Mental Health Support
In surveying the Catholic parents of WNY, CPI uncovered that mental health challenges are one of the primary obstacles to parenting and faith transmission for twenty-first Catholic parents, with technology and social media contributing significantly to the increase of mental health struggles for children and adults alike.
Local (Licensed in NY State) Catholic Therapists
Russ Blackstone, MA, LMHC
I am effective working with all personality types and temperaments because I will always respect and appreciate you as a unique and special soul, created by God. I enjoy assisting married couples, adults and teens with choosing better ways to communicate so that relationships grow and friendships flourish. We will discuss everything important to YOU. If desired, we will discuss the significance of finding meaning and purpose in life, and the integration of Christian ideals in an often confusing world. We will set clear goals and I will help you have fun while we work together to achieve them!
Dr. Pilar Castaneda, LMFT
Dr. Pilar Castaneda is a bilingual marriage and family therapist specializing in therapy for individuals, couples, and families. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana and her doctorate from Syracuse University. She has extensive experience working with trauma and diverse populations. Dr. Castaneda taught family therapy at the Universidad de la Sabana, coordinated the practicum experience for psychology students, provided supervision, and worked in private practice.
Elizabeth Galanti, MBA, MA, LMHC
Catholics are my delight. IFS is my specialty. Telehealth is my office. Florida is home. The same as what was done for me. If you’re thinking about therapy — then something must be going on. Bring that to me. Then, we collectively roll up our shirt sleeves and get to work. So life can get better for you. I was fortunate to have been trained in IFS (Internal Family Systems), a highly sought-after therapy that helps get to the root of the problem. After years of training, I am credentialed at the highest level as Level 3 Trained + Certified IFS Therapist + IFS Approved Consultant. It doesn’t stop there. I incorporate Christian Counseling and Catholic tenets into our work to bring a faith-based component into our work. I am a practicing Catholic and my faith is of utmost importance to me. Voila, I have been transformed into a Catholic IFS Therapist, helping clients transform into the person they want to be — transforming into the person God wants them to be.
Dan Lawson, LMHC
Hello, my name is Daniel Lawson. I am a NYS Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over a decade of clinical experience. If you are a Catholic man or woman working to overcome issues in your relationships, difficulties in your marriage, struggling with depression, anxiety, substance abuse, trauma, anger, I can help. I effectively combine my faith with my psychological training to provide you with therapy you can trust, deeply rooted in Catholic Theology and Philosophy. I am respectful of my clients beliefs – I am a devout and balanced Catholic that can bring a spiritual and faith-filled perspective into your counseling experience.
Anna Ottaviano, LMSW
We are all called to become the best versions of ourselves, to be good stewards of our minds, bodies and souls. Engaging in quality therapy is a unique opportunity to move towards total health and healing and closer to that best version of self, especially when in the midst of life’s toughest trials. I integrate a variety of therapeutic techniques alongside a strengths-based approach in my practice while keeping in mind that each individual is unique, holding intrinsic dignity and worth. Along with holding a master’s degree in Social Work from the University at Buffalo, I am a certified birth doula and am pursuing a Certification in Perinatal Mental Health. I have experience in and a passion for walking with women through pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum time.
Samantha Stefaniak, LMHC
Hi, I’m Samantha Stefaniak, a Catholic mental wellness coach with a background in clinical therapy, a heart for the overwhelmed, and a deep belief that no storm is too big for God or too messy for healing. For years, I walked alongside clients in the therapy room – listening to heartbreak, witnessing resilience, and helping people find their footing again. But over time, I realized that some women didn’t need a diagnosis or a treatment plan. They needed a solution-focused companion to help them get unstuck, rebuild inner peace, and move forward in a way that’s rooted in both faith and psychology.
For help locating other local Catholic therapists or Catholic therapists licensed to practice in NY State, please visit ​Catholic Therapists or Catholic Psychotherapy Association