What patients are saying
Overall rating
4.97
Average wait time
4.94
Bedside manner
5.00
“It was a wonderful session. I felt heard, understood and helped. What stood out to me was that we are both Christians and that’s very important to me.”
Arnae W.March 5, 2026Video visit
“Very easygoing & an amazing listener. I feel confident that she’ll help guide me to accomplish some goals.”
Desrean T.February 8, 2026Video visit
About Vanessa Chonou
Focus areas
Adult Psychotherapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Relationship Struggles
Anxiety
Depression
Childhood Trauma
LGBTQ+ Counseling
Clientele seen
Young adults (18-24)
Individuals
Adults (25-64)
Seniors (65+)
Treatment approaches
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Family / Marital
Compassion Focused
Motivational Interviewing
Culturally Sensitive
Multicultural
Identity
Gender
FemaleSexuality
StraightFaith
ChristianEthnicity
Black or African American
Languages spoken
English
Getting to know Vanessa Chonou
Vanessa L. Chonou MHC, CASAC-T, is a Mental Health Counselor with over five years of experience in various mental health settings, including clinics, non-profit organizations, and the private sector. She attended the State University of New York, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. Vanessa furthered her education at The College of Saint Rose, completing a Master's of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2024.
Her work is driven by a commitment to fostering positive change and growth in underserved communities, supporting clients in pursuing their personal goals. She believes that mental health profoundly impacts the eight dimensions of wellness: physical, emotional, spiritual, financial, environmental, occupational, social, and intellectual capacities.
What should a new client know about working with you?
Cultural inclusion and equitable access to care influences the services she would like to offer, to celebrate and affirm all forms of diversity. Vanessa offers a trauma informed foundation and person-centered framework that is culturally adaptive in a moment in time where the need for inclusivity is imperative. Her work is solution focused with regard to promoting autonomy and optimal well being in services provided. She aims to identify deficits and barriers among the ecosystems to reduce stigma and shame. Other modalities of therapy include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
As a culturally responsive therapist she is committed to creating a safe and inclusive space for all individuals by honoring the unique cultural backgrounds and experiences of all clients. Her goal is to empower clients to explore their personal narratives and values while also acknowledging the impact of societal and cultural factors on their well-being. Through collaboration and respect she aims to facilitate growth and healing in a way that is meaningful and relevant to each individual's cultural identity.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
In the first session I will complete an intake assessment to gather as much information to better assess and get to know you, your history, and what concerns have brought you to therapy and therefore set up goals. The following sessions, we will engage in talk therapy while pulling from various modalities to help you achieve your goals. Our sessions are 45 min in length on a weekly basis.
Please allow 15 minutes before the session to do the intake paperwork.
I PROVIDE PSYCHOTHERAPY SERVICES ONLY; PLEASE NOTE I DON’T PROVIDE MEDICATION MANAGEMENT SERVICES.
Is this doctor in your insurance network?
Enter your insurance carrier and plan
choose insurance
In-network insurances
Vanessa Chonou, MSEd has 200+ in-network plans.
Out-of-pocket fees and assistance
Initial session: $150 for 45 minutes
Ongoing session: $125 for 45 minutes
- Sliding scale: Offers lower out-of-pocket fees on an individual basis, typically based on your ability to pay
More information on payments and coverage
We also offer a sliding scale. Thank you!
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- The College of Saint Rose, Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
NPI number
1891514766
Patient reviews
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
4.97
Wait time
4.94
Bedside manner
5.00
Your trust is our top concern, so providers can't pay to alter or remove reviews. We also don't publish reviews that contain any private patient health information. Learn more here
29 reviews
Most relevant
Very easygoing & an amazing listener. I feel confident that she’ll help guide me to accomplish some goals.
February 8, 2026Desrean T.Verified patientVideo visit
She was very professional, soft spoken, and a very good listener. Easy to talk to.
Less than 1 month agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
I felt really great making the choice to see Vanessa.
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
It was a wonderful session. I felt heard, understood and helped. What stood out to me was that we are both Christians and that’s very important to me.
March 5, 2026Arnae W.Verified patientVideo visit
Great listeners
February 18, 2026Barry W.Verified patientVideo visit
Great experience! Great session
February 1, 2026Jenny M.Verified patientVideo visit
She was very nice and I don't mean keeping her
November 17, 2024Jannelle G.Verified patientVideo visit
Had an initial session with Vanessa and will be continuing. Vanessa was very attentive to what I was saying, calm, and helpful in working with me to develop my expectations and goals for future sessions.
November 3, 2024Shekira B.Verified patientVideo visit
Less than 1 month agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
January 15, 2026Simmone L.Verified patientVideo visit
Less than 3 months agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
January 9, 2026Salimatou D.Verified patientVideo visit
Less than 3 months agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
Less than 6 months agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
September 7, 2025Initials hiddenVideo visit
July 13, 2025Stacy R.Verified patientVideo visit
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
December 9, 2024Mariza C.Verified patientVideo visit
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
November 17, 2024Tracy-Ann F.Verified patientVideo visit
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
November 9, 2024Halima P.Verified patientVideo visit
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
How soon can I make an appointment with Vanessa Chonou?
Generally, Vanessa Chonou has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Vanessa Chonou's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Vanessa Chonou accepting new patients?
Vanessa Chonou generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Vanessa Chonou's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Vanessa Chonou accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Vanessa Chonou is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Vanessa Chonou online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Vanessa Chonou using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Vanessa Chonou work with?
Vanessa Chonou works with Smart Therapy PC.
What are common reasons for patients to see Vanessa Chonou?
Vanessa Chonou frequently sees patients for Depression, New Patient Visit, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Therapy. You can see other visit reasons for Vanessa Chonou on their profile.
What languages does Vanessa Chonou speak?
Vanessa Chonou speaks English.
How do patients rate Vanessa Chonou in reviews?
29 patients have reviewed Vanessa Chonou. The overall rating for this doctor is 4.97/5. They have a 5/5 rating for bedside manner and a 4.94/5 rating for wait time. You can read individual reviews and ratings on their profile.