Patricia Spataro , LMHC

Patricia Spataro partners with individuals to address their immediate concerns and to improve overall quality of life, viewing the therapeutic process as an honor to facilitate. She brings more than 20 years of experience in the mental health field and combines administrative leadership with hands-on clinical work to support people facing a wide range of challenges.

She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and a Certified Employee Assistance Professional - credentials that reflect formal training to provide mental health counseling and to work within employee assistance programs. From 1996 to 2004 she served as Director of an Employee Assistance Program at Family and Children’s Services in Albany, NY, a role that included both administrative responsibilities and extensive clinical practice. From 2005 to 2016 she directed the Lawyer Assistance Program for the New York State Bar Association, providing assessment and treatment to lawyers and judges navigating mental health concerns.

Her clinical skills encompass treatment for substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, stress, relationship and work-related issues. She is trained and experienced in Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, among other evidence-based methods. Her practice style is collaborative and engaged - she actively joins with clients to pursue their goals for counseling.

Evidence-Based Techniques and Virtual Care

Patricia Spataro draws on several evidence-based approaches to support change and coping. Cognitive Behavior Therapy helps identify and shift unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns, and is commonly used for depression, anxiety, and stress-related concerns. Motivational Interviewing focuses on resolving ambivalence and strengthening motivation for change, which is especially useful for substance use and other behavior changes. Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction teaches practical attention and relaxation skills to reduce stress and improve everyday coping.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Patricia works collaboratively with each person to determine which techniques best match their needs, goals, and preferences. She adapts methods over time as progress and priorities evolve.

Online therapy expands access by offering video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, allowing people to fit care into busy schedules and maintain continuity across life changes. These options make it easier to connect with licensed professionals from different locations and to choose the format that feels most comfortable and practical for ongoing work.