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In the News

Our clinicians are regularly featured in national publications, where they share evidence-based perspectives on anxiety, relationships, parenting, trauma, OCD, chronic illness, and emotional well-being.

Sharing accurate, evidence-based mental health information is an extension of the work we do every day. Whether through these articles or in the therapy room, our goal is the same: to provide practical, compassionate guidance grounded in psychological science.

When a Friend Isn’t Who You Thought They’d Be

Rather than focusing on one instance where a friend made a mistake, Nicole Andreoli, PhD, psychologist at Pathways Psychological Services and author, says consider how you consistently feel after spending time with them. She says some red flags to look out for include:If they dismiss your feelings, cross boundaries after you’ve expressed them, or reach out only when they need you. “Another important marker is how the person handles ruptures in the friendship, or hearing that you feel hurt,” Dr. Andreoli tells MyLifetime. “Healthy friendships can withstand difficult conversations, and good friends can apologize and take ownership for wrongdoing.”

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5 Tips for Managing Depression as You Age

10/06/2026 "Later life can force us to redefine how we see ourselves in terms of our role within our family structures and sense of purpose post-retirement," says Anna Plotkina, PsyD, a psychologist who treats older adults at Pathways Psychological Services in New York City. "We are also faced with more grief, loss, and, at times, social isolation as we get older. All of these factors increase the risk of developing depression, or making it more difficult to manage." Addressing depression effectively usually necessitates a multipronged approach, she says. That tends to include visits to health professionals for treatment, as well as lifestyle changes. Here are five expert tips to help you manage depression as you age.

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Cutting Back on Ultra-Processed Foods May Help Ease Depression Symptoms

10/03/2026 Dara Houp, PsyD, a licensed clinical psychologist with Pathways Psychological Services in NYC, who wasn’t involved in the study, told Healthline that it’s important to distinguish ultra-processed foods from processed foods more broadly. Houp added that diets high in UPFs may be lower in antioxidant-rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables, which could contribute to oxidative stress. Research suggests that people with depression may have lower antioxidant levels and higher markers of oxidative damage.

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Online CBT Program Could Reduce Nurse Burnout, Suicidal Ideation

09/23/2026 Therapist Carrie Reyes, MED, LMHC with Pathways Psychological Services, New York City, spoke with Healthgrades about why CBT-based skills appeared to produce an additional benefit over screening and referral alone. “CBT provided participants with the opportunity to challenge their negative beliefs surrounding their job to reframe in a positive and healthier way,” explained Reyes, who was not involved in the trial. “CBT gave participants an actionable way to help decrease burnout and stress, including providing adequate self-care tools,” she added.

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Best Sleep Aids for Seniors: What Really Works?

09/02/2026 "CBT-I is often utilized to help address thoughts and behavioral patterns that could be contributing to sleep loss," says Yulgeim Gomez, L.M.H.C., a therapist and specialist in cognitive behavioral therapy at Pathways Psychological Services in New York City. "It's particularly helpful if stress or anxiety are the primary reason for difficulty sleeping." Typically, each CBT-I session lasts between 30 to 60 minutes and is done weekly for up to eight weeks, depending on what you need addressed, says Gomez.

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Sleep Problems in Older Adults: Why Do Seniors Have Trouble Sleeping?

09/02/2026 Like chronic pain, anxiety and sleep can form a negative feedback loop: The harder you try to fall asleep, the more difficult it becomes and the more anxious you get, according to Marty Maidenberg, a psychotherapist with Pathways Psychological Services in New York City. "We start thinking, 'I have to get to sleep, I'm going to be exhausted tomorrow,' and suddenly our brain is even more awake," he says. "We're putting pressure on ourselves to do something that really needs to happen naturally."

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Some People Are Leaning On AI For Mental Health Support. Here’s Why It’s Not a Substitute For A Licensed Therapist

08/31/2026 “When you’re in front of a therapist, the therapist can pick up on certain tics or moods that are out of the norm for you,” says Marty Maidenberg, a psychotherapist with Pathways Psychological Services in New York City. “That’s something that AI can never really offer.”

