What patients are saying
Overall rating
5.00
Average wait time
5.00
Bedside manner
5.00
“Zulekya has a wonderful way of connecting with me. I feel extremely fortunate to have met her. She has helped me become a better Man, Son & more importantly a better human being. Just know if you’re lost. She’s like the North Star Polaris you’ll always find home after that.”
JFLess than 1 month ago
About Zuleyka Ayala
Clientele seen
Young adults (18-24)
Individuals
Adults (25-64)
Seniors (65+)
Treatment approaches
Coaching
Emotionally Focused
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Exposure Response Prevention
Culturally Sensitive
Feminist
Identity
Gender
FemaleLanguages spoken
English
Getting to know Zuleyka Ayala
Zuleyka Ayala, LCSW, DSW is a bilingual therapist who provides trauma-informed care to adults navigating anxiety, depression, burnout, life transitions, and relationship challenges. She works with individuals who may feel overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, or stuck in patterns they would like to better understand and change.
Her approach is collaborative, supportive, and structured. She integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and shift patterns in thinking and behavior, while also incorporating trauma-informed work to explore emotional experiences and relational dynamics. She has completed training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), which she integrates when appropriate to support clients in processing past experiences.
Zuleyka brings clinical experience across New York City, including work in school and community-based settings. Her background informs her understanding of how culture, identity, and life experiences can impact mental health. She strives to create a space where clients feel respected, understood, and supported, including those navigating the unique pressures associated with being first-generation.
What should a new client know about working with you?
** Initial appointments are free consultation phone calls with our intake coordinator. On that call, you’ll be able to go over insurance details and get answers to any questions you have. If it feels like a great fit, the intake coordinator will get you scheduled for your first therapy appointment while you’re on the call. **
Working with me is both supportive and intentional.
I create a space where you can show up honestly and without judgment, while also helping you actively work toward change. I balance empathy with directness—supporting you while also helping you identify patterns, challenge unhelpful thinking, and develop practical tools you can use in your daily life.
Clients often come to me when they are:
*Feeling burned out from always being “the strong one”
*Navigating anxiety, overthinking, or emotional overwhelm
*Experiencing relationship or family stress
*Processing past experiences that still impact them today
*Going through life transitions and seeking clarity
Our work is collaborative, reflective, and action-oriented.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
We begin with an initial session focused on understanding your current concerns, your history, and what you would like to gain from therapy. This is also an opportunity to determine if we feel like a good fit.
From there, we develop a personalized approach based on your goals. Sessions may include:
*CBT strategies to identify and shift patterns in thinking and behavior
*Exploration of emotional experiences and attachment patterns
*EMDR-informed work to process past experiences when appropriate
*Building coping strategies and emotional regulation skills
My approach balances structure and depth by helping you gain insight while also making meaningful changes in your day-to-day life. We will regularly revisit your goals and adjust our work as needed.
Is this doctor in your insurance network?
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In-network insurances
Zuleyka Ayala, LMSW has 50+ in-network plans.
Office location
Zuleyka Ayala, LMSW also offers online video visits for patients
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- Fordham University, Master's in Social Work
NPI number
1164174611
Patient reviews
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
5.00
Wait time
5.00
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
1 review
Most relevant
Zulekya has a wonderful way of connecting with me. I feel extremely fortunate to have met her. She has helped me become a better Man, Son & more importantly a better human being. Just know if you’re lost. She’s like the North Star Polaris you’ll always find home after that.
Less than 1 month agoJF
How soon can I make an appointment with Zuleyka Ayala?
Generally, Zuleyka Ayala has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Zuleyka Ayala's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Zuleyka Ayala accepting new patients?
Zuleyka Ayala generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Zuleyka Ayala's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Zuleyka Ayala accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Zuleyka Ayala is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Zuleyka Ayala online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Zuleyka Ayala using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Zuleyka Ayala work with?
Zuleyka Ayala works with Travis Tanner, LCSW.
Where is Zuleyka Ayala's office located?
Zuleyka Ayala has 3 office locations, including in Smyrna, New York, and New York City, view full addresses on Zuleyka Ayala's profile.
What are common reasons for patients to see Zuleyka Ayala?
Zuleyka Ayala frequently sees patients for New Patient Visit, Pain Management Consultation, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Sleep Problems. You can see other visit reasons for Zuleyka Ayala on their profile.
What languages does Zuleyka Ayala speak?
Zuleyka Ayala speaks English.
How do patients rate Zuleyka Ayala in reviews?
1 patients have reviewed Zuleyka Ayala. The overall rating for this doctor is 5/5. They have a 5/5 rating for bedside manner and a 5/5 rating for wait time. You can read individual reviews and ratings on their profile.