Harmony Mental Health Counseling, PLLC
About
Nilton Castro, PhD, LMHC
I grew up in Pleasantville, NY, and have always been rooted in this community. My journey, from Westchester to the United States Marine Corps, and now to working in private practice, has shaped the way I understand resilience, connection, and growth. These experiences taught me the importance of trust, compassion, and meeting people where they are, values that guide my work as a PhD in Mental Health Counseling.
​
My counseling philosophy is simple: healing begins with being heard. I focus on creating a safe, collaborative space where children, teens, and adults can explore their challenges, develop healthier coping skills, and move toward a stronger sense of self. I specialize in working kids by helping them to understand their emotions and how to deal with them in healthy ways. I treat a variety of diagnoses and issues including anxiety, depression, adjustment issues, trauma, and stress-related concerns. My advanced training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) allows me to tailor care to each client’s needs.
​
In addition to my clinical practice, I am deeply engaged in counselor education. I teach graduate-level courses in counseling at Pace University and present my research at national conferences including New York City, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. My professional work is also informed by my service as a Marine combat veteran, which inspires my commitment to supporting military members, veterans, first responders, and their families.
​
Above all, I am passionate about giving back to the very community that raised me, helping young people and families in Pleasantville and across Westchester find the tools and confidence to thrive.
Licensure & Credentials
Education
B.S. Applied Psychology & Human Relations
Pace University, 2015
Pleasantville, NY
M.S. Mental Health Counseling
Pace University, 2016
Pleasantville, NY
Doctorate in Mental Health Counseling,
Counselor Education & Supervision
Pace University, 2018
Pleasantville, NY
Experience
United States Marine Corps
My military experience began in 2009 when I enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. I served four years as an infantry rifleman and deployed twice to Afghanistan in 2010 and 2011. Upon return to my duty station in Hawaii I observed my own and peer’s behaviors changing. This was the initial spark that led to my interest in counseling. I knew from then on my goal was to help others improve their emotional well being and set goals for personal growth. The Marine Corps taught me to empathize and to communicate directly while leading by example. Ultimately my experiences in the Armed Forces set the foundation for my career today.
Clinical Experience
Clinically, my background encompasses working with adults and children suffering from various mental health issues including depression, anxiety, persistent psychiatric issues within a variety of settings such as outpatient, residential hospital, and private practice. I focus on resilience, motivation, cognitive strategies, and improving emotional well-being. My philosophy on counseling is centered on a wellness model to enhance a sense of self and connection to the world around us.
Academic experience
Academically, I have taught in three graduate programs across Westchester County including College of New Rochelle, Mercy College, and Pace University. I enjoy assisting counselors in training as they hone their skills and set a foundation for becoming professional counselors. I have taught classes on communication skills, counseling techniques and strategies, vocational counseling, military and first responder therapy, as well as, family therapy. My future goals for teaching include improving veterans’ mental health care through advocacy and pedagogy, while reducing the stigma associated with therapy.
Contact Me
​
I look forward to answering your questions and helping you
take your first step towards personal wellness!
