Written by the Clinical Team at MindWell NYC
MindWell NYC provides evidence-based psychotherapy for individuals, couples, families, and children in New York City, with personalized care for a range of mental health concerns.
Finding a good therapist in NYC starts with identifying your needs, checking a provider’s credentials and experience, and finding someone whose therapeutic approach and communication style feel right for you. Manhattan has a wide range of mental health professionals and therapy practices, but choosing the right one involves more than finding a highly rated name. The best therapist for you should have relevant experience, offer an approach that fits your goals, and provide a setting where you feel comfortable discussing difficult experiences.
Whether you’re looking for help with anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, trauma, substance use, or your child’s emotional and behavioral needs, this guide introduces 20 therapists and mental health organizations in the New York area. It also explains how to compare credentials, understand therapy costs, evaluate treatment approaches, and decide whether a therapist is a good fit.
Finding a good therapist in NYC involves identifying the type of support you need, researching qualified professionals, and evaluating whether their experience and treatment approach match your goals. Rather than choosing someone solely because they have a high rating or appear frequently in search results, consider several factors before scheduling an appointment. Here are six practical steps to help narrow your search.
Start by considering what has been affecting your emotional well-being, relationships, or daily life. You don’t need a formal diagnosis to begin looking for therapy. Having a general idea of what you want to address can help you find someone with relevant experience.
For example, you might be looking for support with:
Some therapists work with a broad range of concerns, while others focus on particular populations or treatment needs. Identifying your priorities can make your search more efficient.
Professional credentials help you understand a therapist’s education, licensing, and qualifications. In New York, several types of licensed professionals provide mental health services.
Look for the provider’s full professional title and license, then verify their status through the New York State Office of the Professions.
A therapist’s degree alone does not tell you everything about their clinical experience. Consider their training, areas of specialization, and experience treating the concerns that brought you to therapy.
A therapist who regularly works with anxiety may approach treatment differently from someone whose primary focus is couples counseling or childhood behavioral concerns.
Ask whether the therapist has experience with your particular concern and what treatment methods they commonly use.
For example, someone seeking help for OCD may want a therapist trained in exposure and response prevention (ERP). Someone working through relationship difficulties may prefer a clinician with couples therapy experience.
Relevant experience helps ensure that treatment is informed by an understanding of the challenges you’re facing.
Therapists use different approaches depending on their training, clinical judgment, and the needs of the people they treat.
Some approaches focus on identifying and changing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors. Others explore emotional experiences, relationship patterns, or the influence of earlier life experiences.
Ask the therapist to explain how their approach might address your goals. A qualified clinician should be able to describe the general direction of treatment in language you understand.
Practical considerations can affect whether you can attend therapy consistently.
Before scheduling, find out:
If you live or work in Manhattan, choosing a conveniently located office may make in-person appointments easier to maintain. Online therapy can also provide flexibility when traveling or managing a busy schedule.
Professional qualifications and clinical experience are important, but the relationship you develop with your therapist also matters.
You should feel that your therapist listens carefully, takes your concerns seriously, respects your boundaries, and explains treatment decisions.
You don’t have to feel completely comfortable immediately. Discussing personal experiences can take time. However, you should have opportunities to ask questions, share feedback, and participate in decisions about your treatment.
Psychotherapy research consistently identifies the therapeutic relationship as an important part of treatment. The American Psychological Association’s discussion of the therapeutic relationship provides additional context about the role of collaboration and connection in therapy.
New York City has several types of mental health professionals. Understanding their credentials can help you decide whom to contact.
The following professionals have different educational backgrounds and professional responsibilities.
|
Professional |
Education and credentials |
Common services |
|
Psychologist |
Doctoral degree, typically PhD or PsyD, with required supervised experience and state licensure |
Psychotherapy, psychological assessment, and testing |
|
Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) |
Graduate-level education and New York State licensure |
Individual, group, couples, and other counseling services within their scope |
|
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) |
Graduate social work education, supervised clinical experience, and state licensure |
Psychotherapy and other clinical social work services |
|
Psychiatrist |
Medical degree and specialized residency training |
Mental health assessment, diagnosis, and medication management; some also provide psychotherapy |
A psychologist may be a good option if you’re looking for psychological testing or specialized psychotherapy. An LMHC or LCSW may provide the type of counseling and psychotherapy you’re seeking. A psychiatrist may be appropriate when medication evaluation is part of your care.
These professions can overlap in the mental health services they provide. Your choice should depend on your needs, the provider’s qualifications, and the type of care you’re seeking.
