About Us

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Dr. Petsche is a New York State Licensed Psychologist and a Nationally Certified School Psychologist, and is the owner and operator of Petsche Psychology Practice, PLLC. After completing his undergraduate education at Villanova University, he received his PhD from the University of Connecticut in 2016.

Dr. Petsche uses strength-based and trauma-informed approaches to treatment, and utilizes techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Exposure & Response Prevention, and mindfulness to help clients reach their goals. He believes that successful therapy is built on a foundation of trust, and emphasizes the development of personal goals as the driving force behind treatment.

Dr. Petsche works with clients of all ages and their families, including individuals who are having difficulty with mood or anxiety, obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors, attention, learning, or socialization, experiences of trauma, the development of personal identity, and adjustments to changes in life circumstances. Specific for adolescents and their families, Dr. Petsche specializes in the development of home-school collaborative therapeutic interventions, and has expertise in navigating the rules and regulations that govern Individualized Education Plans and 504 Plans.

In addition to his work at Petsche Psychology Practice, PLLC, Dr. Petsche is a Lecturer in the school psychology program at the University at Albany. There, he teaches a number of classes, including those in psychotherapy, crisis preparation and intervention, social psychology, and individual differences in human behavior. Dr. Petsche is also responsible for the supervision of doctoral students engaged in field experiences across the Capital Region.

Dr. Petsche accepts Anthem, Aetna, CDPHP, Carelon Behavioral Health (Empire Plan), Highmark BSNENY, MVP, and private pay.

Jessica Chiweteoke holds a limited permit as a Mental Health Counselor and is a Nationally Certified School Psychologist. She earned her undergraduate degree from Marist College, followed by a Master of Science in Education and a Certificate of Advanced Study in School Psychology from the College of St. Rose. She later attained a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from the University at Buffalo. With over 15 years of experience within the mental health field, Jessica has worked with teens, adults, and families across diverse settings that include schools, residential facilities, and private practices.

Jessica's therapeutic approach centers on a strength-based lens, with a goal of guiding clients toward developing their best selves. She is well-versed in trauma-focused methods and incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and mindfulness in her work with clients. Jessica adopts a person-centered approach that emphasizes individual needs and goals, and aims to equip clients with the skills that are essential for personal growth.

Jessica currently accepts private pay.

Annie Chu holds a limited permit as a Mental Health Counselor and permanent certification as a School Counselor. She completed undergraduate and graduate level studies at the University at Albany, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, a Master of Science in Counseling, and a Certificate of Advanced Study in School Counseling. Annie has more than a decade of experience working with youth, adolescents, and adults of diverse backgrounds.

Annie takes a person-centered approach and utilizes strategies from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Collaborative Problem Solving, as well as mindfulness techniques. She works collaboratively with clients to build a trusting partnership and provides support and guidance toward developing and attaining personal goals throughout the therapeutic process. Her work with clients has largely centered around improving symptoms of mood and anxiety disorders, interpersonal relationships, and executive functioning skills. Additionally, Annie is able to guide families of school-aged clients in the development and implementation of intervention plans that promote overall well-being and growth across the home and school settings.

Annie’s passion and advocacy for mental health and wellness has led her to dedicate time as a volunteer with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in the Capital Region, where she provides outreach at community events, and connects with community members and other local organizations as they work to raise awareness, provide education, and increase accessibility to mental health resources and services for those in need.

Annie currently accepts private pay.

Steve Hallock is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and permanently certified School Counselor in New York State. Steve earned his Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Villanova University and his Master of Science in Counseling from the University at Albany. He has over 18 years of experience working with school-aged and adult clients in various settings.

Steve’s therapeutic approach is client-centered and flexible, while utilizing strategies based in cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical-behavioral therapy. Specific areas of strength include treating depression, anxiety disorders, interpersonal issues, substance use disorders, and anger management.

 Steve accepts CDPHP, Highmark BSNENY, MVP, and private pay.