Shamika Vargas (she/her/ella)

LCSW

Hi, my name is Shamika & I'm an Afrolatina Nuyorican therapist. I think our identities are a critical part of our experiences & healing.

Clinical Social Worker in New York

Services
  • Individual

About My Clients

My clients are dealing with interpersonal conflicts, their emotions seem to be overwhelming them, and they find themselves questioning their choices. Is it me or is it them? Is it both of us? Do I want to be in this relationship or did I get too comfortable? My clients are in transition spaces in their lives, new moves, new jobs, and feeling disoriented and anxious. They're also BIPOC navigating predominantly white spaces in the work place (or schools) and feeling unsupported.

My Background and Approach

I've been in the field for about 15 years as a social worker predominantly providing therapy to women with justice related involvement as well as grad school students and emerging graduates entering the workforce. My styles is best described as eclectic and integrative. I believe in traditional talk therapy, CBT, and real world coaching. I listen, but I also speak in session, I ask questions, I support, and I also challenge. I am constantly seeking more knowledge because I believe skills and rapport are necessary to a good therapeutic relationship. I am familiar with Motivational Interviewing, DBT Skills, Complex PTSD work, and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy). Please note that many of these modalities are not created with BIPOC experiences in mind or research & access to resources to fully engage in these trainings are sometimes a barrier (financially speaking). But I believe education is reading, attending trainings, & doing the actual work and that's been my journey so far.

My Personal Beliefs and Interests

I believe in antiracist, anti-oppressive work. BLM all day. Center LGBTQ experiences. Center the Indigenous experiences in our country. When I am not conducting sessions as a therapist, I am an anti-racism facilitator and educator for non profits and colleges. I think SWs and therapists have historically been gatekeepers and have caused immeasurable harm in poor, marginalized communities. I believe that if folks don't own that now, they will continue to repeat this harm.

Techniques I Use

Specialties
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Motivational Interviewing Psychodynamic Therapy
Other Techniques
  • Coaching
  • Culturally Sensitive Therapy
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
  • Narrative Therapy
  • Solution Focused Brief Therapy

Issues I Treat

Specialties
Historical/ Intergenerational Trauma Systemic Oppression Therapy Women's Issues
Other Issues
  • Abuse
  • Addiction
  • Anger Issues
  • Anxiety
  • Burnout
  • Depression
  • Family Conflict
  • LGBTQ-Friendly Therapists
  • Marriage Counseling
  • Parenting
  • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Racial Identity
  • Spirituality
Insurance Plans Accepted
  • Aetna
  • Oscar
  • Oxford Health Plan
  • United Healthcare
  • UMR
I offer online counseling in the following states:
I have experience with the following
  • Christianity
  • Interfaith

At A Glance

  • Experience: 19 years of practice
  • Languages: English, Español
  • Rate: $125 - 200/session

Reach out to Shamika