Last edited 05/04/2026
Identifies As
He / Him / HisManBlack/African AmericanHeterosexualChristianity
Get To Know Me
What was your path to becoming a therapist? What inspired you to choose this profession?
My path to becoming a therapist developed over time through more than two decades of working in social services. Early in my career, I found myself drawn to roles where I was supporting individuals, couples, and families through difficult situations, helping people navigate stress, relationship challenges, and major life transitions. What stood out to me was how often people weren’t just dealing with surface-level problems, but deeper emotional and relational patterns that needed understanding, not just quick solutions. Over the years, I saw how much people benefited when they had a space to slow down, reflect, and make sense of what they were going through. I also saw how many struggled without that kind of support. That experience is what led me to pursue formal clinical training in Marriage and Family Therapy and deepen my expertise through advanced study in psychology. What inspired me to choose this profession was a consistent pattern I witnessed: when people begin to understand themselves—how they think, feel, and relate to others—they start to experience real change. I was drawn to being part of that process in a more intentional and structured way. My approach today is shaped by both my professional training and my life experience. I don’t just focus on symptoms, I look at the bigger picture: your relationships, your patterns, your environment, and how all of these pieces interact. Therapy, to me, is about helping you gain clarity, build emotional strength, and create meaningful, lasting change in your life and relationships.
What would be important for someone to know about working with you?
Clients often leave sessions with a clearer understanding of what they’re experiencing and why. Instead of feeling stuck or overwhelmed, you’ll begin to see patterns in your thoughts, emotions, and relationships in a way that makes things feel more manageable and less confusing. You can also expect to gain practical tools that you can apply in your daily life—whether that’s managing anxiety, regulating emotions, improving communication, or responding differently in situations that used to trigger you. The goal is not just insight, but real change you can feel outside of the session. Over time, many clients notice they feel more in control of their emotions and more confident in how they handle challenges. You’ll learn how to slow things down, think more clearly in difficult moments, and make decisions that align with your values rather than reacting out of stress or pressure. If you’re coming in for relationship concerns, you can expect to better understand both your role and the dynamics at play, while building healthier ways of communicating, setting boundaries, and navigating conflict. For those who are open to it, I also integrate a faith-based perspective, helping you align your thoughts and decisions with a renewed mindset grounded in purpose and clarity. Overall, the work I do is focused on helping you move from feeling stuck to feeling more aware, equipped, and intentional, so you can create meaningful and lasting change in your life and relationships.
Location
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Specialties
Specializes in
DepressionAnxietyRelationship IssuesAnger managementTrauma
General Expertise
DepressionAnxietyRelationship IssuesSelf-EsteemAnger managementCommunication issuesDivorce & separationFamily issuesLife transitionsParenting issuesPremarital counselingStressTraumaMarriage issuesCouplesFamilies
Treatment Approaches
Strength Based TherapyFamily Systems TherapyNarrative TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Emotionally Focused TherapySolution-Focused Brief TherapyIntegrative TherapyMarriage and Family TherapyPsychodynamic TherapyStructural Family Therapy
Clientele
Types of Therapy
Family TherapyCouples CounselingIndividual Therapy
Serves Ages
Young Adults (18-24)Adults (25-65)Seniors (65+)Adolescents (13-17)
Languages
English
Professional Background
Licensure
Under Supervision: Dr. Nathaniel Uko-Ima, Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, P141296 is practicing under the supervision of Rebecca Mitchell (New York, LCSW, 2421682) at Real Mind Mental Health Counseling.
Please, note: A clinician listed as being “clinically supervised” is completing clinical hours toward their licensure. They have one or more fully licensed clinical supervisors that often have special training. They consult with their supervisor(s) on all of their cases.
Education
Touro University Worldwide, Master of Arts, Marriage and Family Therapy, 2025 — I hold a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, graduating Summa Cum Laude, which reflects a high level of academic excellence and commitment to the field. My training focused on understanding how relationships, family systems, and life experiences shape emotional well-being, behavior patterns, and interpersonal dynamics. During my graduate education, I received advanced clinical training in working with individuals, couples, and families navigating concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship conflict, and life transitions. My academic work emphasized evidence-based approaches, including systemic and family therapy models, and psychodynamic frameworks, allowing me to tailor treatment to each client’s unique needs. A key component of my training involved studying relational patterns, how communication styles, attachment histories, and family dynamics influence present-day challenges. This allows me to help clients not only manage symptoms but also understand the deeper roots of their experiences and create meaningful, lasting change. In addition to academic excellence, my clinical development included supervised work with diverse populations, where I strengthened skills in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning. I also engaged in collaborative learning environments and professional development groups that emphasized ethical care, cultural responsiveness, and client-centered practice. My background in Marriage and Family Therapy allows me to approach each client holistically, whether working with individuals, couples, or families, helping them improve communication, navigate conflict, and build healthier, more fulfilling relationships.
