Ali Faris, PsyD
I describe myself as… empathetic, warm, playful with a sense of humor, encouraging and excited to learn about what makes you who you are! I am fond of helping others come to recognize the ways they are unique and wonderful. I don’t shy away from the more challenging subjects or situations that are a part of life and will work side by side with you as you are ready.
Why I work with healthcare professionals: My passion for working closely with medical teams as a neuropsychologist has led me to my work in hospital and outpatient medical settings, including the field of oncology. I have directly witnessed the struggles of healthcare professionals and have learned how to offer support through the many challenges they face in their professional and personal lives. I believe that when clinical providers are emotionally well and balanced in their values, passions, and personal lives, we can create healthy, fulfilling, and joyful healthcare workplaces.
I’m passionate about… I specialize in working with clinicians struggling with burnout, stress, anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD/trauma, grief/loss, relationship struggles, existential crisis, transitions, performance challenges, self-worth, and perfectionism. In addition, I have experience working with clinicians with serious medical conditions such as cancer, neurological disorders, brain and spinal cord injuries.
You might like working with me if… My approach centers on honoring your knowledge, with the goal of creating an empowering environment where you have the freedom to discover your strengths, resilience, and courage. It is important to me that we consider culture, history, and identity in the context of that with which you are struggling. I truly appreciate the beautiful complexity that makes each of us who we are. What fun we might have looking at your life through new lenses, flipping scripts, and shifting paradigms!
When not working… I can be found doing many physical activities including circus arts and spending time catching up with friends and family.
Education and Training
Graduate: John F. Kennedy University
Internship: University of California, Davis, Medical Center, Neuropsychology and Rehabilitation Psychology
Fellowship: University of California, Davis, Medical Center, Neuropsychology
Fellowship: Neuropsychological Associates, CA
Ali offers individual and relationship counseling, and specializes in ADHD coaching.
Brian Van Buren, PhD
I describe myself as… warm, open-minded, and strengths-based. I believe in the benefits of a supportive and authentic therapeutic relationship to promote healing and growth.
Why I work with healthcare professionals: I have spent most of my career working in hospitals and understand the unique pressures of inpatient medicine, rounding on the wards, and caring for people with complex medical problems. I am passionate about partnering with healthcare professionals to foster wellness, resilience, and meaning in their personal and professional lives.
I’m passionate about… working with people coping with occupational stress, trauma, grief, and the impact that these experiences can have on relationships. I have sought specialized training in the treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as well as complicated grief.
You might like working with me if… you like an active and collaborative approach to therapy. I’m first interested in getting to know you as a whole person in order to make the best decisions about what directions to take in therapy. I generally rely on a combination of insight and skills-based approaches, and think it's important to regularly check in about your goals.
When not working…I enjoy running, spending time with family and friends, catching up with a good book, and exploring all that New York City and New England have to offer.
Education and Training
Graduate: Long Island University, Brooklyn Campus
Internship and Fellowship: Harvard Medical School/Massachusetts General Hospital, specialization in PTSD
Brian offers individual and relationship counseling.
Marta Pagán-Ortiz, PhD
I describe myself as… authentic, intentional, and warm. I value my own psychological knowledge as much as the patient’s knowledge of themselves and their lives.
Why I work with healthcare professionals: I’ve worked in academic medical centers and teaching hospitals alongside medical professionals and trainees throughout my career. I’m aware of the unique stressors they face, the significant impact of these stressors on their sense of self and their relationships. I’m also aware that they often face issues accessing care.
I’m passionate about… working with individuals facing a range of issues including difficult transitions, professional challenges, relationship concerns, and chronic health conditions. I’m also passionate about providing care to individuals with marginalized backgrounds and identities, who often have less access to healthcare.
You might like working with me if… you’re looking for a therapist who works holistically and collaboratively to help you feel heard, have your needs and strengths understood, and who can help you develop ways to face your challenges effectively. I’m trained in relational psychodynamic therapy, multicultural practices, and also rely on cognitive-behavioral techniques that can facilitate the therapy process. This integration has been effective in different settings I’ve worked in and with populations across cultural, socioeconomic, and treatment issue spectrums. I’ve found that through this process, patients are able to effectively link their past, present, and future.
