MEET THE ATLAS TEAM
Samantha Prestano, LMHC
Founder & Psychotherapist
Samantha is the Founder of Atlas Mental Health Counseling. Her goal is to create a practice that is accessible and sustainable to NYC residents. A NYC native , Licensed Mental Health Counselor, and over a decade of experience in the mental health field, she understands the importance and necessity of quality therapy. She believes in creating a safe and nonjudgmental environment for all of her clients. She believes psychotherapy is collaborative and engages clients to be a part of their treatment both in and outside of sessions to cultivate growth and to help build their confidence in their capability of managing emotional responses.
Samantha Graduated from New York University in 2016 with an M.A. in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness. She has experience that includes research within the LGBTQIA+ community and volunteer work at mental health agencies throughout NYC, including the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA). Prior to founding Atlas, She worked as a Primary Therapist at one of the leading Eating Disorder Treatment Centers in the country, The Renfrew Center of New York. Samantha also worked as a Recovery Specialist (EDRS) where she provided psychotherapy and meal support for young adults. She later transitioned to work as an Independent Psychotherapist in the private sector to better serve the outpatient community, where she gained experience implementing interventions that include Trauma Informed Expressive Arts, Mindfulness, Neurotherapy and Biofeedback services.
She has extensive experience providing quality mental health care to individuals, couples and families at the partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and outpatient levels. In addition, she has had the opportunity to facilitate and co-facilitate group therapy for children, adolescents, and young adults.
Samantha specializes in treating Eating Disorders/ Disordered Eating, Body Image, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Anxiety, Depression, Mood Disorders, Relationship Issues, and Women's Psychological Issues.
She holds a Primary Certification from the Albert Ellis Institute in Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT). She is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) , Trauma-Informed Expressive Arts, and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction. Samantha is a Clinical Supervisor to students, limited permits, and licensed clinicians.