Benet Hennessey, (M.A., Ed.M., LMHC), Executive Director, Director of Graduate Training, Senior Staff Therapist, Supervisor

Benet is The Institute for Human Identity’s Executive Director and Director of Graduate Training, as well as a senior staff therapist at New York Behavioral Health. He is extensively trained and experienced in Multicultural Counseling, LGBTQ issues, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Educated in London, with a BA Honors in History, Benet worked for 15 years in London, Paris, and New York and was formerly the president of an international company based in London and New York, and a member of the Institute of Directors. Benet earned a Certificate in Counseling from City and Islington College, London, and a Postgraduate Certificate of Counseling and Communication from the Australian College of Applied Psychology. He returned to the U.S., graduating from Columbia University with a Master of Arts in Psychological Counseling (M.A.) and a Master of Education in Psychology (Ed.M.).  Benet is a Member of the American Psychological Association and the British Association of Counseling Professionals.

Tara Lombardo, (M.A., MHC-LP), Associate Director, Staff Therapist

Tara Lombardo is the Associate Director and Staff Therapist at the Institute for Human Identity.  Her practice at IHI includes working from a Psychodynamic and Existential perspective with adults within the LGBTQ community. She graduated from Brooklyn College with a M.A. in Mental Health Counseling and was the recipient of the Department of Psychology's Rasha Shamoon Memorial Scholarship. Ms. Lombardo also received an M.A. from New York University's Gallatin School for Individualized Study in 2006 and a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2001. She ran a quarterly panel discussion on issues related to the lesbian community in New York City from 2008 to 2010.  

Frank Bonura, (LCSW), Senior Staff Therapist, Supervisor

Frank Bonura, LCSW, is Clinical Coordinator, a Senior Staff Therapist and Supervisor at the Institute for Human Identity. As a graduate of New York University’s School of Social Work, he continued on in his training at the Institute for the Psychoanalytic Study of Subjectivity (IPSS). Frank maintains a psychoanalytic practice in New York City.

Robert McVey, (LCSW-R), Coordinator of Supervision, Clinical Coordinator, Senior Staff Therapist, Supervisor

Robert McVey, LCSW-R is Coordinator of Supervision and a Senior Staff Therapist at IHI, with a Certificate in Field Instruction. He joined IHI as a Staff Therapist in June, 2003.  Robert maintains a private practice in Manhattan. He is also a consultant to the Association of Lesbian and Gay Affirmative Psychotherapists.  He was educated at Sarah Lawrence College, Harvard University and New York University.  Robert is an author, and his book of short stories, We Have a Pie was published June, 2012 by Livingston Press and is nominated for a Lambda award.

Jamie Klassel Weiner, (M.A., MHC-LP), Outreach Coordinator, Staff Therapist

Jamie Weiner is a Staff Therapist and Outreach Coordinator for the Institute for Human Identity. She also serves as a staff therapist for Brooklyn College's research lab, practicing CBT and non-directive supportive therapy with children and adolescents suffering from IBD-related anxiety and depression.  She received her Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling from the City University of New York, Brooklyn College, where she was trained in Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral, Gestalt, Group, and Family Systems Therapy. Jamie's areas of specialty include: family dynamics, depression, anxiety, chronic illness and anxiety management, LGBTQ issues, sex and relationship issues, self-acceptance,  vocational counseling, work satisfaction, and emotional dysregulation, and the artist's plight. http://www.backstage.com/news/ihi-actors-fund-partner-offer-mental-health-care/

Judith Clarke, (LCSW-R), Assignments Coordinator, Senior Staff Therapist, Supervisor, Diplomate in Clinical Social Work