I’m happy to work with patients in Spanish, as well as English.
When not working… I value spending time with my family and my community.
Education and Training
Graduate: University of Massachusetts Boston
Internship: Harvard Medical School/Cambridge Health Alliance
Fellowship: Harvard Medical School/Cambridge Health Alliance, Victims of Violence
Marta offers individual and relationship counseling and coaching.
Michelle Barahman, PhD
I describe myself as… eager, curious, sensitive, and just a little cheeky. I believe the practice of clinical psychology is a calling, not a job.
Why I work with healthcare professionals: I have experienced the issues healthcare professionals face both personally and professionally. I have worked at a cancer center caring for trainees and early career attendings. I have also been fortunate to immerse myself in the fast-paced primary care environment in the VA Healthcare System. Supporting healthcare professionals is a huge part of my personal story as well. I have also been supporting my spouse through his medical training, giving me inner knowledge of the complexities of healthcare jobs and the unique challenges faced by those in the medical professions.
I’m passionate about… providing care to caregivers. This may include people struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma-related conditions, reproductive health, and relationship difficulties.
You might like working with me if… you appreciate someone who is direct, compassionate, funny, and scientific. My approach to therapy hinges on two main ideas: being confident in the methods I employ to help you, and humble to your feedback about how well they work. Blending science and intuition is the most rewarding part of the hard work we will do together.
When not working… I am parenting, exploring, dancing, cooking and definitely eating.
Education and Training
Graduate: St. John’s University
Fellowship: Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Geropsychology, Northwell Health
Michelle offers individual and relationship counseling and individual coaching.
Marilyn Piccirillo, PhD
I describe myself as… genuine, compassionate, and lighthearted. I aim to bring humor and irreverence into the room (when appropriate) to help foster a sense of joy as you take steps towards increasing well-being.
Why I work with healthcare professionals: I find my work with healthcare providers deeply meaningful and am grateful for the opportunity to have collaborated with professionals from various disciplines throughout my training and career. I also maintain close relationships with those in the healthcare field. These experiences help me better understand the unique challenges healthcare providers face.
I’m passionate about… helping people explore new ways of experiencing their emotions. I believe that mindful awareness can lead to meaningful change and relief from suffering. I’m enthusiastic about tailoring evidence-based therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and mindfulness-based approaches, particularly for folks experiencing anxiety and or who have experienced trauma.
You might like working with me if… you’re looking to process difficult emotions while learning cognitive-behavioral strategies for understanding and managing emotions more effectively.
When not working… I enjoy exploring new neighborhoods, snuggling my two cats, and experimenting with spicy curry recipes.
Education and Training
Graduate: Washington University in St. Louis
Internship: Seattle VA
Fellowship: University of Washington, Clinical psychology/Alcohol research
Additional Training/Certifications: Advanced training in dialectical behavior therapy
Marilyn offers individual counseling.
For existing patients: Meet with Marilyn.
Marilyn is not currently taking new patients.
Medication Support
Alan Lorenz, MD
I describe myself as… warm, intelligent, curious, responsive, respectful, reliable, creative, practical, humble … and occasionally hilarious (I have been told!).
Why I work with healthcare professionals: for this work is interesting and fun. I have many years of experience working with trainees. I prefer working with patients with a collaborative approach and enjoying learning with and from my patients. I wish I had something like Tend Health available to me when I was in my medical training!
I’m passionate about… Truth, Beauty, Justice
You might like working with me if… you prefer a flexible, collegial collaborator to work together with.
When not working… I am active in nature, reading, writing, enjoying the arts with my partner, family, and friends.
Education and Training
Graduate: University of Wisconsin Medical School
Internship: University of Rochester, Family Medicine
Fellowship: University of Rochester, Family Systems
Alan offers medication consultation and management.