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Why Dolly Parton’s death can feel like losing someone you knew personally

08/30/2026 Grief experts say it’s possible to experience genuine feelings of loss even if there wasn’t a personal relationship — particularly when the public figure has become woven into people’s memories and routines over a long period of time. Psychologists refer to this type of loss as parasocial grief, according to licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Dara Houp.

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Study Finds Strong Family Relationships Are Linked To Better Health

08/14/2026 Dara Houp, PsyD, a licensed clinical psychologist with Pathways Psychological Services in New York, says family therapy has helped her clients work through physical and mental health challenges like eating disorders. In one example, she says a client used family therapy to improve her relationship with her mother, which led to positive changes for the individual and the family. “Once that unhealthy family dynamic cracked, my client’s relationship with food was able to shift, too,” says Dr. Houp.

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Senior Living Benefits: Thriving With Low Vision and Lifestyle Changes

08/07/2026 "It’s not about holding onto life as it was, it’s about adapting to life as it is," says Nicole Andreoli, a psychologist with Pathways Psychological Services in New York City. "Embracing the reality of the many changes and transitions we experience as we get older can be difficult, and it’s natural to grieve the abilities or routines that have changed." She suggests differentiating between the circumstances that are in our control and those that are not, then focusing on what can still be influenced. "The thought shifts from 'I can’t do this' to 'How can I still do the things that bring me joy?'" Andreoli says.

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The One Emotional Skill Psychologists Say Parents and Grandparents Should Teach Before Age 7

08/04/2026 Dr. Dara Houp, Psy.D., a licensed clinical psychologist with Pathways Psychological Services in NYC, says children need to co-regulate before they can self-regulate. They will lean on their caregiver (you) for that (perhaps literally). “For example, when a movie ends, and the child is angry and yelling for more screen time, instead of matching the child’s intensity, a parent can soften their voice, get on the child’s level and speak slowly,” she explains. “This models a different way of responding to intense emotions and helps the child understand that their big emotion isn’t overwhelming to you.”

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Helping Your Parent Age in Place

07/30/2026 Replacing furniture, installing smart technology, removing trip hazards, and changing lighting are all essential aspects of helping parents age in place—but if done without their approval or cooperation, it can cause disruption and conflict, says Marty Maidenberg, a psychotherapist with Pathways Psychological Services in New York City. "One of the most effective ways adult children can help their parents and show support is to avoid telling parents what they should do," he suggests. "Involve them in the decision-making process. Ask them how they would prefer to handle certain challenges as opposed to instructing them."

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Financial Struggles May Age The Brain, Study Finds

07/28/2026 Yulgeim Gomez, a licensed mental health counselor with Pathways Psychological Services in New York City, says a good therapist can help clients reframe negative self-talk while staying realistic about their financial needs. “The goal is never to replace negative thoughts with unrealistic affirmations,” Gomez says. “‘Everything is fine’ is both unrealistic and invalidating. Instead, we focus on creating a more balanced form of thinking.” Rather than convincing his client that their money problems will go away immediately, Gomez likes to have them reframe their doubts and repeat phrases like: “This financial stressor does not define me as a person.”

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Stressed About Cyclospora? Here’s How To Manage Your Anxiety

07/28/2026 Anna Plotkina, Psy.D., a psychologist with Pathways Psychological Services in New York City, says she noticed that “people’s anxiety symptoms have certainly notably increased throughout this outbreak.” People who struggle with conditions like disordered eating may be particularly vulnerable to food-related anxieties and at risk for new or returning symptoms, Plotkina adds.

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I Didn’t Realize What Empty Threats Were Teaching My Kids Until I Heard This Expert Advice

07/19/2026 It turns out that we are doing our children even more of a disservice by not following through on threats—even though the last thing we want to do is punish or upset our children. But sometimes consequences can be good for kids. “On a deeper level, [not following through] can foster a sense of uncertainty and lack of emotional safety,” says Anna Plotkina, PsyD., with Pathways Psychological Services in New York City. “Consistent boundaries and structure allow kids to feel safe.”

