WELCOME TO
Root & Rise Clinical Specialists
Grounding and Growing Through Therapy
We provide comprehensive, holistic, and compassionate mental wealth-care tailored to your unique needs. With over 20 years of combined experience, our dedicated team prioritizes your mental well-being, offering personalized and empathetic support every step of the way.
At Root & Rise, we understand that mental wealth is a vital component of overall well-being. Our approach goes beyond traditional talk therapy, integrating diverse, evidence-based modalities that support the mind, body, and spirit. We are committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment where you can explore your thoughts and emotions without fear or judgment.
Our team includes highly skilled Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) and Licensed Master Social Workers (LMSWs), working collaboratively under expert supervision to ensure the highest standards of care. LCSWs offer advanced therapy services, supervision, and training, while LMSWs provide thoughtful, responsive support—all within a coordinated, client-focused model.
Root & Rise Clinical Specialists proudly serves clients from three locations:
646 Main Street
Port Jefferson,
New York 11777
Telehealth Also Available
Whether you're navigating anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, or major life transitions, our compassionate clinicians are here to walk with you toward a more grounded, empowered, and fulfilling life.
At Root & Rise Clinical Specialists, therapy is a collaborative journey—rooted in trust, growth, and meaningful transformation. Reach out to learn more or apply to work with one of our specialists. We look forward to supporting you.
Areas of Specialization
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EMDR and trauma recovery
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Postpartum and maternal mental health
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LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy
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Couples and family counseling
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Creative arts therapy combined with CBT
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Adolescent support
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Law of Attraction-based coaching and spiritual development
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Reintegration therapy for families separated by divorce or domestic violence
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Forensic social work referrals
We work best with clients who are motivated for change, ready to invest in their personal growth, and looking for a results-driven, action-oriented therapeutic experience. If you're seeking a deeper, more transformative level of support, Root & Rise may be the right fit for you.
Please note: We are a private-pay practice and do not accept insurance. This allows us to maintain a high level of care, flexibility, and confidentiality without the limitations imposed by third-party providers. Superbills are available upon request if you'd like to seek reimbursement from your insurance provider.
SERVICES OFFERED
INDIVIDUAL THERAPY
Tailored one-on-one sessions to address your unique needs and concerns in a safe, confidential space.
COUPLES COUNSELING
Guidance and support for couples navigating challenges, enhancing communication, and strengthening relationships.
FAMILY THERAPY
Helping families navigate conflicts, improve communication, and foster healthier relationships.
GROUP THERAPY
Connecting individuals facing similar challenges in a supportive group setting, fostering mutual understanding and growth.
SPECIALIZED TREATMENT MODALITIES
Offering evidence-based approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), mindfulness-based therapy, and more.
ADDITIONAL SERVICES
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IV Treatments
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Reiki Session
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Massage Therapy
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Harmonic Egg Therapy
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Intuition Coaching
Locations may vary.
Meet the Therapists
Kristina Scaglione, LCSW-R, CAHC
Kristina is a seasoned licensed clinical social worker, the owner of K. Scaglione Therapy, and the founder of Limitless Integrative Wellness and Limitless Counseling. With a rich tapestry of professional experiences, Kristina integrates her holistic approach with evidence-based practices, empowering clients through personalized therapeutic services. Her commitment to inclusivity as an LGBTQ-affirming therapist complements her extensive training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT). By blending compassionate accountability with comprehensive expertise, Kristina is an ideal choice for individuals seeking to navigate their mental health journeys.
Transitioning to the private sector, Kristina spent five years specializing in investigating insurance fraud while remaining actively involved in youth mentoring activities. Her global perspective was shaped by her travels and participation in Global Youth Leadership Conferences, where she engaged with social and political issues alongside global leaders. Upon relocating to New York, Kristina volunteered at Hands Across Long Island, assisting individuals with severe and persistent mental illness to reintegrate into society through work or education. Earning her Master's in Social Work from Stony Brook University, Kristina honed her expertise in psycho-pharmacology, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Crisis Intervention.
Her professional journey continued at Clinical Care Associates, where she specialized in forensic social work and areas such as Anger Management, sexual offending rehabilitation, and Couples Counseling. She collaborated closely with judicial entities to advocate for successful treatment approaches.
