Brielle Stark-Adler, Ph.D.

The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, I change. - Dr. Carl Rogers

Brielle Stark-Adler, Ph.D.'s style

Why Brielle Stark-Adler, Ph.D. chose to be in the helping profession

My choice to seek a career as a psychologist is the result of my awareness of the power of individuals and my longstanding belief in the possibility of meaningful change. My goals have always sought a path toward improving human health and wellbeing. As a new college graduate, I initially planned to direct my energies at the macro level, working on large-scale policies and programs through nonprofits and government agencies. Those experiences allowed me to speak directly with the people living with all of those policies, and over time, it became abundantly clear that my passion and talent is to cultivate happiness and thriving one person at a time.

I sought graduate education first in social work, and then in psychology, ultimately completing my Ph.D. in 2010. I have been joyfully practicing clinically ever since, and I continue to feel deeply grateful for the opportunity to do this work. My practice is grounded in a mission to offer therapy that creates real change, session by session. I deeply value the time, energy, and resources clients invest in their care, and I believe each session should offer something meaningful, whether that means symptom relief, a sense of clarity, grounding, progress toward more satisfying relationships, behavior change, or lasting solutions to a client's most pressing problems. For me, therapy is about helping people recognize their own power and use it to create greater happiness, wellbeing, and a life that feels more satisfying and fulfilling.

Brielle Stark-Adler, Ph.D.'s approach

I am a licensed psychologist in New York and New Jersey, with extensive experience as the founder of my private practice, Connected Counseling, as well as a psychologist on university campuses. I continue to serve as the Director of Counseling at a Division I university in New York, where I work closely with students and the broader university community. I am an expert practitioner and supervisor of integrative psychotherapy, a dynamic approach that addresses the full scope of human experience, including thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and how they show up in real life. My work is grounded in clinical expertise, while also recognizing that effective therapy needs to make sense for the individual person sitting across from me.

My practice is especially attuned to the needs of adults 18 and older, including professionals navigating complex roles, college and graduate students, athletes, and parents carrying layered responsibilities. The practice is rooted in an open stance, meaning there is no pressure to conform to one perspective or one vision of what a person’s life should look like. I respect clients’ values, faith, and identities, and I work successfully with clients who may be concerned that these important parts of themselves will be rejected or misconstrued in a therapy setting. I also believe therapy should not only be effective, but logistically doable, which is why I offer flexible options such as shorter Recharge sessions designed to supplement and enhance traditional-length sessions and support progress at a meaningful pace.

In addition to individual therapy, I offer clinical supervision tailored to providers at all stages of development. I also provide consultation and training to parents and clinicians on meeting the mental health needs of college students, athletes, and corporate professionals. My areas of consultation and training also include ethics and boundaries in psychotherapy and suicide risk assessment. Across these different roles, my goal remains the same: to bring clinical expertise, flexibility, and a thoughtful understanding of the whole person to the work.

What you can expect from sessions with Brielle Stark-Adler, Ph.D.

Therapy can be a steady space that you join each week to breathe, reset, and gain both new insights and clear solutions. Throughout my career, I have worked with people who are trying to make meaningful change while navigating real pressure, complex responsibilities, and significant life challenges. These experiences have given me a clear sense of what actually helps people move forward and create lasting change. Clients often share that they feel different after their sessions, and that is intentional. My standard is that each session offers something tangible: symptom relief, greater self-awareness, behavior change, a sense of direction, or a clearer path forward.

I apply my clinical expertise with the understanding that clients are investing their time, energy, and resources into this process, and I want to make sure that investment feels worthwhile. I believe therapy should provide value in every session, whether that means gaining a new perspective, developing practical tools, or feeling more grounded and capable in daily life. If you have been to therapy before and it did not stick, or if you left feeling dissatisfied or underwhelmed, that does not mean therapy cannot work for you. Often, it means the work was not the right match for what you actually needed, and helping people move beyond that stuck place is something I have built real expertise in and consider some of the most meaningful work I do.

I also want to be direct about my commitment to my clients: you will not be asked to leave parts of yourself at the door in order to be understood or taken seriously. My job is to understand you, not correct you. We will work collaboratively to enhance your wellbeing, achieve your goals, and create meaningful change in your life. My hope is that therapy becomes a place where you feel respected, supported, and empowered to build greater peace, connection, and satisfaction.

Brielle Stark-Adler, Ph.D.'s experience working with the Jewish community

I have years of experience as a staff psychologist at Yeshiva University Counseling Center, based at the Midtown campus, where I have had the privilege of serving the students of Stern College and Cardozo School of Law. This work has allowed me to support students as they navigate the many transitions, challenges, and responsibilities that come with academic, personal, and professional growth. I value the opportunity to provide a thoughtful and supportive space for students while helping them develop the tools and insight needed to thrive.

In addition to my clinical work, I serve on the Mental Health Advisory Board of Gesher Community Care, a network of licensed therapists who work with clients experiencing antisemitism. This role reflects my commitment to supporting individuals and communities facing unique emotional and mental health challenges. Across all of my work, I remain dedicated to providing care that is culturally responsive, clinically grounded, and respectful of each person’s experiences, values, and identity.

Brielle Stark-Adler, Ph.D.'s Book Recommendation Zone

• One More Thing
  Life changing short stories by BJ Novak
• Unexpected Truth About Animals
  Fascinating read
• God Particles
  Incredible poetry by Thomas Lux

Approaches

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Psychodynamic Therapy
• Supervision Services

Concerns

• Anxiety
• Crisis Intervention
• Dating
• Depression
• Divorce/Separation
• Drug/Substance Abuse
• Emotion regulation
• Financial Stress & Avoidance
• Life purpose and meaning
• Mood Disorders
• Prenatal, perinatal, & postpartum mental health
• Relationships
• Religious Identity Issues
• Sexual health & dysfunction
• Stress management
• Transitions & Change

16 years in practice

Licenses

• Psychologist by New York 2014. License number 020805
• Psychologist by New Jersey 2022. License number 35SI00700300

Degrees

• Ph.D., Counseling Psychology by Fordham University 2010
• B.A., Sociology by Vassar College 2000

Affiliations

• Member by Open Therapy Institute 2024
• Mental Health Advisory Board by Gesher Community Care 2025
• Member by Westchester County Psychological Association 2022

Average costs per session

$325 - $450

Payment Methods

• Credit Card
• Zelle Quick Pay
• Venmo