How To Find Your Next Therapist in New York City
You’ve been to therapy in the past, and gained some good skills, but as life would have it, you find yourself needing a little more support. Whether you're struggling again with something you've already explored in therapy, or you've experienced a new loss or traumatic event, it's normal to return to therapy. Deciding whether to return to a former therapist or start fresh with a new one is a significant decision, and there are valid reasons for both options. Finding a new therapist or psychologist in NYC can indeed be a bit overwhelming, so many options and things to consider, such as location, session fee, training, experience and can they help you with the issues you bring to therapy. Whether you are an individual wanting help with anxiety, depression, or trauma resolution, or a couple struggling to get along or feel intimate, you need to find the right therapist for your needs.
You can relax a bit knowing that New York City is home to many highly qualified and skilled therapists, psychotherapists, counselors, and psychologists. Given the city's diverse population and the demand for mental health services, you can find psychologists with expertise in various specialties and therapeutic approaches.
Here are a few ways to find good Psychotherapists and psychologists in NYC:
Online Directories: Websites like Psychology Today or Zocdoc allow you to search for psychologists in your area, and filter by specialty, insurance, and other preferences. These directories often provide profiles with information about the psychologist's background, experience, and approach to therapy.
Referrals: Ask your primary care physician, friends, family members, or colleagues for recommendations. Personal referrals can be valuable because they come from people who have had direct experience with the psychologist.
Community Mental Health Centers: Many community mental health centers in NYC offer affordable or sliding-scale therapy services. These centers often employ licensed psychologists who provide quality care to individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Universities and Teaching Hospitals: NYC is home to several universities and teaching hospitals with psychology departments and mental health clinics. These institutions may offer therapy services provided by graduate students, supervised by licensed psychologists, at a reduced cost.
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): If you have access to an EAP through your employer, they may offer counseling services or referrals to psychologists in the NYC area.
Online Therapy Platforms: Consider exploring online therapy platforms that connect you with licensed psychologists who provide remote therapy sessions. This option can be convenient if you have a busy schedule or prefer the flexibility of virtual sessions. Some popular choices are Talkspace and Betterhelp.
When evaluating psychologists, consider factors such as their credentials, experience, therapeutic approach, and compatibility with your needs and preferences. Don't hesitate to schedule initial consultations with multiple psychologists to find the right fit for you.
When finding a psychologist in NYC, consider the following factors to ensure you find the right fit for your mental health needs:
Credentials and Licensing: Ensure the psychologist is licensed to practice in New York State. Look for advanced degrees (Ph.D., Psy.D., Ed.D., LCSW) from accredited institutions and certifications in specialized areas if relevant. Many large group practices charge full fee for therapists in training, LMSW’s as an example.
Experience and Specialization: Consider the psychologist's experience working with issues similar to yours. Some psychologists specialize in areas such as anxiety, depression, trauma, LGBTQ+ issues, or relationship counseling. Find someone whose expertise aligns with your concerns.
Therapeutic Approach: Psychologists may use different therapeutic approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), or mindfulness-based approaches. Some use cutting-edge or somatic therapies such as EMDR, IFS, and Somatic Experiencing. Research these approaches to see which resonates with you or be open to trying different ones to find what works best.
Compatibility and Rapport: Personal fit is crucial in therapy. Pay attention to how comfortable you feel talking to the psychologist during your initial consultation. A good psychologist should create a safe, nonjudgmental space where you feel understood and supported.
Communication Style: Evaluate the psychologist's communication style. Are they empathetic, attentive, and responsive to your concerns? Do they actively listen and provide helpful insights? Effective communication is essential for therapy to be productive.
Availability and Accessibility: Consider practical factors such as the psychologist's availability for appointments, location (if you prefer in-person sessions), and whether they offer teletherapy options. Accessibility to their office and scheduling convenience can impact your ability to attend sessions regularly.
Cost and Insurance: Understand the psychologist's fees and whether they accept your insurance (if you have coverage). Be clear about any out-of-pocket costs, including copays or fees for missed appointments.
