Brie Scolaro, LCSW + 1
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Message from Brie
You want to feel calmer and more in control of your life. You want your mind to slow down so you can focus, rest, and enjoy the things you work so hard for. You want to stop doubting yourself and start feeling confident in your choices. You want clear tools for anxiety and stress so you are not always pushing through on empty. Most of the people I work with are in their twenties or thirties and look successful from the outside. They are in demanding jobs or graduate programs. Some are artists or work in creative fields. Some work in policy, law, architecture or tech. Many grew up playing sports or still use movement and fitness to cope. They are used to performing at a high level and holding themselves to very high standards. Inside they feel anxious, behind, or not good enough. My name is Brie Scolaro (they/them) and I am a licensed clinical social worker. I specialize in working with high achieving adults who want practical skills and real change. As an openly queer provider, many of my clients have expansive sexualities, gender identities and/or relationship configurations. Some clients have ADHD or think they might. All of them want a space that is affirming, honest and focused on growth. In therapy we start by getting a clear map of what is going on. We look at your main stressors and the ways you are coping now. We notice what is helping and what is keeping you stuck. We talk about what you want your life to feel like day to day. We bring your goals into focus in a way that feels specific and real. From there we build a plan together. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, stress management skills and exposure based work. That means we practice noticing and shifting unhelpful thoughts. We design small steps to face situations you avoid. We work on organizing and prioritizing when you feel pulled in ten directions at once. We do values work so you can make choices that line up with who you want to be instead of only reacting to pressure or fear. My style is warm, grounded and direct. I listen closely and I also give clear feedback. I offer structure, homework and tools to try between sessions. Many clients tell me that our work on values and our focus on a life that feels worth living helps them feel less lost and more steady. Over time they notice that they can handle stress with more flexibility and self respect. Therapy with me is a good fit if you are motivated, open to trying new skills and ready to be honest about what is and is not working. It is a good fit if you want more than venting and appreciate both compassion and accountability. It is also a good fit if you want a queer affirming therapist who understands identity based stress and high pressure environments. If you are ready to move from constant anxiety and self doubt toward clarity, confidence and a more sustainable life, I would be glad to work with you. You do not have to do this alone. You can read more about my work and our group practice Aspire Psychotherapy at https://www.aspiretherapynyc.com
About Brie's practice
Weekdays 9am - 5pm
Weekdays Before 9am
$$$
Sliding scale
Directive
Reflective
In-person available: Yes
Virtual available: Yes
Career-Related Stress
LGBTQIA-Related Stress
Anxiety
Perfectionism
ADD/ADHD
Gender Identity
Fear of Failure
Performance Anxiety
Out of network providers
NY
Why state matters
Get to Know Brie
"Brie was fantastic! They were kind, empathetic, and patient. They also gave me multiple tangible strategies to address my anxiety in different situations. I can’t recommend them enough if you’re looking for support!"
E, Client
"Working with Aspire was a transformative experience for my business. Brie's professionalism and energetic approach made every meeting engaging and productive. Brie has a remarkable ability to turn dreams into actionable plans and hold you accountable in a way that feels supportive and effective. Brie's dynamic and motivational style kept me inspired and focused on my goals. I truly appreciate their skill in operationalizing dreams and creating a clear path to success. Without a doubt, I would reach out again for future coaching!"
L, Client
"I had a phenomenal experience working with Aspire Psychotherapy. I can confidently say that in a world where getting quality mental health services is *extremely* difficult, the folks at Aspire stand out as gems - they are true professionals, and the treatment works. The therapists consistently listened to my story week-after-week, gave actionable feedback, and administered actually scientifically-backed treatment methods. They were so knowledgeable of the ins-and-outs of my condition, and truly helped me understand it. Using the techniques I've learned from Aspire, I've achieved recovery in my OCD journey. I'll always have OCD, and will always need to keep it at bay. But my experiences at Aspire taught me how to shift my mindset to recover, and how to properly stay on-top of my mental health consistently. 5/5 experience. Hope this reaches the right people, and gets Aspire's name out there!"
A, Client
If I have never been to therapy before, what should I expect? How do I know if I should go, and how do I start?
