Samantha Hamilton, LMSW (she/her/hers)
Therapist
Bilingual (English–Spanish)

College can be a time of discovery, growth, and new independence, but it can also bring pressure, uncertainty, and emotional challenges. My goal is to create a space where you can talk openly about what you're navigating, feel genuinely supported, and develop tools that help you move through this stage of life with greater clarity and confidence.

Through Amira the Healing Space, I provide counseling services to SUNY Oneonta students who may be navigating stress, identity development, relationship challenges, anxiety, depression, or life transitions. Therapy can offer a place to slow down, process your experiences, and build strategies that support both your emotional well-being and your personal growth.

Students often seek support with:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Academic stress and burnout
• Identity development and self-exploration
• Relationship and family challenges
• Life transitions and personal growth
• Self-esteem and confidence
• LGBTQIA+ identity and belonging

I am especially passionate about supporting students from marginalized communities and creating a space where individuals feel respected, understood, and empowered. I have a particular interest in working with students navigating questions around identity, cultural expectations, and the intersection between mental health, relationships, and personal values.

I was born and raised in the Bronx, New York, where my parents’ work had a strong influence on my path. My mother worked as a social worker in substance use programs, and my father worked as a researcher and project manager. Their commitment to helping others shaped my own desire to pursue a career centered on advocacy, care, and social justice.

I proudly identify as Puerto Rican, Swedish, and Scottish, with a deep connection to my Puerto Rican heritage. My background informs my commitment to culturally responsive and inclusive care.

I earned my Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Sociology from Fordham University, with a minor in Bioethics, and later earned my Master of Social Work from Columbia University’s School of Social Work.

Throughout my career, I have worked in school-based and outpatient mental health settings, including positions at East Harlem Scholars Academy and the New York Psychotherapy and Counseling Center. My work has involved supporting adolescents and young adults navigating academic environments, identity development, and emotional challenges.

My clinical approach is person-centered, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed. I integrate several evidence-based approaches, including:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Psychodynamic therapy
• Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills
• Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

These approaches help clients better understand their experiences, process emotions, and develop practical tools for navigating stress, relationships, and personal challenges.

Clients often describe me as open, nonjudgmental, and genuine. I focus on creating a safe and affirming space where you can express your authentic self, explore what you are going through, and feel supported while developing strategies for growth.

Outside of therapy, I enjoy creative outlets such as painting, drawing, and dancing, which help me stay grounded and balanced.

If you are feeling overwhelmed, navigating identity or relationship challenges, or simply looking for a supportive space to talk things through, therapy can provide meaningful support during your college years.

Schedule with me here:
AmiraTheHealingSpace.as.me