NYCC PROVIDES BEHAVIORAL COUNSELING SERVICES
New York Counseling for Change is built on the history of Queens Counseling for Change, which was chosen as one of only three approved sexual offender treatment programs by the NYC Department of Probation in 2007. The agency assisted the Department in their development of policy and procedures regarding supervision and treatment of sexual offenders. The agency was chosen in 2009 to be the primary provider and assisted in the development of the specialized court part in Queens County supervising sexual offender cases.
NYCC provides a myriad of services: problematic sexual behaviors, sexual offenses, batterers, anger management, and bias crimes. We work with individuals and families (when appropriate). NYCC also provides case management, medical Services, access to free and affordable health care (for those who qualify), life skills training, and linkages to vocational training and education.
All services are provided in English and Spanish with day, evening and weekend hours available. We have fully approved telemental health services and some in office hours available as well. No client is turned away if they are motivated to comply with their mandate and desire to change. The agency utilizes varied approaches to engage a difficult population.
SPECIALIZED SERVICES: PROBLEMATIC SEXUAL BEHAVIORS • BATTERERS ACCOUNTABILITY •ANGER/AGGRESSION • BIAS INCIDENTS
OUR APPROACH
NYCC uses evidence-based approaches combined with emerging practice techniques to maximize a client’s ability to engage positively with their treatment experience. Services are provided in multiple languages and all counselors have years of experience working with those involved in the criminal justice system. Treatment is provided in a collaborative model with each client to create treatment goals and plans that will create the change behaviors needed to maximize their benefits of treatment. Each client works with a counselor that can best meet the needs that they present with and in a group that not only meets their scheduling needs but provides them an opportunity to express themselves openly without judgement. NYCC welcomes and respects cultural diversity.
OUR HISTORY
NYCC is built upon the principals from Queens Counseling for Change and identified the needs for additional services for those involved in the criminal justice system. The staff from Queens Counseling for Change will be joining NYCC and we have a long history of assisting a variety of governmental agencies in developing specialized policy and procedures related to the prevention of victimization. At New York Counseling for Change we provide services to anyone in the NYC and surrounding areas. NYCC receives referrals directly from social workers, criminal defense lawyers, legal services agencies, District Attorney's offices, Criminal Courts, Family Courts, children services agencies, Parole, Probation and self-referrals. The agency has successfully worked with thousands of clients since its inception.
Meet the Staff
Larry has over 25 years' experience in the field of social work. He is a New York State Executive Board Member of the Association for the Treatment and Prevention of Sexual Abusers (ATSA), an internationally-recognized group of treatment providers, researchers and law enforcement individuals working in the area of preventing, treating, and researching best practices preventing sexual abuse. He is also the President of the NYS Alliance for the Prevention of Sexual Abuse, a NYS-based group focused on preventing and treating sexual abuse in the community. In his role with these organizations, he organizes statewide trainings and conferences, along with providing consultation on best practices in the treatment, supervision, and prevention of sexual violence. Larry is a former Parole Officer, and has experience working with: victims, LGBT individuals, homelessness, addiction, policy, and individuals in crisis.
BETH COVELLI, LCSW-R
Executive Director
Beth joined QCC as a new Partner/Director in 2018. Beth has a long history of working in Queens and as a partner will be overseeing several new initiatives including the launch of New York Counseling for Change, LLC and other initiatives that we look forward to sharing them with you as they develop. Beth is a clinician and administrator with strong clinical acuity, and expertise in program development. She is experienced in substance abuse treatment services and mental health counseling and serves as the Chairperson of the Queens Consortium on Substance Abuse and Alcoholism and on the Board of Directors for the Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Providers of New York State (ASAP). Beth is very knowledge and demonstrates expertise in service integration in substance abuse treatment, mental health services, and work with the forensic population as well as possessing a strong ability in creating strategic alliances to effectively serve clients, referents, and programs.
Julianne Batista, LMHC
Clinical Coordinator
Hi, I’m Julianne Batista, a licensed mental health counselor. I joined QCC in 2017 as an intern when finalizing my master's in forensic mental health counseling. After completing my master's in 2018, I continued working with QCC and NYCC in a full-time capacity. I joined QCC/NYCC because I want to help individuals achieve their treatment goals and maintain safe behavior in the community.
Jenna Seda, LMHC
Intake Coordinator
Hi, I'm Jenna Seda, a licensed mental health counselor. I joined QCC in 2018 and NYCC in 2020. I have 5 years of experience in the field of mental health counseling and provide group and individual counseling at both QCC and NYCC. I joined QCC/NYCC to help clients address their individual therapeutic needs while helping keep communities safe.
Erika Diaz Ortiz, MA
Systems and Admin Coordinator
Hi, I’m Erika Diaz Ortiz, the supervisor of our online and telehealth systems. I joined QCC in June 2019 as an intern while earning my master’s in forensic psychology. Upon completing my studies in 2020, I continued working in QCC and later NYCC full time. I joined the team to help clients more easily access the care they need. I speak Spanish and enjoy reading and trying new foods in my free time.
Jessica Ruiz, MHC-LP
Intern Coordinator
Hi, I’m Jessica Ruiz, a mental health counselor and expect to be fully licensed in June 2023. I joined QCC in 2020 and NYCC in 2021. I currently provide group, individuals, couples and family therapy. I also assist the agency’s Executive Directors and provide task related supervision for the interns/externs. I joined QCC/NYCC to help individuals and families that are involved in the criminal justice system.
Jennifer Ranfla, MA
Admin Staff/Clinician
Hi, I’m Jennifer Ranfla, an admin/clinical staff member. I joined QCC/NYCC in 2021 as a Forensic Psychology intern. I have been part of the staff since September 2021. In addition, I speak Spanish and provide group counseling at QCC. I enjoy working at QCC and NYCC as I can assist individuals with their service needs, especially Hispanic populations.