Professional Reputation and Reviews: Research the psychologist's reputation by reading online reviews, asking for recommendations from trusted sources, or checking professional directories. Positive feedback from past clients or colleagues can provide valuable insights.
Ethical Standards and Boundaries: Ensure the psychologist adheres to ethical guidelines and maintains appropriate professional boundaries. Trust and confidentiality are fundamental aspects of the therapeutic relationship.
Flexibility and Adaptability: Look for a psychologist who can adapt their approach to meet your evolving needs and goals throughout the therapeutic process. Flexibility in adjusting treatment plans or techniques can enhance the effectiveness of therapy.
types of therapy practiced by psychologists in NYC
Psychologists offer a variety of therapeutic approaches to address different mental health concerns and support individuals in achieving their treatment goals. Here are some common types of therapy offered by psychologists:
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a widely used therapeutic approach that focuses on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and behaviors. It helps individuals develop coping skills and strategies to change unhelpful beliefs and behaviors.
Psychodynamic Therapy: Psychodynamic therapy explores how past experiences, including childhood experiences and unconscious thoughts, influence current behavior and emotions. It aims to increase self-awareness and insight into patterns that may be contributing to psychological difficulties.
Humanistic Therapy: Humanistic therapy emphasizes the individual's capacity for self-awareness, personal growth, and positive change. It focuses on exploring personal values, self-esteem, and the client's unique experiences to foster self-acceptance and fulfillment.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy: Mindfulness-based therapies, such as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) or Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), integrate mindfulness practices and meditation techniques to help individuals cultivate present-moment awareness and cope with stress, anxiety, and depression.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): DBT is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that combines strategies for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness. It is often used to treat borderline personality disorder (BPD) and other conditions involving difficulties in emotion regulation.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): ACT focuses on accepting difficult thoughts and feelings while committing to actions aligned with one's values and goals. It emphasizes mindfulness, cognitive defusion, and values clarification to promote psychological flexibility and well-being.
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): IPT is a time-limited therapy that focuses on improving interpersonal relationships and addressing interpersonal issues that contribute to psychological distress. It helps individuals develop healthier communication and problem-solving skills.
Family Therapy: Family therapy involves working with individuals and their families to address relational dynamics, communication patterns, and conflicts. It aims to improve family functioning and support positive changes within the family system.
Group Therapy: Group therapy involves a therapist leading a group of individuals who share similar concerns or goals. It provides opportunities for peer support, interpersonal learning, and practicing new skills in a supportive environment.
Trauma-Informed Therapy: Trauma-informed therapy addresses the impact of trauma on individuals' mental health and well-being. It focuses on safety, trust, and empowerment while integrating trauma-sensitive approaches to healing and recovery.
These are just a few examples of the many therapeutic approaches psychologists may offer. Psychologists often tailor therapy to the unique needs, preferences, and goals of each individual client.
By considering these factors and trusting your instincts, you can make an informed decision when choosing a psychologist who can support you on your mental health healing journey in NYC. If you can’t make it in to their office, be sure to inquire about their teletherapy options.
About Holistic Psychotherapy & Wellness Manhattan
Kimberly Seelbrede, LCSW is a New York State licensed Psychotherapist, EMDR Practitioner and Couple Therapist with a private practice in New York City, Montana and virtually. As a wellness psychotherapist and holistic consultant, she has receive advanced, extensive training in Trauma Therapy, Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Somatic Experiencing (SE), and Nutrition & Integrative Medicine For Mental Health. She is passionate about honoring the exquisite interplay of the mind-body connection. Kimberly Seelbrede specializes in anxiety & mood disorders, trauma and women’s mental health. She brings over 20 years of counseling, coaching, and healing experience to her holistic practice and transformational work.
In addition to online therapy for anxiety, depression, trauma and relationship struggles, Holistic Psychotherapy & Wellness offers a wide variety of online services to fit the needs of busy professionals. New Yorkers often lead fast-paced and complex lives, which makes work-life balance and managing career, family and social obligations a challenge. Psychotherapy and wellness practices provide the support to help clients cultivate resources, resilience and enhanced emotional health, as well as uncover conflicts and obstacles that may interfere with having the life they desire.