Plattsburgh now has a new resource dedicated to mental health support with the opening of Peaceful Pathways Mental Health Counseling Services PLLC. Founded by Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) Takia Feliciano, the practice offers a holistic approach to mental well-being, focusing on balance, healing, and personal growth.
A Holistic Approach to Mental Health
“Balance symbolizes peace—peace of the mind, body, and spirit,” Feliciano shared in an interview with The Sun. “Our work emphasizes how various aspects of wellness work together, helping individuals reach a harmonious place in their lives.”
Feliciano’s practice is built on the principle that mental well-being is not one-dimensional. Rather, it encompasses emotional, physical, and psychological elements that, when nurtured in tandem, lead to overall peace. As part of the holistic approach, Peaceful Pathways offers nutrition support, medical referrals, and connections to school and family resources, all aimed at empowering clients to make meaningful changes in their lives.
A Focus on Youth and Family
Feliciano is particularly passionate about working with children and teens, recognizing that early intervention and prevention are key to mental health. “We can reach children, especially teens, by doing preventive work and supporting their families to break cycles of dysfunction,” she said. Drawing from her experience as a school-based mental health therapist, Feliciano brings a unique understanding of the challenges facing young people today.
The practice uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify negative thought patterns that fuel anxiety and depression. Additionally, Peaceful Pathways offers therapy that supports individuals through grief, loss, divorce, and issues related to attachment, which often stem from unresolved childhood experiences.
A Trauma-Informed Approach
Feliciano’s commitment to offering trauma-informed care is bolstered by her credentials in Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counseling (CASAC), enabling her to address the intersections between mental health and substance abuse. “At times, trauma and substance use go hand-in-hand, so it’s essential to offer care that acknowledges this connection,” she explained.
Peaceful Pathways also provides culturally sensitive, person-centered, and psychodynamic therapy, ensuring that clients from all backgrounds feel seen and supported. The practice addresses a wide range of issues, including trauma, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anger management, self-esteem, life transitions, social anxiety, mood disorders, and substance abuse.
Breaking the Stigma of Mental Health Care
At the core of Peaceful Pathways is a commitment to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health. Feliciano emphasized, “Mental well-being is non-discriminatory. It can impact anyone, regardless of socio-economic status, race, gender, education level, or age. Our practice is open to everyone, from children to older adults.”
Feliciano’s own background shaped her drive to become a mental health counselor. Growing up in New York City, she experienced the challenges of trauma, poverty, and substance abuse, witnessing firsthand how a lack of resources can prevent people from finding peace within themselves. “I wanted to help people break those cycles and give them a voice,” she said.
Flexible Scheduling and Accessible Care
Peaceful Pathways offers a flexible schedule, with office hours from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and evening and weekend appointments available. The office, located at 20 Miller Street in Plattsburgh, also provides telehealth options for added convenience. Additionally, the practice accepts 12 different types of insurance, including Aetna, Cigna, MVP Healthcare, BlueCross and BlueShield, and United Healthcare, with self-pay and reduced self-pay rates available for those without insurance.
“We’ve worked to create a practice that accommodates both the clinicians and patients,” Feliciano noted, emphasizing the importance of making mental health care accessible to everyone.
A Safe Haven for Healing
Peaceful Pathways is committed to providing a safe, supportive space for individuals to explore, heal, and grow. Whether clients are navigating grief, trauma, or everyday challenges, Feliciano’s holistic approach ensures that each person’s mental health journey is guided with compassion, understanding, and balance.
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