Providers
Sara Malagold, PhD
Dr. Sara R. Malagold is the founder and director of Psychology21. She has over 20 years of experience working in the Mental Health field, treating children, adults, and elderly patients. Originally from Uruguay, she pursued her doctorate studies at the renowned University of Belgrano in Argentina. Specializing in Clinical Psychology and Neuropsychology, she obtained her PhD in 1998, she holds a Master’s degree in Psychoimmunoneuroendocrinology and a Bachelor’s degree in Biology form the University of Bar Ilan in Israel.
Gabrielle Teller, LCSW Therapist
Gabi Teller is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She received her Bachelor of Psychology from Adelphi University and her Master of Social Work from Fordham University.
Gabi has worked in various settings, primarily in outpatient mental health and in group homes for developmentally disabled individuals. Her experience has been with clients of all ages experiencing anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, cognitive disorders, and chronic pain. She has also worked with children with ADHD and other attention/behavioral disorders.
She has experience in cognitive and emotional testing and uses it to obtain a deeper understanding of client functioning. Gabi believes in looking at the entirety of a person and working on connecting the body, mind, and soul and utilizing individual strengths to promote healing.
Gabi utilizes cognitive-behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, mindfulness, and logo therapy techniques while looking through a lens of empowerment and strength. She believes in harnessing the unique power of each person to create a personalized, individual approach to their treatment. Gabi believes in using creativity such as art and music as a medium for self-expression and finding happiness. She believes in working hard to achieve balance in all aspects of life.
An avid reader and empathic listener, Gabi is always looking to learn and grow from each person and experience. Gabi is a lover of fantasy books, music, just about anything outdoors, and quality time with family and friends.
Dr. Sahira Hamid, PsyD
Sahira has extensive experience conducting psychological assessment, psychotherapy, and crisis management. My approach when working with clients focuses on empathy and compassion. I am trained in treating General Mental Health, Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, and Life Transitions. Warm regards, Sahira Hamid, PsyD
Amanda Abady, LMSW 102006-01
Amanda Abady, originally from the Sunshine State, moved to New York to pursue her social work career in fast-paced Manhattan. She is a Licensed Social Worker and obtained her Masters degree from Fordham University. Amanda is passionate and dedicated to assisting her clients in meeting their desired goals and helping them reach a state of emotional well-being. Amanda has extensive experience working with clients of all ages, ranging from young children to older adults. She has worked in a variety of therapeutic settings including schools, community centers, and has provided in-home services. Amanda particularly enjoys assisting her clients with stress management, anxiety reduction and modification of negative perceptions. Amanda firmly believes in giving her clients the opportunity to guide their own treatment, and she is devoted to aiding clients in their personal journey to self-discovery, self-efficacy, and self-motivation. Amanda ensures a safe and nurturing environment for her clients, offering her office as an open space to work through unwanted thoughts, behaviors and traumatic history. Amanda prides herself on utilizing a strengths-based approach in practice, while integrating the modalities of cognitive-behavioral therapy, behavioral rehearsal, goal setting and planning into treatment. Amanda’s admirable passion, empathy and versatile approach to therapy allows her clients to feel valued, accepted and equipped to improve their personal well-being and quality of life.
Ari Gabin, LCSW
Ari Gabin is an LCSW who mentors his clients while staying ever cautious to their unique needs. It is a process that he has successfully mastered during his interactions with a culturally diverse population. In a therapeutic partnership, he uses strategies that enhance resilience and fortitude to help clients offset the turbulent times that plague the fibers of happiness. Specialties working with individuals, couples, children and families, including adolescents and adults suffering from depression, mood disorders, anxiety, trauma/abuse, divorce, family conflict, relationship issues, self-harm, suicidal ideations, and grief. My quote “Therapy is not a profession that should be labeled as helping individuals who are acutely mentally ill; instead, therapy is a process of growth and improvement for all individuals who want to invest in themselves.”
Cindy Portillo, LMSW
Cindy Portillo is a Bilingual Licensed Master Social Worker. She received her Bachelor of Social Work
from Long Island University and her Master of Social Work from Stony Brook University.
Cindy has experience working with children, adolescents, and the adult population. Cindy has been
working in the field for four years doing individual and group counseling. She has worked with
individuals experiencing General Anxiety Disorder, Depression, Attention-Deficit/Dyperactivity Disorder
(ADHD), Conduct Disorder, and Grief. Cindy has worked with practice models such as Cognitive
Behavioral Therapy, Problem-Solving, Evidence-Based Practice, and Solution-Focused Therapy. Cindy
utilizes various therapy techniques to empower and enhance the well-being of others.
Cindy enjoys spending quality time with friends and family.
Nataly Valencia
Nataly is a Licensed Master Social Worker ( LMSW). She has 13 years of experience in the human services field as an agent of support and guidance. She works with children, adults and geriatrics using a comprehensive approach tailored to the unique needs of each client. She specializes in substance use and long-term psychiatric conditions. She is bilingual, proficient in English and Spanish.