Alliant International University, Doctorate of Philosophy, Forensic Psychology, 2023 — I hold a Ph.D. in Forensic Psychology, which provides a deeper understanding of how psychological factors intersect with behavior, decision-making, and complex life circumstances. This background strengthens my clinical work by allowing me to assess not only emotional symptoms, but also the underlying behavioral patterns, thought processes, and environmental influences that shape how individuals respond to stress, relationships, and conflict.
My academic training included advanced study in areas such as personality development, trauma, behavioral patterns, risk assessment, and the impact of early life experiences on adult functioning. I engaged in research examining how cognition, emotion, and behavior interact, particularly in high-stress or high-conflict situations, which directly informs my therapeutic approach today. This specialization is especially valuable when working with clients who feel stuck in recurring patterns, struggle with impulse control or emotional regulation, or are navigating complex interpersonal dynamics. It also supports my ability to remain objective, structured, and analytical in sessions—helping clients gain clarity, improve decision-making, and develop healthier responses to challenging situations. My background in forensic psychology enhances my ability to conduct thorough assessments, identify root causes of behavior, and create targeted, evidence-based treatment plans. I integrate this with a client-centered, therapeutic approach, ensuring that while the work is thoughtful and structured, it remains supportive, collaborative, and focused on meaningful change. Overall, this training allows me to help clients better understand not just what they are experiencing, but why, and how to move forward with greater awareness, control, and confidence in their lives and relationships.
Work HistoryFor over 21 years, I have worked in social services supporting individuals, couples, and families through a wide range of life challenges. This experience has shaped the foundation of my work as a therapist and deeply informs how I understand people, relationships, and change. Throughout my career, I have worked closely with individuals facing stress, anxiety, depression, and major life transitions, as well as couples and families navigating conflict, communication breakdowns, and long-standing relational patterns. Being present in these real-life situations over many years has given me a grounded understanding of how challenges develop, not just within a person, but within the relationships and environments around them. Much of my work has involved helping people move through difficult moments where emotions run high and solutions feel unclear. I have supported clients dealing with family conflict, relationship struggles, financial stress, and life pressures that can feel overwhelming. Over time, I’ve learned how to help people slow things down, make sense of what they’re experiencing, and begin responding in more intentional and effective ways. This background has also strengthened my ability to work with diverse populations and situations. I’ve seen how different life experiences, cultures, and family dynamics shape the way people think, feel, and relate to others. Because of this, I approach each person with curiosity and respect, taking the time to understand their unique story rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach. What this means for you as a client is that you’re working with someone who brings not only clinical training, but years of real-world experience helping people through complex and often deeply personal challenges. My goal is to help you gain clarity, feel more in control of your emotions, improve your relationships, and move forward in a way that feels meaningful and sustainable.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s not uncommon to have questions before starting therapy.
Dr. Nathaniel Uko-Ima, AMFT, has answered a few of the questions they receive most often from new clients.
Is Nathaniel Uko-Ima accepting new clients?
Yes, Nathaniel Uko-Ima is accepting new clients for online therapy in New York.
Does Nathaniel Uko-Ima accept insurance?
No, Nathaniel Uko-Ima does not accept insurance.
What types of therapy does Nathaniel Uko-Ima offer?
Nathaniel Uko-Ima offers therapy for couples, families and individuals.
Does Nathaniel Uko-Ima offer in-person appointments?
No, but people in New York can book Nathaniel Uko-Ima for virtual appointments (teletherapy).
Does Nathaniel Uko-Ima offer online therapy?
Yes, Nathaniel Uko-Ima offers online therapy via video sessions, phone sessions and live messaging sessions to people in New York.
How quickly can I see Nathaniel Uko-Ima?
Nathaniel Uko-Ima typically can speak with new clients within 48 hours. You can see their current general office hours and request an appointment on their profile page.
What languages does Nathaniel Uko-Ima speak?
Nathaniel Uko-Ima conducts therapy sessions in English.
Can I book an appointment with Nathaniel Uko-Ima online?
Yes, you can easily book an appointment with Nathaniel Uko-Ima online using ChoosingTherapy.com’s directory.