Judy holds a B.A. in Sociology from Hofstra University and a Masters in Social Work from Smith College. She has worked in the field of mental health for over thirty years.  Judy helped to found three different mental health centers. At IHI, Judy is a former Executive Director, Associate Director, and Clinical Coordinator.  She is also a senior psychotherapist and supervisor with the Institute for Personal Growth in NJ. Judy maintains a private practice in NYC. Judy has many national and state certifications as well as completing training in specialty areas enhancing and expanding her repertoire of clinical skills.  These include Imago Relationship Therapy, Hypnosis, EMDR, EFT, CBT, Mediation and Arbitration. She is currently in a training program to become a nationally certified sex therapist. Judy is an Advanced Reiki Practitioner, and is currently in the Reiki Master Candidate program offered by the Center of Living Light. In October 2012 she will be elevated to Reiki Master, a pinnacle in her Reiki journey. As a political activist, Judy has been involved in causes close to her heart and for the peaceful welfare of all beings and society.  She also is a long-term volunteer for many non-profit and social justice organizations.  Judy does a wide selection of volunteer ushering in theater arts.


Peter Anthony Melillo, LCSW-R, ACSW, BCD, Senior Staff Therapist, Supervisor       

Leonard Citron, (M.A., LMHC), Staff Therapist

Leonard Citron was born in Dublin, Ireland, and moved to London in 1999 to acquire a B.A. in Political Science with a focus on Middle Eastern Politics from Westminster University. In 2007 he returned to education to retrain in the field of psychology and mental health, gaining a certificate in Humanistic Counseling from CPPD Counseling School, one of London's foremost psychotherapy institutes.  Leonard then moved to New York for Post Graduate studies where he was awarded a Masters of Arts from New York University (NYU) in Applied Psychology Counseling for Mental Health (M.A. LMHC). Leonard spent two years undertaking training in Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy at New York Behavioral Health. He is currently enrolled in the Fellowship Program at the Albert Ellis Institute in Manhattan. His areas of specialty include: Depression, anger management, anxiety, addiction, obsessive compulsive disorders, chronic impulsivity, obesity, weight loss, relationship issues, LGBT issues and self-acceptance.

Jarron R. Magallanes, MSW, ACSW, Staff Therapist

Mr. Jarron Magallanes is a Staff Therapist at the Institute for Human Identity. He has a B.A. from the University of Washington, M.S.W. from Columbia University and is currently working on his Ph.D. in Social Welfare at Hunter College. He is also SIFI certified to supervise social work graduate students. He works full-time as Social Work Supervisor with the New York City Health & Hospitals Corporation.

Jarron’s areas of expertise are in LGBT health and wellness, chronic disease prevention and management, HIV/AIDS, crisis intervention, gay men’s issues, role transitions and drug/alcohol relapse prevention and management. As a clinician he uses an eclectic approach to outcomes-driven psychotherapy with individuals and couples: cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) for the treatment of depression, solution-focused and supportive psychotherapy. He has over 12 years of direct care experience working in various health and social service settings.  

Dr. Frank J. Corigliano, (B.A., M.A., Ph.D.), Postdoctoral Psychology Resident, Staff Therapist

Dr. Frank Corigliano is a Postdoctoral Psychology Resident who provides assessment and therapy for individuals, couples, and groups at the Institute for Human Identity as well as in private practice. He works collaboratively with the patient to achieve personal growth related to a range of issues such as defining and achieving life-goals, exploring emotions such as stress, anxiety, sadness/grief, or changing maladaptive behaviors and increasing positive behaviors.

Dr. Corigliano earned a Master’s degree from Teachers College, Columbia University and a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from St. John’s University. He trained at the Beck Institute in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and integrates aspects of supportive and third-wave therapies such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) specifically acceptance- and mindfulness-based techniques.

Dr. Corigliano’s research on depression, anxiety and aggression, relationships, body dissatisfaction in men, and telepsychology (similar to Skype) has been presented nationally and internationally. He also consults on a Televisiting Program that brings together children and teenagers with their incarcerated parent through the use of Telepresence.

