Will sessions be online or in-person?
Currently, all sessions are virtual. You’ll receive a secure, one-time session link before each appointment. If in-person therapy in NYC becomes available, I’ll let you know—and we can discuss continuing remotely or meeting in person.
Will sessions be online or in-person?
Currently, all sessions are virtual. You’ll receive a secure, one-time session link before each appointment. If in-person therapy in NYC becomes available, I’ll let you know—and we can discuss continuing remotely or meeting in person.
Welcome to Lucem Mental Health Counseling, PLLC
Letting in the light
© 2025, Abigail Méndez
About Me
Abigail Méndez, Licensed Mental Health Counselor
There are moments when life can become more than we can handle, and oftentimes for people of color (POC), therapy is never considered because we are taught to “be strong", “keep our head down”, and “not complain”. If you're tired of these cultural norms and ready to create change, it’s time to begin your personal therapy journey. I’m Abigail, and I am dedicated to helping individuals find light in their darkest moments by providing compassionate and effective therapy for POCs emotional and mental well-being.
My professional mission is to normalize mental health and empower those who feel invisible and voiceless. I support individuals facing self-esteem issues, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship struggles, and complex trauma. I provide therapy in English and Spanish. Education: New York University, MA in Counseling for Mental Health & Wellness Hunter College, MA in Spanish Language & Literature Clinical Training & Experience: Externship, Baruch College, CUNY, NYC Student Psychological Counselor, Baruch College, CUNY, NYC Center for Couples & Families, NYC License #: 016320
Lucem means light
I founded Lucem Mental Health Counseling, PLLC with a single purpose: to walk alongside you as you discover your own path to healing. The word lucem means 'light' in Latin, and for me, it represents the potential for hope and change that exists within all of us. I created this practice especially for those who have felt unheard or unseen in their lives. My goal is to help you let the light of understanding into the dark and unexplored spaces within, approaching each step with genuine curiosity, gentleness, and shared purpose. In our work together, we will navigate your challenges with compassion, trusting that healing is a journey toward letting your own light shine through.
Why Choose Psychotherapy?
It can help with
Anxiety
Learn effective techniques to manage and reduce anxiety symptoms, allowing you to lead a more fulfilling life.
Depression
Help you address the complex nature of depression by offering support and strategies to cope with its impact on daily life.
Relationship Issues
Couples therapy is tailored to help partners reestablish and strengthen their connection by teaching them how to foster stronger and more secure bonds.
Trauma Recovery
Through the use of trauma-focused approaches, support you in processing and healing from past traumatic experiences.
Self-Exploration
Provide a non-judgmental space for self-reflection and personal growth, empowering you to gain insight and make positive changes in your life.
Stress Management/Coping Skills
Learn valuable stress management and coping skills tools/techniques to enhance resilience and overall well-being.
© 2025, Abigail Méndez
How We Will Work Together...
I believe that we all have the answers we seek and that therapy provides a space for us to find those answers. Therapy allows us to bring curiosity and openness to the parts of ourselves we have neglected. It can help us learn how to manage anxiety and stress, heal wounds, improve our relationship to ourselves and others, and reconnect with our true selves—the one that navigating life’s ongoing pressures made us forget.
As your therapist, I walk beside you as we work together to help you explore your thoughts, emotions and behaviors. I take an integrative approach that combines Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Relational Cultural therapy and Strengths-based Therapy. These modalities can help you to tune into the power of acknowledging where you are in the present moment, examining the multiple paths before you and deciding which is the best one for your well-being. I frame the therapeutic relationship around connection, mutual empathy and authenticity in order to examine how familial, societal, multicultural and political factors impact how we relate to ourselves and the world.
As a woman of color, I understand the importance of relational dynamics and power structures in the therapeutic relationship, and my approach is characterized by empathy, collaboration, and a commitment to empowering my clients to take an active role in their own healing process. The most important thing to building a strong therapeutic relationship is co-creating a space where you are heard, validated, and supported.
Services
Individual Therapy
Individual therapy sessions are designed to provide a safe and supportive environment for you to explore your thoughts and emotions.
Couple Therapy
Couples therapy helps partners understand and change negative interaction patterns in order to help strengthen their connection and resolve conflicts more effectively.
Group Therapy
In group therapy sessions, you will find a community of individuals who understand and support each other through shared experiences.
Consultation
Contact me for a complimentary 20-minute virtual consultation to see if we'd be a good fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will sessions be online or in-person?
Currently, all sessions are virtual. You’ll receive a secure, one-time session link before each appointment. If in-person therapy in NYC becomes available, I’ll let you know—and we can discuss continuing remotely or meeting in person.
Do you accept my insurance?
While I am not on any insurance panels and do not take insurance, I accept all PPO insurance plans as an out-of-network provider (which requires you to pay for sessions out-of-pocket and seek reimbursement thereafter). I will provide you with a monthly invoice (aka “superbill”), which can be submitted to your insurance company for reimbursement. In most cases, you pay the session fee upfront, and then you will get a percentage of it back as reimbursement – but this varies, so check with your insurance company. Additionally, the Health Savings Account (HSA) can be used to cover the cost of sessions. If using insurance, follow these steps: 1. Contact your insurance company and inquire about the percentage that is covered for “out-of-network” and “non-participating” providers. 2. Ask about the “maximum allowed amount” per session (aka the “reasonable and customary fees”) for zip code 10001 for sessions with a Masters-level Clinician (Licensed Mental Health Counselor). 3. Determine with them if you have a deductible for “out-of-network” providers and what that amount is.
What's the confidentiality and privacy policy?
Please click on ‘Read more’ to read the complete Notice of HIPAA Privacy Practices
What are your fees?
• Individual therapy (45 mins): $250 • Couple/Family therapy (50 mins): $300 • Group Therapy (50 mins): $40 I reserve a few spots for clients who may be experiencing financial hardship and for whom my standard rate is not affordable. If you feel we would be a good fit but are concerned about cost, I encourage you to reach out for a confidential conversation. We can explore options together to determine the best path forward, which may include a reduced rate or a referral to alternative resources
What is the length of sessions?
Sessions will be conducted via video chat and last 45-50 minutes. I aim to start and end all sessions on time. If you arrive late for your session, we will only have the remaining time (of that 45 minutes) for that session. For example, being 15 minutes late results in us only having a 30-minute session. Arriving for your session after the scheduled appointment time is over will be viewed as a “no show” and you will be charged the full fee of the appointment.
What is the rescheduling policy?
Life can be unpredictable. When situations arise that make it difficult or impossible to attend your regularly scheduled session appointment, I will work to provide an alternative appointment within the week, if possible. However, 48 hours’ notice must be provided for cancellations otherwise, you will be billed for the cancelled session.
What can I expect during the first session?
Our initial session is different from future ones in that it is a period for us to get to know each other and start formulating how we will be working together. During this session, we will discuss: what brought you to therapy, what’s happening in your life right now, your history (i.e., childhood, education, relationships –family, romantic, friends—, your current living situation, career, etc.).
Do you provide a "Good Faith Estimate"?
• You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical and mental health care will cost. • Under the law, health care providers need to give their patients or clients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services. • You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services. • You can ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service. • If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate
© 2025, Abigail Méndez
Contact Me
Start Your Journey to Emotional Wellness
Phone
Address
322 281-3428
New York, NY