Couples & Marriage Counseling | Westchester, NY

Helping couples break through old patterns and find new ways of connecting.

  • Licensed therapists with specialized expertise in family dynamics and relationship healing

  • Conveniently located in White Plains with flexible virtual therapy options for NY & CT residents

  • Modern, relatable approach that transforms unhelpful dynamics into healthy relationships

  • Expert guidance for couples struggling with communication issues, disconnection, intense conflicts, parenting issues,  boundaries with family, lack of emotional or sexual intimacy, and infidelity.

  • Proven success helping Westchester couples rebuild connection and understanding

  • Warm, engaging sessions that couples actually look forward to attending

About Carino Counseling

At Carino Mental Health Counseling Services, we understand that seeking marriage counseling is a significant step toward positive change. Founded by Justine Carino, LMHC, our Westchester-based practice specializes in helping couples break free from dysfunctional patterns and build stronger connections. Whether you're struggling with communication challenges or feeling stuck in recurring conflicts, our modern approach provides the support you need to make lasting change.

Our therapeutic style combines clinical expertise with a warm, engaging approach that makes therapy feel like conversations you actually look forward to. From our White Plains office or through secure virtual sessions, we help couples throughout New York and Connecticut discover new ways to understand each other, learn how to manage conflicts more effectively, heal attachment issues, and create lasting positive change in their relationships.

We're committed to creating an environment where healing feels natural, combining warmth with real results. We help couples develop effective strategies for moving beyond limiting beliefs and negative patterns, guiding you toward creating a sense of calm, emotional clarity, and confidence in your path forward together. Whether you're facing specific challenges or simply looking to strengthen your foundation, we're here to support your journey.

marriage counseling westchester ny

Meet your Westchester County, NY couples therapist

Justine Carino, LMHC

As the founder of Carino Mental Health Counseling, Justine brings both expertise and authenticity to every session. As a licensed therapist in both NY and CT, she draws on extensive training from prestigious institutions including the Gottman Institute, Ackerman Institute for the Family, and Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavior Therapy.

Justine's interactive approach combines family systems techniques with cognitive behavioral therapy to help couples break free from disconnection and create lasting change. By maintaining a limited caseload, she ensures each couple receives the focused attention and presence needed to create meaningful change and more fulfilling relationships.

How to start couples therapy

Step 1: Schedule a Free Consultation

Reach out for a brief phone consultation where we'll discuss what brings you to therapy and ensure our practice is the right fit for your needs. This is your opportunity to ask questions and learn more about how we can support your relationship goals.

Step 2: Book Your First Session

Once we've connected, we'll schedule your first session at our White Plains office or via secure virtual therapy, depending on your preference. We offer flexible scheduling options for couples throughout New York and Connecticut to accommodate busy lifestyles.

Step 3: Begin Your Journey Together

Your first session will feel conversational and engaging as we explore your relationship dynamics and develop a clear path forward. We'll work together to identify patterns that may be holding you back and create practical strategies for building a stronger connection.

couples therapy westchester ny

Why choose us for couples therapy in Westchester, NY

  • We take pride in creating an environment where therapy feels less like a clinical appointment and more like a meaningful conversation. Our interactive, engaging style helps couples feel at ease while making real progress in their relationships.

  • By maintaining a select number of clients, we ensure each couple receives the dedicated time and presence they deserve. This allows us to truly understand your unique dynamics and provide personalized support for lasting change.

  • Our team brings advanced training from renowned institutions like the Gottman Institute and Ackerman Institute for the Family, combining evidence-based techniques with a warm, relatable approach to help you break free from old patterns.

  • Whether you prefer in-person sessions at our welcoming White Plains office or secure virtual therapy, we make it convenient for couples throughout NY and CT to access the support they need, when they need it.

  • We create an environment free from judgment where you can openly explore challenges, express difficult emotions, and work through conflicts. Our goal is to help you find clarity, rebuild connection, and create the relationship you envision.

Common reasons why people seek relationship counseling

  • Communication feels broken

    You find yourselves having the same arguments over and over, or perhaps you've stopped talking altogether. What used to be open conversations now feel tense or distant. We help couples develop new ways to express needs, listen effectively, and rebuild meaningful dialogue.