Kristina's commitment to inclusivity is reflected in her work as an LGBTO-affirming therapist. She provides a safe space for clients to explore their beliefs without judgment. She offers a range of services, including Holistic Counseling, DBT-informed therapy, Trauma and severe trauma therapy, and EFT "Tapping" Sessions, drawing from elements of psychotherapy, life coaching, energy healing, and spirituality. Certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), Compassion Fatigue, and Advanced Holistic Counseling, Kristina has received extensive training in Mindfulness-Based Techniques, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), treating "Pure O" of OCD, Imago Technique for PTSD/CPTSD, Grief Counseling, and more.
Kristina is licensed in New York, Florida, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, enabling her to provide her comprehensive services across multiple states.Her therapeutic approach emphasizes active client participation, empowering individuals to make choices aligning with their therapeutic goals.
For those seeking a clinician who blends compassionate accountability. With comprehensive expertise, Kristina is an ideal choice.
Julie Stark, LCSW
A Therapist with an Integrative, Insightful Approach to Healing
Julie is a compassionate and highly experienced therapist who blends the depth of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with the transformative power of creative expression. Her practice is rooted in a belief that healing is not one-size-fits-all; instead, it’s a dynamic, evolving process that honors each client’s unique story and emotional landscape.
With a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from The University of Maryland, Julie went on to deepen her understanding of the therapeutic use of the arts through graduate studies at the prestigious Pratt Institute. She later earned her Master’s in Clinical Social Work from SUNY Stony Brook, continuing her commitment to evidence-based and holistic care. Her foundation in psychology and the arts, combined with extensive clinical training, enables her to connect with clients across a wide spectrum of needs and life stages.
Julie’s therapeutic experience is as diverse as it is deep. She has supported adolescents, adults, and families in a range of settings, including domestic violence shelters and the high-intensity environment of Stony Brook University Hospital’s Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program (CPEP). These experiences sharpened her ability to remain calm, clear, and connected—even in crisis—while offering clients the tools they need to manage acute stress and navigate long-term challenges.
Certified in Trial-Based Cognitive Therapy (TBCT), Julie offers a uniquely structured, compassionate approach to helping clients examine and transform the deeply held beliefs that often underlie emotional suffering. This method, rooted in CBT yet distinct in its technique and conceptual clarity, empowers clients to move from stuck patterns toward greater self-awareness and resilience.
What sets Julie apart is her natural ability to weave creativity into clinical practice. With a background in the arts and a lifelong passion for photography, Julie uses metaphor, narrative, and visual reflection as therapeutic tools—not just for insight, but for action and healing. Her approach is flexible, intuitive, and deeply attuned to each person she works with. Whether engaging in structured cognitive work, exploring emotion through creative processes, or simply holding space for reflection, Julie meets her clients exactly where they are.
At her core, Julie is a relational therapist. Her pragmatic, nonjudgmental style creates a sense of safety and trust, making it easier for clients to explore difficult thoughts and feelings. She brings special care to working with those navigating reintegration into social life, including in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic—a time that has reshaped many people’s sense of self, connection, and purpose.
Julie Stark, LCSW, is helping redefine what therapy can look like: grounded in science, enriched by creativity, and led by deep compassion. As co-owner and a key developer of our clinical team and environment, Julie has played an integral role in shaping Root & Rise Clinical Specialists into the boutique practice it is today—one rooted in authenticity, innovation, and personalized care.
We are proud to offer a space where clients receive thoughtful, effective therapy in an environment that fosters both healing and human connection. With Julie’s leadership and clinical vision, our team is uniquely equipped to meet clients wherever they are on their journey—and walk with them toward meaningful growth.
Christina Scheinberg, LMHC
Helping You Reclaim Peace, One Memory at a Time
I’m Christina Scheinberg, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) specializing in an innovative, research-informed trauma therapy known as the Reconsolidation of Traumatic Memories (RTM) protocol.
RTM is a gentle, visualization-based process grounded in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). This approach offers relief from flashbacks, nightmares, fear, terror and helplessness—without requiring clients to relive their trauma. It is one of the few interventions I’ve encountered that is both non-invasive and rapidly effective, often transforming even long-standing traumatic memories in a matter of sessions.
With over 17 years of experience in the mental health field, I’ve supported individuals through a wide range of traumatic experiences—from domestic violence to the lasting emotional impact of 9/11. No matter the story, I believe healing is possible. And with the right tools and the right support, clients can regain their sense of safety, clarity, and inner calm.
What I love most about RTM is how it honors the depth of each person’s story—while allowing them to move forward without being trapped by it. My role is to hold a safe, grounded space where healing can begin, where peace becomes more than a hope—it becomes real, one step at a time.