We all go through times when anxiety, stress, or sadness start to take over—when relationships, work, or day-to-day life just feel heavier than usual. That’s where therapy can help. Whether you’re looking for practical tools to manage anxiety, space to process relationship or work stress, or simply someone to talk to who really listens—therapy can help you feel more grounded, in control, and connected to yourself again. You don’t have to have it all figured out to begin. I’ll meet you where you are, honor your story, and help you explore what healing looks like for you. If you’re not sure where to start, the first step is often just starting the conversation—and we’ll take it from there, together.
How long should I commit to being in therapy, at least in the beginning?
I generally recommend giving therapy at least 2–4 months to begin noticing meaningful shifts and to build the foundation of our work together. After our first session—the intake appointment—I’ll have a clearer sense of your goals and can offer a more tailored recommendation for treatment length. Some people come to therapy with a specific focus, like managing insomnia or building time management skills, and may benefit from shorter-term work. Others are looking to explore deeper patterns related to trauma, identity, or relationships, which may take more time and consistency. Either way, we’ll work together to find a pace and plan that feels right for you.
How can you tell if I am feeling stuck, unseen, or unheard?
From our very first session, we begin with a shared agreement around honesty, trust, and collaboration. I know that trust takes time, and I don’t expect it to happen overnight—it often takes 3–4 sessions to build a solid working relationship. Throughout our work together, I’ll regularly check in and invite your feedback—whether it’s about the pace, structure, or focus of our sessions. If something isn’t resonating, I want to hear about it. Therapy is for you, and if you’re feeling stuck or unheard, that’s something we can absolutely explore and adjust together. I’m here to support your growth in the way that feels most helpful for you.
What led you to become a mental healthcare practitioner?
I became the therapist I wish I had growing up. As a young LGBTQIA+ person navigating mental health challenges in a highly critical environment, I often felt alone and misunderstood. That lived experience is what drives me to support others in feeling seen, valued, and empowered. I don’t believe therapy is about “fixing” anyone—because you’re not broken. You deserve to be heard and supported without judgment, and that’s the energy I bring into every session.
What are your policies and practices around insurance?
I'm not in-network with insurance companies, but many of my clients are able to use out-of-network benefits to get a portion of their sessions reimbursed—sometimes as much as 70–80%. I provide a superbill you can submit directly to your insurance, and I’m happy to help you check your benefits online to see what might be covered. If you're unsure what to ask your insurance provider, I can guide you through that too—just let me know!
What is unique about the work you do, or how have you found your work to be different than your colleagues'?
I blend action-focused, goal-oriented therapy with space for deep emotional processing—a combination that’s both practical and supportive. As a lifelong athlete (and yes, I’m a goalie!), I naturally bring a coaching mindset to my work. I’m in your corner, helping you build resilience, strategy, and confidence—just like training for your mental game. Whether it’s relationships, career challenges, or anxiety, I’m here to help you show up with strength and clarity in every area of your life.
What is the best part of the work for you?
Watching you grow and succeed—on your own terms. Success doesn’t always follow a traditional or Western model. Sometimes it looks like opening up in therapy for the first time, sharing more honestly with your partner, or recognizing what triggers your anxiety and using skills to move through it. Other times, it's shifting from self-criticism to self-compassion. Those moments are powerful. Being part of that kind of growth is why I do this work—I truly care about each client’s unique path.
Do you assign homework, activities, or readings for me to do between sessions? Why or why not?
Yes—when it feels helpful, I often assign reflective exercises or real-life activities to support both therapy and coaching clients. The goal is to extend the impact of our sessions into your daily life and help you generate insights through action. After all, our 45 minutes together is just 0.5% of your week! That said, some clients prefer to do the work within the session itself, and that’s totally okay too. It’s all about what works best for you and your process.
How should I prepare for my first session with you?
Our first session together is a 30-minute intake assessment. It’s more structured than a typical therapy session and gives us the chance to explore your background—work, family, relationships, social history, and current symptoms—so I can understand what brings you to therapy and begin building a personalized treatment plan. After the intake, I’ll invite you to keep reflecting on your goals: -What are you hoping to get out of therapy? -How will we know the work is making a difference? -What feels most urgent or important to focus on first? One helpful way to prepare is to reflect on this question: “If I woke up tomorrow and the anxiety, pain, or struggle I’ve been carrying was gone—what would be different?” _If my _______ was gone, I would __________________. For example: If my anxiety was gone, I’d have more energy for my work, feel open to new friendships, and be more present in my relationship. This simple exercise can help us clarify your vision for healing—and where we begin.