times we feel stressed, numb, irritable, sad, or overwhelmed; and we believe “that’s just life” or “it could be worse” so these are issues we just try to deal with. While all of these emotions are normal to endure at some point in our lives, you do not have to feel alone.

A positive therapeutic experience is one of the most important factors to success in therapy because with the right connection and support, anyone can start to see change.

I view the client/therapist relationship as an equal one - you are the expert on you, I am here to help guide you, give you support, and lead you to your strengths.

All sessions are conducted with me via secure video telehealth technology. My goal is to make therapy convenient and accessible for you so that you feel comfortable in your own space while we are working together.

Specialties

Adjustment difficulties & disorders - Support around adapting to new and/or challenging life circumstances; skill-building for improved stress management and reduction of anxiety.

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

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

Life transitions - Coping with difficult or impactful life changes, such as moving to a new area, relationship transitions, child rearing, or career changes; learning self-care to better manage resulting stress

Relationship issues - Understanding one’s wants and needs in relationships; exploring patterns of interaction, addressing concerns, and strengthening satisfaction in relationships and dating

Stress management - Strengthening effective ways of coping with the stress of life and change; managing expectations of self and others

General expertise

Treatment approaches

Clientele

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

Insurance

  • Aetna (in-network in NY)
  • Cigna (in-network in NY)
  • Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield (in-network in NY)
  • United Healthcare (in-network in NY)

Out-of-pocket fees

  • Individual sessions: $160 (55min)
  • Initial session: $200 (55min)
  • Couples sessions: $250 (55min)
  • 30 Minute Individual sessions: $105 (30min)
  • 45 Minute Individual sessions: $135 (45min)

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
Payment options
  • Credit Card
  • Debit Card
Session frequency

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

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

I'd be happy to discuss your insurances out of network benefits with you if you don't see your insurance listed. Often times an insurance plan can still cover some or all of your sessions even if I am not in network with them.

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 8:30am-4:00pm; 7:30pm-9:30pm
  • Tue 8:30am-10:30am
  • Wed 8:30am-4:00pm
  • Thu 8:30am-10:30am
  • Fri 8:30am-4:00pm
  • Sat Closed
  • Sun Closed
Online Sessions (Connecticut)
Accepting new clients online
Currently Available Times
  • Morning (Before 10am)
  • Daytime (10am - 1pm)
  • Afternoon (1pm - 5pm)
  • Evening (After 5pm)
  • Weekends
Regular Hours
  • Mon 8:30am-4:00pm; 7:30pm-9:30pm
  • Tue 8:30am-10:30am
  • Wed 8:30am-4:00pm
  • Thu 8:30am-10:30am
  • Fri 8:30am-4:00pm
  • Sat Closed
  • Sun Closed

Work and Education

Years of Experience: 13 years

Private Practice Owner, Therapist, 2019 - Present
Hospital Health System, Clinical Supervisor & Therapist, 2015 - 2022
Inpatient Mental Health Facility, Therapist, 2012 - 2015
Outpatient Mental Health Clinics, Therapist, 2010 - 2012

Syracuse University, MSW, 2010
Nazareth College of Rochester, BSW, 2009

Licensure

New York: 081947

Connecticut: 13287

Languages

English