About Us

Valerie And Our Team Are Proudly Offering In-Person And Online Therapy In Long Island, Serving Out Of Smithtown, NY

New Beginnings Associates is founded by Valerie Jessen L.C.S.W-R,  a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of individuals, couples, and children. With over 20 years' experience as a clinician, my journey as a therapist has led to a specialization in the treatment of anxiety and depressive disorders.  My practice has a dedication to the treatment of all anxiety disorders. My approach to the treatment of anxiety is unique.  Through a foundation in cognitive behavioral theory, I have developed a program of treatment to assist clients in gaining control overanxious symptoms. Most clients feel improvement of anxious symptoms within a few sessions.  My approach in treatment includes education and humor.  Of most importance, my approach is one rooted in the belief that all people are designed to heal.  A balance exists in us all.   

Jaclyn Levine, Clinical Social Worker/Therapist, L.C.S.W-R- Jaclyn is a licensed Clinical Social Worker (-R) with 7 years of experience working with adolescents, adults, children and families.  Jaclyn specializes in chronic health conditions/chronic pain.  Often those with "invisible illnesses" are overlooked and misunderstood and her goal is to help people feel heard. Throughout her experience, she has learned that everyone needs and deserves a personalized approach to their treatment and recovery. Jaclyn's vast experience includes a person-centered approach with the belief that all people are capable of problem solving and healing.  Through unconditional support and guidance, Jaclyn assists her clients in obtaining the outcome they desire, and the life changes needed to achieve lasting happiness.

Emily Davis, Counselor, L.M.H.C-  Emily is a licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 5 years of mental health counseling experience.  She has worked with various age groups in diverse settings.  Emily believes in creating a warm and inviting environment, for her clients to feel comfortable discussing their personal lives.  She strives to help people find and pursue their purpose in life, by motivating them to achieve positive results.  She utilizes empathy, rather than judgment, to create a positive, therapeutic relationship.  She focuses on assisting her clients in finding their own solutions to the problems that they are experiencing.

Jessica Fanning, Clinical Social Worker, L.C.S.W - Jessica specializes in working with clients who are struggling with stressful life transitions, anxiety, feelings of inadequacy, emotional connection, intimacy and sexual issues.  She helps clients identify and change the unhealthy cycles that may be creating feelings of being stuck.  With respect, sensitivity, and expertise I will help you improve your relationships, create meaningful connections and improve your life.  Jessica has been successfully treating clients for 6 years.  She has worked in clinical settings helping clients with interpersonal relationship skills, emotional regulation, and distress tolerance.  Jessica has extensive training in sex therapy, as well as specializations in mindfulness, trauma and anxiety.  

Katlyn Mckee, M.H.C-L.P, N.C.C-   Kaitlyn is a psychotherapist who has worked with children, adolescents, and adults in a variety of settings. She has worked with individuals going through life transitions, anxiety, depression, grief, loss and interpersonal conflicts.  Kaitlyn also has over 3 years of experience working with children and adolescents diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.  Kaitlyn believes everyone deserves a space to be completely themselves and                                                      understand the importance of an authentic and supportive environment.  She utilizes an integrative approach to meet the needs and desires of each client. 

Cara Stamm, M.H.C-L.P -Cara offers an opportunity to process life challenges without judgement. Focusing on an integrative model, Cara utilizes many approaches, including mindfulness-based CBT, DBT, and Solution Focused Therapy to help navigate through things like anxiety, family conflict, codependency, depression, anxiety and mood disorders. Her approach is client driven, yet therapeutic. Cara has an extensive background in crisis intervention, and specialty areas include working with children, adolescents, and individuals on the Autism spectrum.

 Madison Montgomery, L.M.H.C - Madison is a licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 7 years experience working with individuals of all ages.  Madison has worked with individuals through all stages of life, including navigating interpersonal skills, grief and loss, anxiety, depression as well as distress tolerance.  Madison works to promote a person-centered environment, utilizing a variety of techniques including CBT, Solution Focused Therapy as well as mindfulness approaches.  Madison believes in working collaboratively with each individual to empower and educate them into making meaningful changes in their lives. 

 Mackenna Vogt, Clinical Social Worker/Therapist - Mackenna is a licensed Clinical Social Worker with 5 years of experience working with various age groups in diverse settings.  Mackenna has worked with individuals who struggle with day-to-day issues, stress, anxiety, anger, sadness, relationships, setbacks, and overall life challenges.  During our sessions, you can expect a warm, supportive and safe environment.  My goal as a clinician is to create a space where my clients feel they can be vulnerable without judgment.  I truly believe that committing to therapy has the potential to be the best decision someone can make for themselves.

Candice Farrell, L.M.S.W- Candice is a Licensed Masters Social Worker and Health Educator. As your therapist, she will help you feel empowered to take the best next steps towards personal healing and growth.  Candice specializes in couples therapy, sexual health, self-worth, and life transitions affecting men, women and young adults.  She welcomes clients in a non-judgmental space where it is safe to express your whole self, speak your truth and grow from within.  She is committed to helping her clients live authentically. Candice graduated from SUNY College of Cortland with a Bachelors of Science in Health Education and a minor in Biology and Gerontology.  She received her Masters Degree in Social Work from  Stony Brook University.  She has been a human sexuality and mental health educator to adolescents and adults for over two decades.  She is the author of "Connect With Your Teen".  Candice holds a certificate in teletherapy and has achieved Level 1 and 2 of the Gottman Couples Therapy Method. 

 Lanie Terrana, L.C.S.W - Lanie has broad scope of clinical experience, including supporting clients with depression, anxiety, marital conflict, career transition, and trauma. Lanie believes that healing is best accomplished by addressing challenges through a holistic lens which includes the mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of ourselves.  She helps her clients identify and process their internal and external barriers to healing and growth using CBT, trauma-informed therapy, and solutions-focused approaches. Lanie also incorporates mindfulness and strength-based modalities to encourage self-awareness and self-compassion to produce positive life changes, empowerment and overall wellness.