About Alia Cross
Focus areas
Anger Management
Couples Therapy
Emotional Abuse
Anxiety
Depression
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Bipolar Disorder
Domestic Violence
Clientele seen
Teenagers (13-17)
Seniors (65+)
Groups
Young adults (18-24)
Individuals
Adults (25-64)
Couples
Treatment approaches
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Dialectical (DBT)
Compassion Focused
Eclectic
Culturally Sensitive
Emotionally Focused
Identity
Gender
FemaleEthnicity
Middle Eastern, White
Languages spoken
English
Getting to know Alia Cross
I am empathetic when working with diverse, adult populations facing situational and mental health challenges. I've been on both sides of "the therapy couch" as a Survivor with Bipolar I Disorder and as a counselor. I hold a Master's in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Rochester and completed my internship at the Willow Domestic Violence Center, where I gained extensive experience assisting Survivors of Domestic Violence. This training deepened my understanding of healthy versus unhealthy relationships.
I'm comfortable helping folks facing anxiety, depression, psychosis, and trauma. I assist in clarifying achievable goals and building trust. It's an honor to help others navigate the curveballs life will throw!
I help by listening, validating, exploring, gently challenging, and collaborating with you to arrive at solutions. I specialize in working with Survivors of Domestic Violence, individuals living with mood disorders, and those seeking to better manage anger or process trauma. Boundaries and clear, effective communication are essential to my practice.
Take a deep breath and acknowledge that asking for help isn't easy. It takes strength to be honest. I commend you for making it this far in your search for a therapist who will be the right match for you!
What should a new client know about working with you?
I have 6 years of experience working with adult individuals and a little bit of experience helping pre-teen/teenagers. I recently hired a couples' therapist consultant as I have expanded my practice to include marriage/relationship counseling.
I am warm, inquisitive and creative in my approach to understanding the human condition. I enjoy using a strengths-based, solution focused style when working with clients. I am well-versed in CBT, DBT and MI.
To begin, I offer a free 15 minute phone consultation to answer questions and discuss scheduling. After that, I like to hold the first session through video counseling. In-person counseling is an option for established clients.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
Our first session will include a "Comprehensive Assessment." I will ask what feels like 100 Questions in order to get a better understanding of both the strengths you bring with you and the complexity of the issues you are facing. If the questions become too much, I am happy to switch gears/slow down. I like taking direction from my clients and going at their pace. I consider my clients to be their own best experts on themselves.
The second session starts with collaborating on a Treatment Plan together, or as I like to think of it the "Road Map" for our course of therapy. We'll figure out what your goal is for counseling and we'll brainstorm ways together as to how to achieve your goal. We'll explore how often you'd like to be seen and whether or not you'd like a referral for medication management/a dietician/PCP/etc. I believe that mental health and physical health go hand-in-hand, so I do encourage exploration of my clients' physical health along with our talk therapy.
Going over the Treatment Plan usually doesn't take up the entire second session. We usually have a good deal of time to have a more organic, natural conversation. I use a variety of ice-breaking techniques to build rapport, if need be. Or I can keep quiet and deeply listen.
For couples' therapy, I am currently learning the Gottman method. The intake questions are much more focused on the marriage/relationship compared to individual intakes.
Is this doctor in your insurance network?
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In-network insurances
Aetna
Cigna
UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare Oxford
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It’s common for mental health providers to be out-of-network. Many insurance plans offer out-of-network coverage, so you may get partially reimbursed. Learn more
More information on payments and coverage
I am credentialed to work with New York State residents only. I accept the following insurances: Aetna, Cigna, Oscar, Oxford and United. I do not take Medicaid/Medicare. My private pay rate is $135/hour.
I use the free Headway platform for billing and scheduling. If you like how our initial free 15 minute phone call goes, I will ask for your insurance/payment info to enter into the Headway platform. I will enter in your debit/credit card information, but you will not be billed until after we hold session.
Cancelation policy: If a client provides me with more than 48 hours' notice, there is no charge. For less than 48 hours' notice, I charge a $75 fee. If a client accidentally does a No-Call/No-Show, I charge the full $135.
Office location
Alia Cross, LMHC also offers online video visits for patients
Education and background
Practice names
Hospital affiliations
- Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center
Board certifications
- National Board for Certified Counselors
Education and training
- University of Rochester, Master's in Mental Health Counseling
- Willow Domestic Violence Center (Internship)
Professional memberships
- New York Mental Health Counselors Association
Awards and publications
- Masters Thesis Award
NPI number
1538679329
How soon can I make an appointment with Alia Cross?
Generally, Alia Cross has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Alia Cross's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Alia Cross accepting new patients?
Alia Cross generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Alia Cross's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Alia Cross accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Alia Cross is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Alia Cross online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Alia Cross using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
Which hospital is Alia Cross affiliated with?
Alia Cross is affiliated with Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center.
What practice does Alia Cross work with?
Alia Cross works with Alia Cross Counseling.
Where is Alia Cross's office located?
Alia Cross has 2 office locations, including in Smyrna and Buffalo, view full addresses on Alia Cross's profile.
Which board certifications does Alia Cross have?
Alia Cross is certified by National Board for Certified Counselors.
What are common reasons for patients to see Alia Cross?
Alia Cross frequently sees patients for Depression, New Patient Visit, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Sleep Problems. You can see other visit reasons for Alia Cross on their profile.
What languages does Alia Cross speak?
Alia Cross speaks English.