About
Nilton Castro
Let's talk. My name is Nilton. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) located in Westchester County, NY. My counseling philosophy is centered on listening and creating mutual trust right off the bat. I specialize in working with various diagnoses including, but not limited to: Depression, Anxiety, Adjustment Disorders, and Post Traumatic Stress. I have had advanced training in both Cognitive Behavioral and Dialectical Behavioral Therapies, which allows me to best address the needs of all kinds of clients.
My interests within the field of counseling involves working with both teens and adults, including veterans and first responders, as I am Marine Corps veteran myself. I teach at two local counseling graduate school programs, and enjoy presenting my research at national conferences including New York City, Chicago, and Washington DC. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out!
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 (ABD)
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!