I’m Lindsay Herzog, LMHC, a licensed mental health counselor and the founder of Cardinal Mental Health Counseling in Port Jefferson, New York. I help teens, young adults, and individuals navigate the challenges of life transitions, self-discovery, and emotional growth—with warmth, curiosity, and just a bit of humor.

Early in my career, I worked as a school counselor supporting hundreds of high school students and their families.

That experience gave me a deep understanding of the intense pressures adolescents face and the common disconnect that often emerges between teens and their parents. I often served as a kind of “teen translator,” helping families bridge communication gaps and reconnect with empathy and insight.

Today, my work focuses largely on supporting young adults—especially those in their twenties—as they navigate the complex journey of becoming. Whether it’s adjusting to college or graduate school, building meaningful relationships, starting a career, becoming a parent, or stepping into independence from one’s family of origin, this life stage is full of both possibility and pressure. Unfortunately, it’s also a stage that’s often overlooked. I find tremendous value in helping clients explore this time in their lives, develop a deeper sense of self, and move forward with clarity and purpose.

I believe therapy should be a space where you feel safe, heard, and fully accepted—no matter what you’re carrying. My approach is primarily psychodynamic and relational, while also incorporating elements of family systems, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and strengths-based work. I also draw from Attachment Theory, Depth Psychology, and Person-Centered Therapy to help clients connect more deeply to themselves and others.

Above all, I view each person through a lens of compassion and wholeness. You are not broken. In fact, I believe that the parts of ourselves we struggle with most—the ones we feel ashamed of or try to hide—are often our greatest sources of wisdom and strength. Therapy is a space to explore those parts without judgment, to understand their origins and their purpose, and to learn how to live in balance with both their light and their shadow.

Whether you’re experiencing anxiety, self-doubt, grief, or big life changes, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Together, we can work through what feels overwhelming so you can reconnect with your values, build self-trust, and create a life that feels more grounded and authentic.

If you’re ready to take the next step toward growth, healing, and clarity, I invite you to reach out. I offer a free 15-minute phone or virtual consultation to see if we’re a good fit.