Samantha (Arfin) Borgida, LCSW
IF YOU ARE HAVING A MENTAL HEALTH EMERGENCY, PLEASE CALL 911, 988, OR
Samantha (Arfin) Borgida, LCSW
Meet Sami:
Founder of The Mind Lab
Serving Adults in Maryland and New York
(virtual only)
Q: What inspired you to start The Mind Lab?
I've always been really curious about what makes people do what they do - how our brains work to protect us, and sometimes move us further from safety while in search of it. I created The Mind Lab for curious, motivated adults who want to understand their patterns, manage stress and anxiety, and feel more in control of their lives. My approach is integrative and humanistic, which means we look at you as a whole person, not just the symptoms, while weaving in evidence-based tools that actually work in your life.
Q: What’s your background as a therapist?
I earned my Master’s in Social Work from NYU in 2017 and started my career working with adolescents and adults across the lifespan, from students navigating school stress to adults recovering from trauma. I trained in Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT) and worked in schools and outpatient clinics before moving into private practice. Over the years, I’ve developed a style that blends practical, evidence-based approaches with a humanistic, client-centered focus, so therapy is structured and meaningful.
Q: How did The Mind Lab come to life?
When I moved from NYC to Maryland in 2021, I realized how many people needed flexible, virtual therapy options that fit into real life, between meetings, after bedtime, or while snuggling your dog (which is how I work approximately 92% of the time!). The Mind Lab was born out of that mission: therapy that meets you where you are, literally and emotionally, and integrates approaches that fit your unique needs.
Q: Who do you work best with?
I love working with high-achieving, self-aware adults who are great at showing up for others, but struggle to slow down for themselves. My clients often deal with anxiety, perfectionism, burnout, trauma, or the sense that “I should be fine, but I’m not". Together, we will focus inwards to untangle patterns, connect to what’s really driving stress, and build tools that help you choose yourself, so you show up more balanced and aligned with your values while being more in control of your life.
Q: What are you currently learning or exploring in your own work?
Right now, I’m deepening my training in Internal Family Systems (IFS) through a 4-month intensive course. IFS has always shown up in my work, and I’m deepening my experience with it in my personal therapy, so I'm excited to offer this more to my clients! The more we understand the different “parts” of ourselves, the more compassion we can bring to our own healing, and to others.
Q: What do you do outside of sessions?
You’ll find me at the gym, walking my rescue pup Bugsy, or exploring new small towns with great food and nature vibes. I love reading (currently: Dear Edward and Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents) and listening to The Happiness Lab podcast (the inspo for my business name!).
Q: What can clients expect when working with you?
Warmth, collaboration, and a judgment-free space to get curious about your inner world. Therapy with me isn’t just about “fixing” things, but understanding what makes you do what you do, integrating evidence-based strategies, and learning new ways to care for yourself that actually stick in your regular routine.
NPI #1811406226
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), New York #091091
Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical (LCSW-C), Maryland #28470
Certification in Mindfulness in Schools
Certification in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
Certification in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)