MEET US

ALEGRA KASTENS, MA, LMFT (she/her)

Director of Practice, Licensed Therapist

I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist who received my Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. I am currently licensed in California and New York, and Florida for telehealth, seeing clients out of my NYC office. I specialize in the treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors, Body Dysmorphic Disorder, and Eating Disorders utilizing evidence-based treatments. My clinical work focuses on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Exposure & Response Prevention, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, and mindfulness skills training for adults and adolescents.

Prior to founding the Center for OCD, Anxiety and Eating Disorders, I worked as a psychotherapist at The OCD Center of Los Angeles specializing in the treatment of OCD, BRFB’s, and related disorders across the life span. I also trained extensively in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, with an emphasis on Exposure & Response Prevention, at the UCLA Adult OCD Intensive Outpatient Program, where I assisted in providing hands-on ERP with clients experiencing moderate to severe OCD. 

My passion for OCD treatment, education, and advocacy comes from my own personal experience with the disorder. I understand firsthand the relentlessness of OCD and how painfully it holds one’s life captive.  I also understand, from the inside out, that relief and recovery are real.

CA Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT): #124277

NY Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT): #001932

KATIE MUNDT (she/her)

Clinical Intern

I am Katie Mundt, a Clinical Intern supervised by Alegra Kastens (LMFT #001932) at The Center for OCD, Anxiety, and Eating Disorders, and a Master’s level counseling student in NYU’s Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness program.

I highly value human connection and emphasize the importance of a mutually trusting therapeutic relationship as a base for self-exploration and healing. My areas of special interest include Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and body image disturbances.

My clinical work focuses on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Exposure & Response Prevention, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, and mindfulness skills training for adults and adolescents. I utilize an integrative approach, evidence-based treatments with humanistic and relational approaches, to ensure each individual’s needs and desired outcomes are met and support them on their unique path of exploration and healing.

I am seeing clients in-person at the NYC office and virtually in the state of New York.

KSENIA ZUYEV (she/her)

Clinical Intern

I am Ksenia Zuyev, a Clinical Intern supervised by Alegra Kastens (LMFT #001932) at The Center for OCD, Anxiety, and Eating Disorder, and a Master’s level counseling student in NYU’s Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness program.

I believe each individual has the capacity for healing and growth and that the client-therapist relationship plays a vital role in the pursuit of it. Everyone deserves a welcoming, safe, non-judgmental, and collaborative environment as they embark on this life-changing journey. My areas of special interest include Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders, & other related conditions.

My clinical work focuses on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Exposure & Response Prevention, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, and mindfulness skills training for adults and adolescents. Through compassion paired with integrative and evidence-based approaches, we can work together to move toward recovery, healing, and relief. 

Through firsthand experience, I know that seeking help in any way, for any reason, may be daunting and scary, and I am passionate about breaking down that barrier and meeting you where you are.

I am seeing clients in-person at the NYC office and virtually in the state of New York.

Outside of my professional work, I enjoy spending time with my dog, reading, painting, and listening to music. 

BIANCA FARD (she/they)

Associate Marriage & Family Therapist

I am Bianca Fard, an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (#113094) supervised by Alegra Kastens, LMFT (#124277). I graduated from Hope International University, where I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy.

My areas of special interest include Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders, other related conditions, & substance use disorders. I am recognize the impacts of co-occurring substance use and mental health conditions, and provide integrated treatment to address both issues simultaneously, promoting holistic healing and long-term recovery.

As a neurodivergent person myself, I am passionate about working with neurodivergence. That includes, but is not limited to autistic folks, those with ADHD, and people who have experienced trauma.

I value human connection, and recognize the importance of addressing mental health within the context of family dynamics, cultural values, and individual experiences. I have a deep understanding of mental health conditions through personal experiences and clinical experience, and know that recovery and healing are possible.

My clinical work can be eclectic, meaning that I utilize a variety of tools and modalities to treat each person’s unique symptoms. I utilize evidence-based treatments while supporting cultural practices. When treating OCD and related disorders, I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Exposure & Response Prevention, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, and mindfulness skills training for adults and adolescents.

I look forward to joining you on your healing journey!