Juan Cabrera
Admin Staff
Hi, I’m Juan Cabrera, a front desk/admin staff member. I started working in NYCC in March 2022. I joined NYCC to help others and better my understanding about mental health. I speak Spanish and am trying to earn my degree so I can become a counselor in the future, as well.
Erica Nicole Ruiz, BA
Admin Staff
Hi, I’m Erica Nicole Ruiz, a front desk/admin staff member. I joined QCC and NYCC in November 2022. I am passionate about helping others and have a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. I look forward to furthering my education and potentially becoming a counselor in the future. I speak Spanish and love to read.
Nina James
Administrative Assistant
Hi, I’m Nina James, an administrative assistant finishing up my undergraduate degree. I joined QCC and NYCC in July 2021. Gaining work experience and knowledge in the field of clinical psychology is important as I pursue my graduate degree in Public Policy with diverse populations.
Lisa Wigdzinski
Billing Director
Hi, I’m Lisa Wigdzinski, the director of medical billing. I have 29 years of experience working in the billing field, 20 of which have been in mental health. I joined QCC in 2018 and assisted with the behind the scenes work to get NYCC up and running. I enjoy doing work where, as an agency, we help many people change their lives and acclimatize back into society.
Rosalee DeCaro
Billing Associate
Hi, I’m Rosalee DeCaro, a billing associate. I joined the agency in July 2022. I have been working in healthcare since 2008 and I'm currently pursuing a degree in nursing.
Dr. Malgorzata Witek, MD
Medical Director/Psychiatrist
Hi, I’m Dr. Witek or just Dr. W for short. I am a Triple Board-Certified Psychiatrist in Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatry. I am also certified in Addiction Medicine. I graduated from medical school in Poland and completed my training and fellowship at Mount Sinai and NYU. Overall, I have over 25 years of clinical experience. Among other responsibilities, since September 2019 I have been serving as Medical Director at New York Counseling for Change.
I strongly believe in a holistic and personalized treatment approach so that my patients can explore their potential and live their life to the fullest. In my free time, I am passionate about astronomy, cosmology, and making connections between medicine and philosophy.
I hope I will see you soon!
Alain Zagorin, MHC-LP
Clinician
Hi, I’m Alain Zagorin, a mental health counselor at QCC and NYCC. I joined the team in 2022 and have been helping clients to cope with various difficulties such as anxiety, self-esteem, trauma, anger management, and sexuality concerns. I am proud to bring my two master's degrees in counseling and psychology and five years of experience in therapy to my clients. In my free time, I love exploring neighborhoods and discovering "hip" places such as coffee shops, bookstores, and art galleries.
Ana Lia Guillen, MHC-LP
Clinician
Hi, I’m Ana Lia Guillen, a mental health counselor. I joined QCC and NYCC in September 2021. I have 3 years of experience in the field of counseling. I speak Spanish, provide individual counseling, and guide intake processes at both QCC and NYCC. I joined QCC/NYCC to help individuals address vulnerable areas that could help them increase the quality of their lives.
Anthony Sierra, MA
Clinician
Hi, I’m Anthony Sierra, MA. I joined QCC in 2008, providing individual and group counseling, in English and Spanish. With 27 years of experience in the field of mental health, I have also worked with developmental disabilities, substance abuse, parenting, domestic violence, and am focused on helping clients in relapse prevention using cognitive behavioral therapy. I also have 20 years working in Animal-Assisted therapy.
Antoinette Jones-Perrin, LCSW
Clinician
Hi, I’m Antoinette Jones-Perrin. I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 25 years’ experience providing therapeutic services to violence and trauma survivors, individuals struggling with mental health, substance use, anger, and self-identity. I tailor our sessions to fit your needs and am versed in helping my clients build their confidence and manage stress levels.
Facing your challenges, exploring your inner thoughts, and discovering your happiness, is not an easy task. That is why I am dedicated to guiding our clients through the process of identifying triggers, healing from trauma, and empowering them to explore their true selves as they work toward living a more fulfilled life.
Danny Ruiz, LMHC
Clinician
Hi, I’m Danny Ruiz, a licensed mental health counselor. I joined QCC and NYCC in 2022 after interning for them in 2018. I have 4 years of experience counseling, speak Spanish, and I provide group and individual counseling at both QCC and NYCC. I joined QCC/NYCC to help individuals learn about their emotions, including how to better regulate them.
Katie McHugh, LMSW
Clinician
Hi, I’m Katie McHugh, a licensed social worker. I joined QCC and NYCC in August 2021 because I am passionate about improving mental health. I provide group and individual therapy, primarily working with adolescent and young adult clients.
Rachel Albanese, MHC-LP
Clinician
Hi, I’m Rachel Albanese, a mental health counselor. I joined QCC in 2019 and NYCC in 2021. I conduct intakes with new clients and am currently pursuing my doctorate in clinical psychology. I joined QCC/NYCC to help those in the community to aid in improving quality of life.
Sasha Seecharan, LMHC
Clinician
Hi, I’m Sasha Seecharan, a licensed Mental Health Counselor and a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC-2). I joined QCC and NYCC in 2022. I provide group and individual counseling at both QCC and NYCC. My area of focus is substance use and mental health.
Vicelys Huang, LMHC
Clinician
Hi, I’m Vicelys Huang, a licensed mental health counselor. I joined QCC in 2015 and NYCC in 2020. I have 8 years of experience in the field of counseling, speak Spanish, and provide group and individual counseling at both QCC and NYCC.
