Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in New York

Have you been let down by the mental health system? If you've been rushed through appointments, given quick diagnoses, or told your labs are "fine" when you know something is off, I want you to know you're not alone—and you're in the right place. As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, I created my practice for individuals like you who are ready to move beyond symptom-chasing and find a clear, root-cause understanding of their mental health.

Interventions that I have found most helpful in my professional career as a mental health provider are modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Functional Family Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy.

My professional experience has allowed me to work through challenges such as anxiety, depression, addiction, self image issues, family/marital concerns and traumatic life events.

I’m a licensed therapist with a background in both social work and public health, and I work with children, adolescents, and adults navigating trauma, anxiety, and life transitions. My experience spans private practice, nonprofit work, and community-based settings, where I’ve supported individuals from diverse backgrounds. I’m especially passionate about helping clients process difficult experiences and build meaningful, lasting change in their lives.

My approach is rooted in compassion, cultural awareness, and understanding each person’s unique story. I strive to create a space where you feel heard, supported, and empowered to grow at your own pace.

I began my career as a Fulbright Scholar, conducting research on traditional medicine in Sochi, Russia. I presented my work at the United States Embassy in Moscow, highlighting cross-cultural perspectives in healthcare and integrative practice.

After completing my grant, I attended New York University (NYU). I then completed a residency at M.D. Anderson Hospital in Houston, Texas. I went on to earn my doctorate from the University of San Diego, California, where I focused on digital telehealth treatment for psychiatric care.

I am passionate about working with Veterans and individuals experiencing Depression, Anxiety, and Mood Disorders. In 2023, I completed CIIS training in psychedelic-assisted therapy. In 2025, I was among the first providers in Colorado and in the country to become licensed as a psilocybin facilitator.

I am a 30 year veteran Clinical Social Worker. I have a BA in psychology and a Master's in Social Work from the University of Southern California. My areas of specialty are individual therapy in stress management, grief, depression, PTSD, anxiety, chronic illness, children and adults

Rachel Clarke is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with 20 years of experience caring for individuals across the lifespan. Originally from the Caribbean and now proudly serving the Florida community, Rachel brings a culturally sensitive, compassionate approach to mental health care.

Rachel is the founder of You First Mental Health, where the belief is simple but powerful: your mental wellness comes first. She creates a warm, nonjudgmental space where clients can feel safe to be themselves while receiving high-quality, evidence-based care.

Whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, insomnia, or just feeling overwhelmed by life, Rachel works with you to understand your needs and develop a personalized treatment plan. She believes in collaborative care—you are the expert in your experience, and she’s here to help guide and support you every step of the way.

Rachel holds a Master’s degree in Nursing from Walden University and her undergraduate degree from Florida International University. She is licensed in the state of Florida and sees patients via telehealth.

Specialties:

Anxiety & Stress

Depression & Mood Disorders

ADHD (Adult & Adolescent)

Insomnia & Sleep Concerns

Life Transitions & Burnout

Why patients choose Rachel:

✅ Warm, culturally aware care

✅ Collaborative, nonjudgmental approach

✅ Focus on the whole person—not just the symptoms

✅ Flexible telehealth scheduling

✅ Safe space for underserved voices

If you’re ready to prioritize your mental health and work with someone who sees all of you—Rachel is here to help you take that first step. You First Mental Health is Your First Step to a Healthier Mind

Hello! Here is my short & sweet elevator pitch....well virtual elevator pitch. I have worked primarily with children & adolescents for 6 years in hospital, outpatient and school settings. I have experience with children in active crisis, emotional distress, trauma, homelessness, foster care & those with various learning disabilities. I use humor to get to know my patients, and you can always count on me to crack a joke about myself to lighten the mood.

I became a clinician because I firmly believe that my purpose in life is to help others heal through compassionate and empathic therapy. I hope we can start your healing process as soon as you are ready.

I believe healing begins with feeling seen, heard, and understood. My approach to therapy is collaborative, compassionate, and grounded in practical tools that create meaningful change. I work with adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, relationship challenges, and ADHD.

I aim to create a space where you can show up fully — without judgment — while also being gently challenged toward growth. Therapy with me is not just about talking through problems; it’s about building awareness, strengthening emotional regulation, and developing skills that help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

My style is warm, direct, and supportive. I integrate evidence-based approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-informed care, and strengths-based interventions. Whether you’re working through past experiences or trying to manage current stressors, we’ll move at a pace that feels safe while still encouraging progress.

I am especially passionate about helping individuals who feel overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected from their sense of purpose. My goal is to support you in honoring who you are while discovering who you’re becoming.