About Us
Learn more about our practice and meet our team.
Together we can achieve anything.
Be You Mental Health Counseling, PC resides in two office buildings: Long Beach, NY and Wantagh, NY. We strive to give you the care you deserve. We may not have the same life experiences as you, however, we are there in those experiences with you. We will walk with you and meet you where you are at. We are there to understand you and guide you to where you need and/or want to be.
Some of our specialties:
ADHD
Behavioral Issues
Career Counseling
Coping Skills
Education and Learning Disabilities
Family Conflict
Grief
Infidelity
Life Transitions
Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
Oppositional Defiance (ODD)
Peer Relationships
Relationship Issues
School Issues
Self Esteem
Self-Harming
Sex Therapy
Stress
Suicidal Ideation
Teen Violence
Transgender
Trauma and PTSD
Women's Issues
Meet our Counselors.
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Samantha Collins, LMHC
Hello and welcome. I am one of the owners of Be You Mental Health Counseling, PC. I chose this name for my business because I want you to be you and I'm here to help you open that door to finding out who you truly are and who you need to be. It is my belief that everyone has a chance for change, hope, and happiness. I'm solution-oriented with much of my experience being in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Positive Psychology. Wherever you are on your journey is where I will join you. I truly feel that therapy is a safe place for anyone and everyone. I, personally, work with all ages with my specialties being in children, anxiety disorders, depression disorders, and OCD. I'm not there to judge you. I'm there to help you weave your way through the ups and the downs. I'm here and ready to take this roller coaster ride with you.
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Samantha Schlegel, LMHC
Hello and welcome to Be You Mental Health Counseling, PC, my name is Samantha Schlegel and I am one of the owners of this business, as well as a counselor. I am happy that you are here and have found us. I am a solution- oriented counselor with much of my experience in cognitive behavior therapy and positive psychology. I work with all ages but have extensive experience working with children and adolescents to help them navigate the struggles they might be experiencing and help to guide them to be the happiest and best self they can be. I also have extensive experience working with sports psychology and athletes struggling to deal with the pressures of athletics. Being a division one athlete myself I have professional experience as well as personal experience on how the pressures of athletics can play a huge impact in one’s life. I work directly with anxiety, disorders, depressive disorders, behavioral disorders, and OCD. I am here to make therapy a safe place to help you navigate your way through the ups and downs that life can take you though. I am here and ready to support you as we travel through the journey that lays ahead.
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Kathy Tota, LMHC
I became a therapist because I truly believe in the work we do helping others navigate through life and its many ups and downs. As a therapist, I have worked with clients ranging from childhood to adulthood in both individual and couples counseling. I believe there is no “one size fits all” when it comes to the methods I use and so I treat each client utilizing the techniques that best fit their specific needs and situation. Some of the methods I work with most often are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy. Asking for help can be hard but you are in good hands
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Nicole Zukowski, MHC-LP
Taking action toward seeking therapy requires courage and is a strength in itself! I understand the importance of connecting with a therapist who allows you to feel comfortable and validated when discussing personal struggles. I will work at your own pace and meet you where you are. I have a genuinely warm, approachable demeanor and place a high value on the client-counselor relationship. I particularly have a passion for working with children, adolescents, and young adults. I have received training in outpatient and partial hospitalization settings with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, OCD, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, and more. My treatment approach is eclectic, and I make use of various evidence-based modalities, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy. I believe in tailoring therapy to meet the unique needs of each individual because everyone’s experience is nuanced with many layers. As a professional and human being, I will provide a listening ear, encouragement, and tools to help you rediscover your inner balance.
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Mandy Krawchuck, MHC-LP
At the heart of my work as a therapist is empathy and compassion. Throughout our therapeutic work together, I will provide a safe and comfortable environment with treatment focused on your specific needs and concerns.
My work as a counselor is tailored towards an emotion focused and client centered approach, often utilizing CBT and mindfulness based interventions . However, because each client is unique we will work collaboratively to reach your goals through treatment that is best suited for you. My experience with clients ranges between all ages, from children to older adults. However, my primary work is with children and teens managing behavioral challenges and anxiety. I have experience working with young children and adolescents as a teacher, mentor, and counselor in both school and group home settings and received my certification in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention.
If you are interested in beginning your healing process please feel free to reach out so we can begin the work together towards creating the best version of yourself.
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Zhe Yu, MHC-LP
In 2022, I moved to the NYC to pursue a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling at Yeshiva University, graduating in the summer of 2024 and obtaining my Limited Permit as a Mental Health Counselor in New York State. During my studies, I had the opportunity to intern at a psychiatric clinic, where I gained extensive experience working with culturally diverse children and adolescents. These experiences greatly broadened and deepened my understanding of cross-cultural communities, reinforcing my belief in the uniqueness and value of every individual. Over time, I’ve come to deeply appreciate the limitless potential and strength within each client who walks into the counseling room. In my work, I focus on helping clients navigate emotional challenges, interpersonal relationships, early-life traumas, and life transitions. My approach is highly adaptable, centered on building a collaborative relationship that honors each client’s individuality. I integrate techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Gestalt Therapy, Play Therapy, and Expressive Arts Therapy, tailoring my methods to best support each client’s goals. And I can also speak Mandarin in therapy. I deeply admire everyone who takes the brave step to seek counseling—it’s a testament to your courage to face yourself and explore parts of your life that might feel uncomfortable. It’s also an honor for me to accompany you on your journey of self-discovery. My aim is to foster a warm and supportive partnership with you as we explore your past, present, and future together.