Dr. Alex Marsal, Ph.D. — Psychotherapy

Welcome

Thoughts on emotional difficulties and effective therapy

It is normal to feel hesitant about making life changes and uneasy discussing personal difficulties. Life can be stressful given its fast pace, increasing demands, more materialistic desires, and less time for self-care. Between 20% and 24% of primary care patients have psychological disorders (WHO educational packet, 2000).

Difficult life experiences and unresolved emotional problems gradually result in dissatisfaction, unproductive behaviors, and an unbalanced life. Psychiatric medications may be effective in reducing symptoms, but do not necessarily help achieve happiness.

Effective therapy

Reveals how difficult experiences have resulted in distress and problems;
Re-examines such experiences, resulting in emotional freedom and confidence;
Motivates using newfound resources to maximize one’s potential and create a balanced lifestyle.

My Approach

The therapeutic relationship & Multidimensional Change Model

You direct our discussions. My responsibility is to help you feel comfortable and understood within the first two sessions, and to ensure you understand how difficulties have interfered with having a balanced and passionate life.

The Multidimensional Change Model (MCM)

Developed from 25 years of clinical experience and training across multiple therapy modalities, the MCM recognizes that:

People naturally follow the principles of human nature and pursue happiness;
Unresolved emotional experiences disrupt these natural tendencies;
Self-criticism accumulates across life domains, eventually causing anxiety or depression;
Therapy involves understanding problems, examining difficult experiences, addressing root issues, and reversing their negative impact.

Individuals report that therapy requires significant effort but yields substantial rewards — including increased self-confidence and an improved quality of life. A commitment to short-term change leads to lasting fulfillment.

Services

How I can help

Individual Psychotherapy

50-minute sessions for ages 15+, addressing stress and anxiety disorders, depression and losses, trauma recovery, relationship issues, and confidence — using the Multidimensional Change Model.

Couples Counseling

Reducing conflict and enhancing communication by identifying relationship problems and improving understanding and negotiation of each other’s emotional needs.

Dual Diagnosis Group Therapy

Small-group treatment for adults managing both psychological disorders and substance abuse, using motivational interviewing and stages of change to discontinue substance use.

Enrichment Seminars

Occasional public workshops — such as emotionally rewarding parenting and designing satisfying relationships — with life-enhancing strategies for more happiness and fulfillment.

Getting started

Email a brief description of your concerns, your availability, and your payment method. After review, I’ll provide appointment options or referrals. New clients complete intake paperwork and a secure online assessment before the first session. Standard scheduling is once every two weeks unless otherwise requested.

Payment

Fees & insurance

The standard out-of-pocket cost is $140 per 50-minute session for individual, couple, and group counseling. Checks, cash, or PayPal payments and copayments are expected at the time of service. Monthly billing can be arranged for a $20 administrative fee.

Insurance accepted

BCBS of Northeastern NY
CDPHP
NYS Empire Plan
AETNA
Empire BCBS
FIDELIS
United Behavioral Health
United Health Care
Medicare

Many additional out-of-network insurance providers may be available upon inquiry. If your provider isn’t listed, email me to explore out-of-network payment options.

About

Alex G. Marsal, Ph.D.

Dr. Marsal brings over 25 years of psychotherapy experience and serves as CEO of Vanguard Behavioral Solutions, which develops web-based behavioral health assessment tools. He holds credentials from the New York State Office of Mental Health and the ACT Institute for expertise in treating comorbid psychiatric and addiction disorders, along with 10+ years of hospital administrative and program-evaluation experience.

He earned a psychology degree from Seton Hall University, a Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of the Pacific, and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of South Dakota, completing his psychology internship at Albany Medical College. He is fluent in Spanish and familiar with Hispanic cultures.

Memberships: American Psychological Association; National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology; Psychological Association of Northeastern New York, Inc.

Beyond the practice, Dr. Marsal has 40 years of martial-arts training as a 10th-degree black belt in Kenpo Karate, with multiple Hall of Fame inductions and 35+ years of teaching. He has been married for 30 years and has two adult daughters and three dogs.

Testimonials

In their words

“He brought expertise, patience, empathy, honesty, adaptive reasoning skills and wit — I overcame panic attacks and past trauma, and my life is what I make it; I am in control.”

Individual Psychotherapy

“The kindest, most compassionate and objective professional — he saved our marriage and helped us communicate with real depth.”

Couple Psychotherapy

“I was hesitant about group work, but I found a connection with the group that I never could have imagined, and the accountability made a real difference.”

Group Psychotherapy

“Informative, knowledgeable, humorous, interesting, and effective — the practical exercises made the concepts seem achievable.”

Enrichment Seminar

Contact

Get in touch

To begin, call or email a brief description of your concerns, your availability, and your preferred payment method.

Call518-588-7513 Emaildr.alexmarsal@gmail.com Directions459 Broadway, Troy, NY

Office

Alex G. Marsal, Ph.D.

459 Broadway, Troy, NY 12180-3331

Fax: 518-373-0470