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Will Your Relationship Survive The World Cup Final? Here’s The Best Online Couples Therapy

07/16/2026 Marty Maidenberg, a psychotherapist with Pathways Psychological Services in New York, says that “being part of a fan base allows us to feel connected to something larger than ourselves, which fulfills a fundamental psychological need for connection and shared purpose.” He adds that this “emotional range” is both what makes sports so attractive to so many people and what can lead to conflict when people are rooting for different teams. “When someone strongly identifies [with] a team, rooting for opposing teams can begin to feel more personal than it really is,” Maidenberg says. In some cases, “the desire for your team to win can evolve into a desire to ‘beat’ the person sitting next to you,” he adds.

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5 Daily Rituals to Help You Manage Early-Stage Mild Cognitive Impairment

07/16/2026 Strong relationships with friends, family, and community members can benefit your brain health. You’ll get bonus points if you combine social connection with physical activity, says Dara Houp, PsyD, a clinical psychologist at Pathways Psychological Services in New York City. Consider making a daily walking date with a friend, or pairing up for gardening or a chair yoga class. ”Research consistently supports that physical exercise slows cognitive decline, improves neuroplasticity, and reduces brain inflammation,” says Dr. Houp. ”Exercise also indirectly affects cognitive impairment, as it reduces frequently correlated symptoms such as depression and anxiety. Spending time with others can amplify this effect.”

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Adult ADHD Evaluation: What to Expect and How to Prepare

07/06/2026 Through a clinical interview, your clinician will ask about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They will refer to the DSM-5-TR to help determine if you’re displaying symptoms of ADHD. For people older than 17 years of age, they must show at least 5 symptoms that fall in one category (inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity) of the manual for six months or longer. “Here you will discuss what led you to seek out testing, provide your symptom history, family history and other relevant information that the clinician will ask about,” says Anna Plotkina, PsyD, a psychologist who specializes in ADHD.

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Could ‘Floor Time’ Really Help With Stress, Posture, Back Pain, and Mood?

07/06/2026 Social media users say “floor time” is helping them to decompress and ease pain. Lying on the floor can “slow the body’s stress response and enable you to become more present in the moment, rather than becoming consumed by worries about the past or future,” says Marty Maidenberg, a licensed mental health counselor and therapist in New York City. Lower stress can create a greater sense of emotional balance, he says.

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Yes, Stair Climbing, Housework Count as Exercise. They Can Even Boost Your Mood

06/18/2026 “There is a wealth of research supporting the connection between movement and an enhanced mood, partially through the release of endorphins and dopamine. Those same neurotransmitters directly increase motivation and drive, thereby making us more willing to be physically active,” Dara Houp, PsyD, licensed clinical psychologist with Pathways Psychological Services, told Healthline. Houp wasn’t involved in the study.

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Setting a Goal Weight May Lead to Greater Success With GLP-1s Like Zepbound

06/17/2026 The findings suggest that setting a weight loss goal while using a GLP-1 medication may lead to even greater weight loss. “This isn’t surprising, given that psychological research has shown that setting goals provides direction, can help focus attention, and can help us maintain commitment and motivation to our goals,” said Nicole Andreoli, PhD, licensed psychologist with Pathway Psychological Services in New York, NY. Andreoli wasn’t involved in the study.

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We Asked 4 Psychologists the Best Phrase To Use With Adult Children To Transform Your Relationship—They All Said the Same Thing

06/14/2026 Four psychologists agree that there’s power in saying, “I’m sorry for my mistakes.” “Authentically acknowledging and apologizing for your mistakes can feel incredibly validating for the receiver,” shares Dr. Anna Plotkina, Psy.D., a licensed psychologist with Pathways Psychological Services. “Validation is one of the most powerful tools we have for connection and healing.”