Russell Needham, (LCSW-R), Senior Staff Therapist, Supervisor

Russell Needham received a B.A. in Education from Columbia and a Master's in Social Work from Hunter College. Russell is a Social Work Supervisor and Program Director for the New York State Office of Mental Health. He currently serves as a representative to the New York State Health and Human Services Network of the Empire State Pride Agenda, lobbying for LGBT program funding and equal rights.  From 2002-2009, Russell was a member of The Institute for Human Identity's Steering Committee, as well as Director of the Student Intern Program. Modalities practiced: Individual, group, and couples therapy, and vocational counseling.

Joshua Yoselovsky, (LMSW), Staff Therapist

Joshua Yoselovsky is a Staff Therapist for the Institute for Human Identity. After completing his B.A. in Judaic Studies from CUNY Queens College, Joshua went on for his Master’s Degree in clinical social work, which he received from Fordham University’s Graduate School of Social Service. Joshua has spent a significant part of his career working with individuals with developmental disabilities, and it is still an area of focus which he continues to pursue. Most recently, Joshua has been working for the HASA Training Academy at Fordham University which provides training seminars and various workshops to employees of the HIV/AIDS Services Administration of New York City. Joshua is psychodynamically oriented in his approach to psychotherapy, and is interested in exploring the use of art in social work practice.

Rachel Klechevsky, (LMSW), Staff Therapist

Rachel received her MSW at NYU and is currently working towards a Ph.D. in Human Sexuality at Widener University. She is a sex and relationship therapist for individuals, couples and multi-partner relationships. She specializes in grief/bereavement therapy and LGBTQ, polyamory/kink/BSM-affirmative therapy utilizing solution focused, existential, narrative and psycho-dynamic treatments.

 

Swati Mittal Jagetia (MA, EdM, MHC, CPCC), Staff Therapist

Swati is passionate about helping her clients discover their potential, create meaningful relationships, and take inspired action. She has an insatiable interest in people, mindfulness, motivation and transformation. This deepened through her years as a successful advertising executive until she followed her path to become a therapist and personal development coach - now, rather than optimizing products and their life-cycle, she helps to optimize her clients in their everyday lives.   

Swati holds a dual masters from Columbia University in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness and Psychological Counseling, in addition to her certification as a Professional Co-active Coach. She provides individual, relationship and group services.  Areas of special interest include cultivating meaningful relationships, parenting with purpose, identifying and battling inner saboteurs, depression, anxiety, post-partum difficulties, first/second generation struggles, self-confidence and acceptance. In addition to her work with the Institute of Human Identity, Swati also practices as a therapist in private practice, and as a certified coach with Purpose Squared, Inc.

Meet ihi's Founding Director...

Dr. Charles Silverstein, (B.A., Ph.D.), Founding Director, Supervisor

Dr. Charles Silverstein is the recipient of the 2011 Gold Medal for Lifetime Achievement in The Practice of Psychology from the American Psychological Foundation and the Distinguished Book Award from Division 44 of the American Psychological Association, 2009 Presidential Citation for Outstanding Achievement in Psychology from the American Psychological Association, 2006 Distinguished Professional Contribution Award from Division 44 of the American Psychological Association, and the 2002 Outstanding Contribution by the Gay and Lesbian Psychiatrists of New York. Dr. Silverstein is best known for his presentation before the American Psychiatric Association that led to the deletion of homosexuality as a mental disorder from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual. He is currently a Fellow of the American Psychological Association, a member of the New York State Psychological Association, and a member of the Committee on Ethical Practice of the New York State Psychological Association. He was the founding director of New York City's Identity House, as well as the founding editor of the Journal of Homosexuality. As author of eight published books and many professional papers, he spends a good deal of time writing, particularly in the area of human sexuality. His most recent books are The Initial Psychotherapy Interview: A Gay Man Seeks Treatment and For the Ferryman. Dr. Charles Silverstein is also a licensed psychologist in private practice in New York City (www.drcsilverstein.com).