I joined the Limitless Integrative Wellness Collective because I believe in the power of community-based healing. Therapy is powerful, but long-lasting transformation often requires support that extends beyond the therapy room. At Limitless, clients have access to a multidisciplinary team—from wellness coaches and fitness professionals to creative services and life strategists—all working together to nurture mind, body, and spirit.
Through this collective, I help clients begin their healing journey with RTM, and they continue that journey surrounded by a holistic, empowered team. It’s an honor to be part of a space where personal growth is not only possible, but truly supported at every level.
Christina’s presence at Root & Rise Clinical Specialists strengthens our identity as a boutique practice—where specialized trauma care is delivered with precision, warmth, and a commitment to holistic healing.
Caralee Piccola, LCSW
A Guiding Light for Women on the Path to Healing and Wholeness
We are honored to welcome Caralee Piccola, LCSW, to Root & Rise Clinical Specialists! With more than a decade of experience as a social worker, Caralee offers compassionate, trauma-informed therapy to young adults, women, and parents navigating the emotional weight of stress, anxiety, and life transitions.
Caralee is a steady, affirming presence—offering a calm and grounded space where clients can feel safe, seen, and supported. Her integrative, client-centered approach empowers individuals to process past experiences and develop tools for greater emotional resilience and self-compassion.
EMDR Therapy
Caralee is EMDRIA-trained and actively engaged in ongoing consultation in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. She offers this powerful trauma-focused modality to help clients work through painful memories and experiences with care, clarity, and hope.
Individual Counseling for Women
Specializing in women’s mental health, Caralee works closely with women and mothers seeking to better understand their emotional patterns, reduce anxiety, and cultivate presence and peace. Her holistic framework blends spirituality, positive psychology, and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), always honoring the whole person.
Postpartum Support Specialist
As a dedicated postpartum specialist, Caralee supports new mothers through one of life’s most transformative and vulnerable chapters. With a deep understanding of postpartum stress, identity shifts, and emotional overwhelm, she provides practical tools and warm, compassionate guidance tailored to each client’s journey.
Community Support Circles
Beyond individual sessions, Caralee fosters community healing through group experiences. At Root & Rise Clinical Specialists, she leads meditation circles, educational workshops, and postpartum support groups. These gatherings offer a sacred space for reflection, connection, and collective healing—nurturing mind, body, and soul.
At Root & Rise Clinical Specialists, we are deeply committed to transformative care. With Caralee’s expertise, presence, and heart, we are even better equipped to walk alongside our clients through healing and into wholeness.
Join Our Growing Mental Health Practice Team!
Are you a passionate mental health clinician looking for an opportunity to make a difference in people's lives? We're excited to announce openings for 1099 mental health clinicians to join our team at Root & Rise Clinical Specialists.
About Us:
Root & Rise is a newly established hybrid holistic mental health practice dedicated to providing high-quality care to individuals in our community. Our team is comprised of compassionate professionals who are committed to supporting clients on their journey towards improved mental well-being and integrated holistic wellness.
Position:
1099 Mental Health Clinician As a 1099 mental health clinician with Root & Rise, you will have the opportunity to:
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Provide therapy services to individuals, couples, and families
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Conduct comprehensive assessments and develop personalized treatment plans
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Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to ensure holistic care
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Hybrid and flexible scheduling options to accommodate your availability
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Competitive compensation package
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Supervision (group & individual)
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Trainings & Workshops
Qualifications:
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Master's or doctoral degree in Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, or related field
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Licensed or license-eligible in NY & FL (LCSW, LMHC, LMSW)
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Experience working with diverse populations and a variety of mental health concerns
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Strong communication and interpersonal skills
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Commitment to ongoing professional development and best practices in mental health care
Why Join Us?
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Opportunity to be part of a supportive and collaborative team environment.
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Flexibility to create your own schedule and manage your caseload.
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Competitive compensation with potential for growth.
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Access to ongoing training and professional development opportunities
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Make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals in our community
How to Apply:
If you're passionate about making a difference and ready to take the next step in your career, we'd love to hear from you! Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in joining our team:
Join us in empowering individuals to achieve their full potential and live fulfilling lives.
Together, we can make a difference!
Client Inquiry & Readiness Form
Thank you for your interest in Root & Rise Clinical Specialists. We value intentional, results-driven therapy and appreciate your time in completing this form. Your responses will help us determine if our services are the right fit for your healing journey.