Gina Schwarz, LCSW (she/her/hers)

Therapist

College can be a time when you’re figuring out who you are, what you believe in, and what direction you want your life to take. It can also bring stress, uncertainty, and moments where you feel overwhelmed by expectations. In therapy, my goal is to create a space where you can talk honestly about what you’re experiencing and begin finding new ways to move forward.

Through Amira the Healing Space, I provide counseling services to SUNY Oneonta students who are navigating academic pressure, life transitions, emotional challenges, and relationship concerns. I work with young adults who may feel stuck, misunderstood, or simply looking for a space where they can think things through with someone who is genuine and supportive.

Students often seek support with:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Academic and life stress
• Relationship challenges
• Self-esteem and confidence
• Life transitions and identity development
• Feeling judged or misunderstood

I was born and raised in upstate New York and grew up in a single-parent household. Being raised by my mother and facing challenges together helped shape my resilience and my understanding of the stressors many people experience. I was also the first person in my family to attend college. During my youth, I was involved in a youth center that provided mentorship, positive role models, and a strong emphasis on education and service. Those experiences helped shape my belief in the importance of community support and personal growth.

I identify as biracial. My mother is Caucasian and my father is British and Puerto Rican. Growing up with a diverse background has helped me feel culturally open and comfortable connecting with people from many different walks of life.

I earned my undergraduate degree from SUNY Albany, completing a dual Bachelor’s degree in English and African American Studies in 2003. I continued my education at SUNY Albany, where I earned both a Master of Social Work (2007) and a Master of Criminal Justice (2008).

I have more than two decades of professional experience working in a wide range of settings. My career began working with youth ages 11–18 who were navigating developmental disabilities, serious mental illness, juvenile justice involvement, and foster care. Over the years I have also worked in a domestic violence program, a methadone clinic, a maximum-security prison, and outpatient mental health settings.

Because of this experience, I have worked with individuals facing many different types of life challenges. I especially connect with people who may feel judged or misunderstood and are looking for a supportive space where they can be themselves.

My clinical approach incorporates several evidence-based practices, including:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
• Positive Psychology
• Psychoeducation
• Trauma-informed care

In therapy, I focus on helping clients develop new ways of thinking, strengthen coping skills, and build confidence in their ability to navigate life’s challenges.

Clients often tell me they appreciate that I am genuine and easy to talk to. Many say they feel comfortable quickly because they see that I’m a real person who truly cares about their growth and well-being. My goal is to create a space built on trust, openness, and collaboration so that you feel supported while working toward meaningful change.

Outside of my work, I am a huge animal lover. If I weren’t a therapist, I often joke that I would probably be working at a zoo.

If you are feeling overwhelmed, navigating a difficult transition, or simply looking for someone to talk to, therapy can be a place where you gain new perspective and support.

Schedule with me here: AmiraTheHealingSpace.as.me