She is very kind and helpful and intelligent
Sylvia Leal, LCSW
Experienced mental health professional
Provides online counseling through BetterHelp
At a glance
Sylvia is an experienced, licensed Mental Health Professional who specializes in affordable online therapy offered through our partner, BetterHelp.
- FSA/HSA accepted
- 4.9 stars
- Clients are very satisfied with Sylvia. View 7 reviews
- Speaks English and Spanish
- Offers Telehealth visits
- Licensed in New York
Recent reviews
Sylvia is a great therapist that listens and try’s to understand what issues you are going through. she is very thorough with her work and I would strongly recommend her to others.
More about Sylvia
- 10 years' experience
- Female
- LCSW
As a licensed therapist in New York, I bring two decades of compassionate, culturally responsive mental health support to my practice. My approach centers on understanding the unique experiences of individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes, with specialized expertise in depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, and life transitions.
I am deeply committed to creating a supportive, affirming therapeutic space that honors diverse identities and experiences. My work focuses on empowering clients through challenges like social anxiety, self-esteem, communication barriers, and personal growth. Drawing from a holistic perspective, I help individuals explore their inner strengths, develop meaningful coping strategies, and cultivate self-compassion.
My bilingual practice (English and Spanish) allows me to connect with a wide range of clients, providing culturally sensitive guidance through personal transformations, relationship complexities, and emotional healing. I approach each therapeutic journey with genuine empathy, respect, and a collaborative spirit.
Specialties
Stress
Anxiety
Relationship issues
Self esteem
Depression
Coping with life changes
Abandonment
Aging and geriatric issues
Attachment issues
Autism and Asperger Syndrome
Blended family issues
Body image
Caregiver issues and stress
Chronic pain, illness, and disability
Codependency
Commitment issues
Communication problems
Control issues
Dependent personality
Divorce and separation
Domestic violence
Eating and food-related issues
Emptiness
Family of origin issues
Family problems
Fertility issues
Forgiveness
Guilt and shame
Hoarding
Immigration issues
Infidelity
Isolation / loneliness
Jealousy
Life purpose
Midlife crisis
Money and financial issues
Mood disorders
Panic disorder and panic attacks
Paranoia
Postpartum depression
Post-traumatic stress
Prejudice and discrimination
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Self-love
Social anxiety and phobia
Women's issues
Workplace issues
Insurance Accepted
- Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield New York
- Cigna
- Empire BlueCross BlueShield
- GEHA
- Optum
- Oscar Health
- UMR
- UnitedHealthcare
Treatment Approaches
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Attachment-Based Therapy
- Client-Centered Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)
- Existential Therapy
- Gottman Method
- Jungian Therapy
- Mindfulness Therapy
- Psychodynamic Therapy
- Solution-Focused Therapy
- Trauma-Focused Therapy
Licenses
Sylvia Leal's National Provider Identifier (NPI) is 1013152354.
- LCSW · New York · 076808 · Renews January 2027
About online counseling
- Affordable.
- Pay a low flat fee.
- Convenient.
- Do it at your own time and at your own pace. Communicate whenever you feel it's needed.
- Available now.
- There is no waiting list and no calls to make. Simply fill out a short questionnaire and send your first message.
Online counseling, also known as teletherapy, is a method of delivering mental health services through digital means such as video conferencing, phone calls, or messaging platforms. It can be an ideal option for individuals who have difficulty accessing traditional therapy due to geographical distance, time constraints, or personal preferences like privacy and comfort. Many people find it easier to open up from the familiarity of their own space.
Teletherapy has been found to be highly effective, with studies showing that it can produce similar outcomes to in-person therapy, particularly for issues like anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The flexibility and accessibility it offers make it a valuable alternative to conventional therapy settings.
Reviews for Sylvia Leal
All reviews have been submitted by clients after seeing the provider.
Overall rating:
She is very kind and helpful and intelligent
Sylvia is a great therapist that listens and try’s to understand what issues you are going through. she is very thorough with her work and I would strongly recommend her to others.
very empathetic and charismatic
I cannot thank Sylvia enough for the support, insight, and calm presence she brought into my life. When I first came to her, I was overwhelmed, confused, and on the brink of giving up on my marriage. Through her compassionate guidance, thoughtful reflections and strategies I was able to navigate through the difficult situation. Sylvia helped me rebuild communication, develop emotional boundaries, and regain confidence in navigating difficult situations. Her deep understanding of ADHD dynamics, emotional patterns, and relationship cycles made a huge difference. What felt impossible a few months ago now feels manageable—and even hopeful. My relationship has a second chance because of her. I am so grateful. Highly recommended to anyone facing relationship challenges or navigating the complexities of living with an ADHD partner.
Sylvia quickly identified some key strategies to help me overcome my mental challenges. She advocates for me to be kinder to myself, which is rare in my life. I look forward to speaking with her every week.
Sylvia is a very kind human being. I feel respected and valued as a person . Ive been in therapy on and off for most of my life, and I have not met a therapist (and ive had many) that can get to the core of my grief . I mean i know its my job and no one else's, but I feel like Slyvia has provided me with valuable guidance for my next chapter of healing. I love her expertise and compassion.
Sylvia has been such a great listener and has helped me reflect on things from different perspectives. She is kind and comforting while pointing out where improvements can be made. I would recommend her to anyone seeking comfort but also steps to change
Frequently asked questions
Does Sylvia Leal offer telehealth visits?
Yes. Sylvia Leal works with clients by exchanging messages, chatting live, speaking over the phone, or video conferencing based on what works for the client at that particular time.
What language(s) does Sylvia Leal speak?
Sylvia Leal speaks English and Spanish.
How many years of experience does Sylvia Leal have?
Sylvia Leal has 10 years of experience.
Where is Sylvia Leal licensed to practice?
Sylvia Leal is licensed to practice in New York.
Does Sylvia Leal accept FSA/HSA?
Yes, Sylvia Leal accepts FSA/HSA meaning you can pay for sessions with your pre-tax healthcare dollars. Every year hundreds of thousands of people use their FSA/HSA to pay for therapy.
Does Sylvia Leal accept insurance?
Yes, Sylvia Leal accepts Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield New York, Cigna, Empire BlueCross BlueShield, GEHA, Optum, Oscar Health, UMR, and UnitedHealthcare.
Does Sylvia Leal accept clients outside of the United States?
No, Sylvia Leal does not accept clients outside of the United States.
Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?
Numerous studies support the effectiveness of online platforms in facilitating life changes. For instance, research published by JMIR Publications, conducted by teams from the University of Berkeley, UCSF, and SF General Hospital, found that "users of BetterHelp experienced significantly reduced depression symptom severity after engaging with the platform."
What treatment approaches does Sylvia Leal offer?
Sylvia Leal offers clients Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Existential Therapy, Gottman Method, Jungian Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Trauma-Focused Therapy.
How can I communicate with Sylvia Leal?
Sylvia Leal can be engaged in any one of four ways: (1) Exchanging messages, (2) chatting live, (3) speaking over the phone, or (4) video conferencing. You can use different ways at different times as you wish, based on your needs, availability, and convenience.
How do I get started with Sylvia Leal?
Just tap the BOOK NOW button or tap here: A new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation.
Mental health conditions are real, common, and treatable.
And recovery is possible.
When you tap CHAT NOW a new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation.
FSA/HSA
eligible