Nicoletta Pallotta, MD, LCSW-R
CEO. Mentor. Women’s Advocate.
Nicoletta Pallotta - A lifetime commitment in progress
I was confident that this was my strength and decided that a women’s mental health private practice would be the best way for me to reach the women in need and achieve my own professional goals.
With over 35 years in the mental health care industry, focusing on women and domestic violence survivors, I bring this wealth of experience and knowledge to my private practice.
As the Founder and currently CEO of 2 successful private practice in New York State, I employ over 220 Counselors and schedule more than 14,000 clients per month.
I make sure I am present and available for my team as well as our clients. I work closely with all my staff on a regular basis, ensuring our work environment is based on individual well-being, positive workplace relationships, collaboration, efficiency and employee health, as well as making sure the patient care we deliver is both comprehensive and professional.
Therapist, Social Worker, Caregiver, we all chose this career because we want to help people. I know i did. I wanted to work with women in need, to help them address the emotionally destructive cycle of their individual family systems.
Initially i wasn’t overly concerned with the financial side of growing a business, but I had bills to pay and a family to provide for. I learnt the hard way about all aspect of a private practice; getting patients, getting paid, running the practice, managing staff, marketing. Growth.
Whether you are just starting out or want your practice to grow to the next level, it is difficult to know what you don’t know.
I now focus part of my practice on supporting young therapists realize their professional dreams, through clinical supervision, leadership and mentor programs.
Bridgette Harris - abuse survivors and the challenges they face
Bridgette Harris gained global media attention in 2007 after she killed her father, Eric Goodridge, in New York. The incident occurred after years of sexual abuse by Goodridge, starting when she was a child. Bridgette acted in self-defense, driven by the fear that her father was planning to abuse her younger sister as well.
During her trial, Bridgette’s defense highlighted the prolonged abuse she endured and the lack of intervention from authorities despite multiple reports. Despite the circumstances, she was convicted of first-degree manslaughter in 2009 and sentenced to seven years in prison.
Bridgette’s case drew significant public attention and sparked discussions about the justice system’s handling of abuse survivors and the challenges they face when they act in self-defense. Her story is often cited in conversations about the need for better protective measures and support systems for victims of long-term abuse.
“I first met Bridget and became her therapist when she was arrested and placed in a special unit at Elmhurst Hospital. I made it a priority to stay in touch, ensuring she knew she wasn’t alone during such a difficult time. Throughout her trial, I stood by her side, offering emotional support and practical assistance, no matter how challenging things became.
After her conviction, Bridgette was sentenced to seven years at Bedford Hills Prison. During her time there, I provided both emotional and financial support, doing my best to make her life a bit more bearable despite the circumstances.
Since Bridgette’s release, my support hasn’t wavered. I helped her transition back into society, offering continued emotional encouragement and practical assistance to help her rebuild her life. Our bond remained strong, and I continued to stand by her, committed to helping her overcome the challenges she faced as she moved forward.”