  • Family patterns are creating conflict

    Past experiences and learned behaviors might be affecting your current relationship without you realizing it. We specialize in helping couples identify and transform dysfunctional patterns that may be preventing deeper connection and understanding.

  • Anxiety is impacting your relationship

    When one or both partners struggle with anxiety or perfectionism, it can create tension in even the strongest relationships. We'll help you understand how anxiety affects your dynamic and develop strategies to support each other while managing these challenges.

  • Life transitions are causing strain

    Major changes–whether positive or challenging–can put pressure on your relationship. Whether you're navigating career shifts, family changes, grief and loss, a new mental or physical illness, or personal growth, we'll help you adapt and grow stronger together rather than growing apart.

  • You're feeling disconnected

    Sometimes couples find themselves feeling more like roommates than partners. If you're experiencing a loss of intimacy or emotional connection, we can help you rediscover your bond, foster emotional awareness, and create more fulfilling interactions.

  • Trust needs rebuilding

    Whether you're recovering from a specific incident or dealing with ongoing trust issues, we provide a safe space to address these sensitive matters and develop strategies for rebuilding trust and security in your relationship.

Get started

When another practice may be a better fit for your needs

At Carino Mental Health Counseling Services, we believe in being transparent about our scope of practice to ensure you receive the most appropriate care for your situation. While we're passionate about helping couples and families create meaningful change, there are some circumstances where another provider may better serve your needs.

  • You're seeking crisis intervention or emergency mental health services (please contact your local emergency services or crisis hotline for immediate support)

  • You reside outside of New York or Connecticut, as our licensing and virtual therapy services are limited to these states (note that our anxiety coaching services are available nationwide)

  • You require court-mandated counseling or therapy services specifically for legal proceedings

  • You need specialized addiction treatment or substance use disorder services

  • You're seeking therapy for children under 13, as we specialize in working with teens, adults, and couples

We're happy to help connect you with appropriate resources and referrals if any of these situations apply to you. Your well-being is our priority, even if that means recommending another provider who can better meet your specific needs.

FAQs about couples therapy

  • While these terms are often used interchangeably, they essentially describe the same service: professional support for partners who want to improve their relationship. Whether you're married, engaged, or in a committed partnership, our approach remains focused on helping you create healthier patterns, enhance communication, and build stronger connections.

  • The best marriage counselor is one with specialized training in relationship dynamics and couples therapy approaches. Our therapists bring advanced training from respected institutions, combining evidence-based techniques with a warm, engaging style. Common credentials to look for in a qualified marriage counselor include:

    • Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)

    • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)

    • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

    • Licensed Clinical Psychologist (Ph.D. or Psy.D.)

    Additionally, many therapists pursue specialized couples therapy training in areas such as:

    • Gottman Method Couples Therapy Certification

    • Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) Training

    • The Ackerman Institute for Family Therapy Training

    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Couples

    We believe effective couples therapy requires both professional expertise and a genuine ability to create a comfortable environment where both partners feel heard and understood. Look for a therapist who not only has the right credentials but also makes you both feel at ease sharing openly and working toward positive change.

  • Yes, couples therapy can often be a worthwhile investment in your relationship's future. Research shows that marriage counseling can improve intimacy, ease depression symptoms, and more.

    Through our modern, relatable approach, couples discover new ways to break free from frustrating patterns, learn new communication skills, and rebuild deeper connections. While taking the first step might feel uncertain, our clients often report feeling more understood, less stuck, and better equipped to handle challenges together after therapy. Rather than letting disconnection deepen or waiting until problems feel overwhelming, couples therapy helps partners create positive change.

    By maintaining a limited caseload, we ensure each couple receives focused attention and practical strategies they can use both in and outside of sessions. Whether you're facing specific challenges or simply want to strengthen your foundation, therapy provides a safe space to grow together with professional guidance and support.

couples therapy westchester ny

Start marriage counseling in Westchester, NY today

Making intentional shifts in your relationship is possible, and you don't have to figure it out alone. Whether you're feeling stuck in old patterns or seeking to strengthen your connection, we're here to support your journey with experienced guidance and a warm, engaging approach.

Take the first step toward the relationship you want by scheduling a free consultation. We look forward to meeting you and supporting you on your journey toward a happier, healthier relationship.