Our Team
Dr. Andrew B. Schmidt, PhD,
LCSW-R
Founder and Director
Dr. Schmidt specializes in the treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Anxiety, Trauma and Depression. He is a highly skilled Cognitive Behavior Therapist (CBT) and has extensive training with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and other exposure based approaches. As Professor and Director of the Post-Masters CBT Certificate Program at New York University (NYU), Dr. Schmidt is always up to date with the newest and latest therapy techniques. Dr. Schmidt also trains and supervises other therapists in CBT based approaches. He brings this and more than 15+ years of experience to best help the patients he works with.
Dr. Schmidt is licensed in New York and also approved to provide telehealth services to Florida residents.
Dr. Meredith Hemphill, DSW, LCSW-R
Clinical Director and Director of Community Relations
Dr. Hemphill is a graduate of New York University who has worked for 10+ years with people who experience physical illness and pain, and caregivers of people with serious illnesses. She also specializes in the treatment of Anxiety, Depression, Trauma and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), as well as counseling for relationship transitions, committed relationships and divorce. As a Doctor of Social Work and Licensed Clinical Social Worker, she pairs complex issues with a variety of therapeutic approaches in a way that suits your individual needs and preferences. Dr. Hemphill is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Intensive Psychodynamic Psychotherapy. She has extensive experience with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), other exposure approaches, and Narrative Therapy. She is an adjunct at New York University and Columbia University, and, like Dr. Schmidt, provides counseling in a supportive and collaborative environment.
Dr. Hemphill is licensed in both New York and New Jersey.
Robert Herel, LCSW-R
Psychotherapist
Specializing in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Rob brings 20+ years of experience to help his clients develop new tools and techniques to cope with the challenges of life. He has extensive experience working and addressing anxiety, ADHD, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD) and uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Exposure and Response Therapy (ERP) and other supportive therapy approaches in his work.
Rob is a graduate of the NYU Advanced Cognitive Behavioral Therapy course and has been trained by Dr. Schmidt. Rob also provides couples therapy, including premarital and marital therapy, helping his clients develop tools to communicate better, negotiate differences, and problem-solve in a healthier way.
As a parent of high-school and college-aged children, Rob understands the unique challenges young adults and parents face in today's world. His work in the Long Term Care field during the Covid-19 pandemic gives him firsthand knowledge of how this pandemic can impact individuals and family members alike. Rob is committed to offering the care that helps his clients get back on track, find their inner strengths, and repair unproductive thoughts and behavior patterns.
Winifred Wu, LCSW
Psychotherapist
Winifred (Winnie) Wu, LCSW, is a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) trained clinician who has certification in working with individuals and caregivers in Palliative and End-of-Life Care. She has extensive experience in working with clients coping with anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), self-esteem, relationship issues, life transitions, grief and loss, and terminal illness. As a certified yoga instructor, she often uses a mind-body approach to therapy, recognizing how our bodies and breath connect to our mind and thoughts. She graduated with a masters in social work from New York University (NYU). Coming from a strengths-based and client-centered approach with cultural sensitivity, and experience in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), her intention is to provide you the environment, guidance and support needed towards personal growth and empowerment.
Winifred is licensed in New York and California and is also approved to provide telehealth services to Florida residents. She provides sessions in both English and Mandarin.
Amanda Gaudet, LCSW
Psychotherapist
Amanda is a clinical social worker trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT). She has worked in non-profit care settings for ten years and specializes in mental health care for transitional age youth (16-25 years old). Amanda has worked with adolescents and adults of all ages living with depression, psychosis, anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), mania and the impacts of trauma experience and has experience in CBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) modalities. Amanda approaches her work with a recovery oriented, trauma informed framework. Her work is guided by what matters most to her clients and the belief that they have the inner strengths and resiliency to create meaningful change in their lives. Amanda practices with a culturally affirming lens; she recognizes how our unique experiences, identities and cultures matter and creates an affirming and supportive space for clients of all identities. Amanda has a master’s degree in Social Work from New York University. She is a graduate from the New York University’s Post Master’s Certificate Program in Advanced CBT.
Jayson Brown, LMSW
Psychotherapist
Jayson is a licensed social worker with over 15 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults living with relationship issues, grief, anxiety, depression, and psychosis. He is dedicated to helping others who are in need, providing them with a relationship built on trust to resolve their challenges and improve their mental health. Well versed in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and a variety of treatment modalities, Jayson works to inspire hope by collaborating to repair past traumas, strengthen the current state of mind, and build new strategies to overcome stress and fear. Tailoring his approach to suit each client’s needs, Jayson listens intently and empowers clients to gain a deeper understanding of their thoughts and feelings and support clients to move beyond obstacles toward the authentic life they seek.
Julianna Fisher, MHC-LP
Psychotherapist
Julianna has a Master’s degree in Counseling and Community Psychology from Russel Sage College and is a graduate from New York University’s Post Master’s Certificate program in CBT. Julianna holds a limited permit in mental health counseling (MHC), is a credentialed alcohol and substance abuse counselor (CASAC) specializing in the treatment of addictions, and has experience working in both inpatient and outpatient settings with clients struggling with anxiety, trauma, and substance use disorders. Julianna places priority on using warmth, empathy and approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI) to create a collaborative environment that helps clients explore and use their values and strengths as agents for change. Julianna strives to provide an empowering environment that recognizes and respects cultural diversity and the individualization of therapy.
Tracey Horst, LMSW
Psychotherapist
Tracey Horst is a psychotherapist with a focus on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and a certification in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT). She has experience working with clients coping with anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), gender violence, and other trauma histories. Committed to cultural humility, she acknowledges the unique perspectives and intersecting identities of her clients. She values empathy and compassion, along with a client-centered approach to care. Her therapy utilizes mindfulness techniques and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Tracey holds a Masters in Social Work from New York University (NYU). With her trauma-informed perspective and strengths-based approach, she aims to provide a collaborative environment where clients can achieve personal goals and empowerment.
Samarah Cook
MSW Clinical Intern
Samarah is a psychotherapist-in-training, currently pursuing a master’s degree in social work at New York University, with interests in cognitive and dialectical behavioral therapies. Samarah holds a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience & behavior from Vassar College and was a four-year college athlete. Currently building a personal yoga practice, she aims to use the mind/body connection to bring mindfulness-based practices to her work. She believes in cultivating a supportive, warm, and culturally-informed environment in which her clients learn acceptance, feel empowered, and find improved personal fulfillment in their lives.
Jan Bartel
Office Manager
Jan Bartel joined the practice in October 2019, with over 15 years experience in office management. As City Center Psychotherapy's Office Manager, Jan is responsible for all billing services and office procedures. She prides herself on ensuring outstanding customer service with every client.
Stephanie Kaplan Carey, MA, MPA
Patient Care Administrator
As the Patient Care Administrator, Stephanie Kaplan helps to guide potential clients in understanding the expertise of City Center Psychotherapy's therapists and works to find the best fit between client and therapist. Prior to joining the practice Stephanie worked in higher education administration for ten years.