About
My work is compassionate, evidence-based, and highly individualized. I integrate research-supported therapeutic approaches with deep respect for your lived experience. Sessions offer a safe, non-judgmental space to speak openly and express thoughts you may not feel able to say elsewhere.
Dr. Erica Mindes is a licensed psychologist with almost two decades of experience providing counseling to individuals and couples struggling with infertility, the stress of treatment, miscarriage, stillbirth, termination for medical reasons, pregnancy after loss, complex pregnancies, and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. She also counsels those considering building their families through third-party reproduction, including LGBTQIA+ couples and single parents.
Reproductive health issues can affect every aspect of a person's life and create feelings of sadness, anxiety, isolation, anger and grief. For individuals and couples facing these unique challenges, it's important to find a therapist who "speaks the language" and specializes in these complexities.
Dr. Mindes uses an integrative approach to therapy as well as a variety of evidence-based interventions and therapeutic approaches to help individuals and couples:
- reduce symptoms such as anxiety, sadness, emotional overwhelm, and trauma responses
- build resilience and strengthen coping resources
- develop practical tools for managing stress and uncertainty
- improve communication and connection with your partner, family and friends
- gain clarity, meaning, and confidence in decision-making
- find a steadier emotional footing, regardless of where your journey leads
She believes that, with skilled counseling, a reproductive health crisis can evolve into an opportunity for life-enhancing personal growth.
Prior to embarking on private practice, Dr. Mindes spent five years as a valued member of the clinical team of The Seleni Institute, a global nonprofit dedicated to transforming mental healthcare by addressing the unique needs of women, mothers, and families through direct clinical services, professional training, and advocacy.
Before relocating to New York City from Richmond, Virginia, Dr. Mindes was an associate with the practice of Covington & Hafkin, a private practice specializing in reproductive and perinatal mental health. She also was on the Psychological Support Team at Shady Grove Fertility, providing services to patients at their Virginia offices including intended parent/donor recipient implications counseling, and gamete donor and gestational carrier psychological evaluations.
Dr. Mindes has conducted research, written, and presented on the psychological responses to infertility and fertility treatment. Her work has been published in a variety of professional journals, and she co-authored the chapter, "Counseling Known Participants in Third-Party Reproduction" in the book Fertility Counseling: Clinical Guide and Case Studies.
Former chair of the Mental Health Professional Group (MHPG) of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, Dr. Mindes served on the MHPG Executive Board for seven years, and continues to be a member of the MHPG Clinical Training Task Force. She is also a member of the Pregnancy Loss and Infant Death Alliance (PLIDA), the Donor Conceived Community Professional Group, and the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA).
Dr. Mindes received her B.A. from The University of Chicago and her M.S. and Ph.D. from Virginia Commonwealth University.