Keren Israel, Intern MHC-intern

Hi, I’m Keren, a second-year clinical intern with more than 20 years of experience supporting adults in behavioral health and developmental-disability services. Outside of work, I’m a mom of two, a dog mom, and a keeper of a small flock of hens. I love baking, spending time with my family, and relaxing with a good series.

My style is warm, compassionate, down-to-earth, and practical. I want therapy to feel like a place where you can be fully yourself—without judgment, pressure, or the expectation that you need to have everything figured out before you arrive. Together, we will take time to understand what is happening, identify your strengths, and build realistic coping skills that support meaningful change.

I especially enjoy working with adults who feel overwhelmed, anxious, discouraged, or unsure how to move forward. You may be struggling with anxiety, depression, low self-confidence, difficult relationship patterns, challenges setting boundaries, or the feeling that everyday demands have become too much. In our work, we can look at what is within your control, recognize patterns that may be keeping you stuck, and create a path forward at a pace that feels manageable.

My background includes long-term work in residential programs and with people receiving services through OPWDD. That experience has taught me to listen carefully, look beyond behavior to understand what may be happening underneath, and collaborate with clients, families, and care teams with respect and curiosity. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Hofstra University and a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with a counseling specialization from Walden University.

You do not need to come to therapy with all the answers. You only need a willingness to begin. We can start where you are and figure out the next steps together.