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Samantha Southard, LMHC(She/Her/Hers)

(She/Her/Hers)
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC
New York
Anxiety -College & graduate student mental health- Life transitions-Perfectionism-Childhood trauma-
AboutSpecialtiesLocationsInsurance & Fees

Professional statement

Samantha Southard is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who believes in being down-to-Earth and embracing the messiness of being human. She strives to create a warm, relatable, and nonjudgmental space where clients can slow down, be vulnerable without fear of judgment, and not feel the pressure to hold it all together. She offers a collaborative approach to address clients' unique experiences while specializing in generalized anxiety, perfectionism, people-pleasing related issues, childhood trauma, and college-related stressors. During sessions, clients are encouraged to be their authentic selves where they can vent, cry, reflect, and even laugh.

Her therapeutic approach is holistic, trauma-informed, and attachment-based, integrating components of Psychodynamic Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and mindfulness practices. With these approaches, clients are able to dive into what's causing them to feel distressed, heal trauma wounds, embrace their own resiliency, identify triggers and maladaptive patterns, set boundaries, challenge cycles of self-doubt and insecurity, and develop coping skills that actually work for their needs and lifestyle. In the therapeutic space, Samantha also emphasizes practicing self-compassion and self-love to help clients honor and hold space for feelings of shame, anxiety, insecurity, and guilt.

Sessions are offered virtually, allowing for flexible and accessible care.


Message to clients

Do you feel like you’re always “holding it together” — striving to be successful, helpful, and composed, even when you’re exhausted and burnt out? If you’re someone who is tired of managing anxiety, perfectionism, keeping everything under control, or the constant pressure to be everything for everyone, you're not alone and you don't have to have it all figured out.

My goal is to create a space where you can fully be yourself — authentic, messy, and perfectly imperfect — without fear of criticism, judgment, or rejection. I care deeply about your unique story and strive to have your healing journey tailored to your individual needs, where you can speak honestly as to what's weighing on you. Therapy with me is collaborative and client-centered, allowing us to move at your pace while exploring what’s beneath the surface. Together, we’ll explore the underlying patterns driving distress, build awareness around thoughts and emotions, and develop practical tools to help you feel more grounded and confident in daily life.

I specialize in working with young adults ages 18–35 who are navigating anxiety, trauma, perfectionism, college-related/ early-career stressors, and relationship patterns rooted in people-pleasing or attachment wounds. If you are a high-achieving, insightful individual who feels stuck in cycle of self-criticism, anxiety, emotional burnout, and are ready to feel more connected to yourself, I’d love to support you.

If you feel that we'd be a good fit, schedule a free 15-minute consultation to begin and start putting yourself first.


Work and Education

Years of Experience: 4 years

LBA Therapy, Psychotherapist, 2026 - Present
Waves of Wellness Mental Health Counseling, Owner and Psychotherapist, 2025 - Present
Tree of Life Mental Health Counseling, Psychotherapist, 2022 - 2024
YMCA Counseling Services, Psychotherapist, 2021 - 2022

CUNY: College of Staten Island, Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, 2022
St. Joseph's University, Bachelors in Psychology, 2019

Licensure

New York: 014490

Languages

English

Specialties

Anxiety - Coping with excessive worry, nervousness, or stress; intense discomfort in social settings (social anxiety); sudden and intense feelings of panic (panic disorder)

College & graduate student mental health - Specialized strategies for common issues of young adulthood, including school and career stressors, support around healthy relationships, existential concerns, drug or alcohol issues, eating disorders, and anxiety and/or depression.

Life transitions - Coping with difficult or impactful life changes, such as moving to a new area, relationship transitions, child rearing, or career changes; learning self-care to better manage resulting stress

Perfectionism - Coping with feelings of anxiety, stress, self-criticism, and procrastination; addressing unrealistic expectations of one’s self and negatively comparing self to others

Childhood trauma - Learning how traumatic events in childhood can translate into adulthood; processing through difficult memories with the goal of moving past the experience and lingering symptoms




Clientele

  • Adults (24+)
  • Young adults (18-24)

Locations & Hours


Insurance

  • Aetna
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield

Out-of-pocket fees

  • Individual sessions:$175 (55min)
  • Sliding scale:$130 - $175
  • Individual Sessions:$150 (30min)

Additional session information

Out-of-network billing options

This provider can support you in getting reimbursement from your insurance company if you are seeking out-of-network reimbursement. Here are the out-of-network billing options they provide:

  • Super billing
Payment options
  • Credit Card
  • Debit Card
Session frequency

Frequency of sessions this provider offers to see clients once you are an established client.

  • Weekly
  • Every other week
Therapist's note

Limited sliding scale sessions are available for clients in need!

Prospective clients who are out-of-network are welcome to check their out-of-network benefits via Mentaya.


Book a Free Initial Consultation

The practice will call you for a free 10 minute phone call to discuss your needs and ensure a match!

This provider has no upcoming call times available.