Huilin

Huilin Lai, MSW

Licensed Clinical Social Workers

“I'm the founder and director of Ally Counseling and Therapy. Our practice is safe, culturally sensitive and inclusive for all people.”

About Me

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Manhattan, New York, United States. I help you manage anxiety, ADHD, grief, mood disorders, and cross-cultural stress. I use coaching, mindfulness, CBT, and EMDR to build clear coping skills.

Approach

A practice rooted in respect and inclusivity shapes how we move through the work: sessions are steady, focused, and tailored to what you bring that week. In Manhattan or online, in English or Mandarin, I help you test new skills in-session, practice attention and grounding between meetings, and gently process painful memories when you’re ready. You’ll find clear pacing, collaborative goal-setting, and tools you can use day-to-day—people juggling cross-cultural strain, anxiety, ADHD, or grief often discover this way of working fits their life.
Contact Huilin

Ask a quick question or arrange a time to meet.

Basic Information

In-person & Online

Services

Services at Ally Counseling and Therapy focus on cultural adjustment issues, racial identity concerns, trauma-focused treatment, women's issues, parenting struggles, anxiety and depression, the identification and treatment of psychosexual and relationship problems, infidelity, LGBTQIA+ issues and more.

Services Offered:

  • Coaching

    A goal-oriented practice focused on identifying objectives, overcoming obstacles, and taking action, centred on the present and future rather than past difficulties.

  • Trauma Counseling

    Counselling specifically for people affected by traumatic events, focused on processing what happened and reducing symptoms like flashbacks and hypervigilance.

    Learn more about Trauma Counseling
  • Relationship Counseling

    Counselling for couples or partners focused on improving communication, rebuilding trust, and strengthening emotional connection.

  • Mindfulness

    The practice of paying deliberate attention to the present moment without judgement, used to reduce stress and increase awareness of automatic reactions.

    Learn more about Mindfulness
  • CBT

    Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, a structured, evidence-based approach that identifies and changes unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviours.

    Learn more about CBT
  • EMDR

    Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing, a therapy that uses guided eye movements to help the brain process and integrate traumatic memories.

    Learn more about EMDR
  • Sex Therapy

    Specialised therapy addressing sexual concerns such as low desire, performance anxiety, pain during sex, or mismatched needs between partners.

    Learn more about Sex Therapy
  • Online Therapy

    Therapy sessions conducted over video call, phone, or secure messaging, using the same professional methods delivered remotely.

    Learn more about Online Therapy

Works With:

  • Adults
  • Communities
  • Groups
  • Individuals
  • Parents

Area of Expertise

Scope of Practice:

  • Anxiety

    Persistent worry, nervousness, or fear that is disproportionate to the situation and interferes with daily functioning.

    Learn more about Anxiety
  • ADHD / Attention

    A neurodevelopmental condition involving persistent difficulty with attention, impulsivity, and/or hyperactivity that interferes with daily functioning.

    Learn more about ADHD / Attention
  • Behaviour or Conduct Issues

    Persistent patterns of defiant, aggressive, or rule-breaking behaviour in children or adolescents that significantly disrupt home, school, or social life.

  • Grief & Loss

    The emotional, physical, and psychological response to the death of a loved one or another significant loss.

    Learn more about Grief & Loss
  • Cross-Cultural

    The psychological challenges of living between two or more cultures, including identity conflicts, acculturation stress, and difficulties with belonging.

  • Mood Disorder

    A category of mental health conditions, including depression and bipolar disorder, in which a person's emotional state is significantly and persistently disrupted.

    Learn more about Mood Disorder
  • LGBTQI+ Support

    The unique psychological experiences of LGBTQI+ individuals, including identity exploration, coming out, discrimination, minority stress, and relationship dynamics.

  • Relationship Issues

    Difficulties in romantic relationships, including communication problems, trust breakdowns, conflict patterns, or uncertainty about the relationship's future.

    Learn more about Relationship Issues
  • Trauma

    The lasting psychological impact of deeply distressing events, such as violence, abuse, accidents, or disasters, that overwhelm a person's ability to cope.

    Learn more about Trauma

Professional Title:

  • Licensed Clinical Social Workers

    A social worker licensed to provide clinical therapy, diagnosis, and treatment for mental health conditions.

Credentials

Registrations

New York State Education Department; Office of the Professions

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Qualifications

Master of Social Work

University of Pittsburgh

Year: 2010

Service Areas

Ally Counseling and Therapy

In-person & Online

Manhattan

New York, New York

United States

Manhattan, New York City, United States