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5 Daily Habits to Help You Manage Fibromyalgia

05/31/2026 The same journal that helps you track energy levels and physical symptoms can be a boon for emotional health as well, says Marty Maidenberg, a licensed mental health counselor at Pathways Psychological Services in New York City. "Particularly if you're feeling restricted in your bodily movement, writing can offer an outlet to express how you're feeling, or to make the pain tangible," he says. "That means converting the idea of pain into something that can be described and managed — not just something that's happening to you and is beyond your control — which helps you feel more stable."

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Senior Living Benefits: Adapting Hobbies Through Community Support

05/29/2026 When health issues forced Andrea Jenks, a resident at an assisted living facility in New Hampshire, to give up a beloved hobby, the emotional toll was real. A mindset shift and staff support, however, sparked new joy. Nicole Andreoli, a psychologist with Pathways Psychological Services in New York City, suggests additional adaptations such as: Using presourced or modified materials that are easier to work with Engaging in conversations or groups related to the hobby Looking at related images online Creating memory books of previous projects and accomplishments Finding adjacent activities that focus on or are more aligned with your current abilities

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4 Travel Tips for Bipolar Disorder

05/28/2026 When you’re managing bipolar disorder, a predictable routine is an important part of feeling a sense of stability, and research shows it can even reduce mood cycling.[1] But travel can be daunting, because it can come with unfamiliar environments, unexpected changes like flight delays, and disruptions to your routine. Even dietary changes can place someone with bipolar out of their comfort zone, according to Dara Houp, PsyD, a clinical psychologist at Pathways Psychological Services in New York City.

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Why Everyone Needs a “Doorbell Friend”—and How to Create More Opportunities for Closeness

05/27/2026 A doorbell friendship is less about how often friends communicate and more about the level of safety in the relationship. “Doorbell friends are the low-maintenance relationships where someone feels comfortable enough to ‘ring your doorbell’ without requiring a perfectly preplanned event,” says Nicole Andreoli, PhD, psychologist and author of Mindfulness and the ADHD Parent. “Instead, these friendships rely on spontaneous interactions built on a foundation of closeness and familiarity.” They are the friends who quite literally say, “I was nearby and thought I’d stop in for a minute,” rather than “We should plan something soon.”

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The ‘I Turned Out Fine’ Debate Is Exposing a Huge Generational Parenting Divide

05/28/2026 Unfortunately, the influence of social media has also led modern parents to exist in a world of perpetual comparison, according to Marty Maidenberg, MA, LMHC, NCC, a New York City-based psychotherapist with Pathways Psychological Services. “Parents in the 80's did not have smartphones, [and] constant social media exposure in the way families do today,” he says. “Social media can push us to measure our happiness, success, or emotional well-being against the fantasy of others’ posts or profiles.”

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5 Daily Habits to Help You Manage Bipolar Disorder

05/26/2026 “For most of us, having routine in our day-to-day lives can be quite helpful, but for those living with bipolar disorder, it is absolutely essential,” says Anna Plotkina, PsyD, a psychologist with Pathways Psychological Services in New York City. “Having consistent, external behavioral and environmental 'touchstones' helps the brain let the nervous system know that you're safe,” says Dr. Plotkina.

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I’ll Never Be a Morning Person—and I’m Done Pretending It’s a Problem

05/13/2026 There's real science behind why evenings can actually be prime time for getting things done. “For many, the pressure to function at work can actually diminish productivity,” explains Dara Houp, PsyD, licensed clinical psychologist at Pathways Psychological Services.

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Do You Dream in Fear or Joy? The Answer Could Affect Your Morning Mood

05/04/2026 “Dreams are such a popular topic in therapy. I find that clients often ask about dream interpretation and trying to understand their meaning, or link their significance to daily life,” said Nicole Andreoli, PhD, licensed psychologist and author of “Mindfulness & the ADHD Parent.” Andreoli wasn’t involved in the study.

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