Sit back, relax, and let's get to work in our cozy in-person or virtual office.

Our Mental Health Counseling office is located at 3871 Harlem Road Suite 206 in Buffalo New York. We are convenient to Buffalo & Cheektowaga, but also Tonawanda, Elma, Depew, Amherst, & Williamsville. A bit too far to drive? We offer telemedicine appointments for clients anywhere in New York State, nationwide virtual appointments for coaching clients, and even offer Saturday and evening appointments to help make therapy as convenient as possible for your schedule. Reach out today to schedule an appointment with us!

Our Office is Passionate About...

Affordability

We work with many major insurance providers to help keep insurance affordable for individuals seeking it, and also offer appointments coordinated through pre-licensed clinicians and graduate students to increase affordability for those in need. We believe anyone in need of mental health counseling should have access to it. Check out Our Services to learn more about what we offer.

Accessibility

We strive to be an accessible practice for individuals of all abilities. To start, our website strives to exceed accessibility requirements by complying with WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards. Our building offers handicapped parking, is on a public bus route, and has an elevator. Our office furniture is all rated to withhold a minimum of 500 lbs. Directly outside of our suite you will find two single gender neutral bathrooms which are equipped with bars for support and stability.

Inclusivity

We believe every human has the right to be who they are and express themselves in the way they wish, regardless of their race, ethnicity, LGBTQ+ status, or religious beliefs. We are here to help people of all backgrounds and paths of life. Our staff comes from all walks of life, and our office is a place where we celebrate diversity! We are proud to be able to include that diversity in our practice and our therapies.

Education

Our office believes that everyone benefits more when clinicians come together to learn from each other. We use this philosophy in our daily practice, and as a group practice we are always learning from each other (and from our clients!) We offer both in-person and virtual course options and consultations, allowing for accessibility for all. Continuing education is huge for us, and we also share our own expertise through the Courses we offer other mental health clinicians.

Meet Our Providers

Laura Ott, LCSW, PMH-C

Owner & Founder

My goal is to help my clients build resiliency, hope, and self-compassion, AND support clinicians by giving them space and support to provide high quality services and work towards their personal career goals. I am honest, curious, and funny (per my own report). My favorite areas of treatment include Perinatal Mental Health, working with infertility, pregnancy loss (miscarriages, stillbirths, terminations), Pregnancy/Postpartum mental health struggles and Trauma/PTSD treatment. I also provide consultation and training for businesses and therapists.

Specialties:

Anxiety/Depression, Life transitions, Relationship Issues, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Mood Disorders, Trauma/PTSD, Compassion-fatigue/burnout, Personality Disorders, as well as Grief & Loss. Certifications in: Trauma Informed Care & Counseling, Progressive Counting, EMDR, & Perinatal Mental Health. 

Education:

University at Buffalo – Master’s Degree in Social Work

SUNY Oswego – Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a minor in Gerontology

Nathaniel Whitcomb, LMSW

Although it can feel like life happens to us, I believe we can take the reins and ultimately make the changes we decide are good for us. My goal is to work with your experiences, expectations, and goals, and see you find your balance and harmony. What are your goals? I am here to help, and I always use a strengths-based, person-centered approach. I believe in cultural diversity and humility, and am a lifelong learner.

Specialties:

Mental health counseling for men, men's issues, grief/loss, gender and sexuality, identity, relationships, mood and thought disorders, substance use, ADHD, trauma, and education/career. Additional training in DBT, CBT, EMDR, and Schema therapy.

Education:

University at Buffalo – Master’s Degree in Social Work

University at Buffalo & Buffalo State College – Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, concentration/minor in Sociology

Staff Therapist

Saffi Rigberg, LMSW

I practice from a place of creativity, with a strengths-based and trauma-informed lens. I use a variety of evidence-based practices to assist my clients in living their most fulfilling lives, and both developing and working to achieve their goals. I utilize a person-centered approach and look to the individuals I work with as the experts of themselves and their worlds.

Specialties:

I practice a variety of modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Schema Therapy. I tailor my approach to meet the unique needs of my clients. I work with individuals in childhood/early adolescence through adulthood (ages 5 and up) and focus on struggles including eating disorders, OCD, ADHD, neurodiversity, and trauma.

Education:

University at Buffalo - Master’s Degree in Social Work

Staff Therapist

Courtney Costello, LMSW

I have a passion for working with individuals throughout pregnancy, childbirth and adjusting to parenthood. Parenthood is filled with endless ups and downs.  We carry certain expectations of what our path to parenthood will look like. When unexpected challenges arise, we can be left trying to grapple with feelings like uncertainty, despair, exhaustion, and powerlessness. Therapy can help normalize this wide range of emotions while also learning skills, and helping to increase self-compassion and resilience.  

Specialties:

I have advanced training in perinatal mental health. I enjoy helping individuals adjust through major life transitions. I provide a supportive space for honest conversations. I believe in working collaboratively with clients, drawing from various evidence-based modalities to find the best fit for each individual.

Education:

University at Buffalo – Master’s Degree in Social Work

SUNY Fredonia – Bachelor's degree in Social Work, minors in psychology and criminal justice

Staff Therapist

Kate Tripi, MS

Office Coordinator

During the day to day, I utilize a refined set of organizational skills, strong ethics, confidentiality and professionalism to each and every situation I encounter. I am compassionate, empathetic, responsive, and proactive. I genuinely enjoy interacting with and helping people. I have education and experience in both the mental health and administrative support fields. My goal is to ensuring the day to day needs of the practice are met while simultaneously supporting the long term goals of our therapists and their clients. It is my hope to assist all existing, new, and potential clientele with logistical support. I am here to listen and to learn about the individual needs of both the clients and therapists of Ott Counseling, and to reflect the mission and values of this practice. I am honored to be a part of such a diverse and dynamic group, and look forward to getting to know you!

Education:

University at Buffalo – Bachelor’s Degree in Dance

Canisius College – Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling

Alisa Chirico, MLA

Staff Graduate Intern

I believe that the perinatal period of life is one of the most powerful transitions that a person can live through, in all the joy and grief that it can bring, and all the ways that it challenges our identities and relationships. As a student and budding counselor, I hope to be a safe and supportive force for all clients whose paths I cross, offering a strengths-based reflection and counseling space that honors who and where you are in the current moment, along with all your past and future selves. Outside of the clinic, I also specialize in environmental social work, and advocate for healthier, greener, safer spaces for all!

Education:

Binghamtom University - Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Literature

Cornell University – Master's Degree in Landscape Architecture

University at Buffalo – Master’s Degree in Social Work (2025)