You can learn more about New York’s professional requirements through the Office of the Professions.
A therapist’s treatment approach can also influence your experience.
Here are several commonly used approaches:
A therapist may use one primary approach or integrate several methods. The most appropriate approach depends on the person’s concerns and treatment goals.
New York City offers a variety of mental health providers, including independent therapists, group practices, university-affiliated clinics, and specialized treatment organizations.
The following 20 recommendations come from MindWell NYC’s original Manhattan therapist directory. They represent different areas of clinical focus and treatment options. Some are individual practitioners, while others are larger organizations or specialty centers.
The list is not a ranking based on clinical outcomes or a claim that one provider is universally better than another. Consider each provider’s current credentials, location, services, availability, and suitability for your needs before making a decision.
|
Therapist or practice |
Primary area of focus |
Provider type |
|
Freedom Institute |
Substance use and addiction |
Treatment organization |
|
Center for Motivation and Change |
Substance use and behavioral change |
Group practice |
|
Lindsay Chester, LCSW |
Addiction and compulsive behaviors |
Individual practitioner/practice director |
|
Courtney Schiffrin, LCSW |
Couples and family relationships |
Individual practitioner |
|
Ackerman Institute for the Family |
Family and couples therapy |
Specialty institute |
|
Dr. Sally E. Riggs |
Cognitive behavioral therapy for psychosis |
Psychologist |
|
Dr. Yulia Landa |
Psychosis and related concerns in young people |
Clinical specialist |
|
Leora Manischewitz |
Sex therapy and relationship concerns |
Individual practitioner |
|
Dr. Sharlene Bird |
Individual, couples, and family therapy |
Clinical psychologist |
|
NYU Child Study Center |
Childhood behavioral and developmental concerns |
Specialty center |
|
Dr. Steve Kurtz |
Child psychology and behavioral concerns |
Psychologist |
|
Dr. Amber Ufford |
Parent-child interaction therapy |
Psychologist |
|
Child Mind Institute |
Children’s mental health and learning concerns |
Specialty organization |
|
CUCARD |
Childhood anxiety and related disorders |
Specialty clinic |
|
Dr. Rebecca Sachs |
Anxiety, OCD, and autism-related care |
Psychologist |
|
Mount Sinai Seaver Autism Center |
Autism assessment, research, and treatment |
Specialty center |
|
Dr. Ali DeGeorge |
Childhood and adolescent mental health |
Psychologist |
|
Dr. J. Ryan Fuller |
Anger management and behavioral therapy |
Psychologist |
|
Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy |
Psychodynamic and other psychotherapy approaches |
Training and treatment institute |
|
Transference Psychotherapy of New York |
Psychodynamic and specialized psychotherapy |
Group practice |
Substance use concerns can affect physical health, relationships, work, and emotional well-being. Treatment options may include individual therapy, group counseling, family involvement, and structured outpatient programs. The following organizations and practitioners have experience in this area.
Freedom Institute
Freedom Institute is a nonprofit organization originally founded in 1976. Its treatment model has included Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Relational Family Therapy, and structured recovery services for adults dealing with substance use and addiction. Its programs have included individual, couples, and family therapy, as well as group and outpatient services. People considering the organization should contact it directly to confirm its current treatment offerings, eligibility requirements, and availability.
Center for Motivation and Change
The Center for Motivation and Change uses motivational and evidence-based approaches to help individuals and families address substance use and related behavioral concerns. Its approach focuses on understanding the factors that influence behavior and helping clients develop practical strategies for change. The organization offers individual, group, and family-based services.
Lindsay Chester, LCSW
Lindsay Chester is the founder and director of City Behavioral Health, where her work has focused on addiction and related concerns. Her areas of focus include substance use, compulsive behaviors, mood disorders, emotional regulation, and borderline personality disorder. The practice offers individual, couples, family, and group therapy.
Family and relationship difficulties can involve communication problems, conflict, major life transitions, parenting concerns, or changes in family roles. Family and couples therapy can help people better understand these patterns and develop healthier ways to interact.
Courtney Schiffrin
A licensed clinical social worker associated with Union Square Therapy. Her areas of focus include couples and family relationships, anxiety, grief, addiction, self-esteem, and occupational and academic transitions. Her work also addresses communication, trust, fertility, pregnancy, postpartum experiences, separation, and divorce.
Ackerman Institute for the Family
The Ackerman Institute for the Family is a longstanding New York organization specializing in family therapy and clinical training. Its services address couples’ relationship concerns, family conflict, parenting challenges, mental health concerns, and major family transitions. Its specialized approach may be helpful for individuals, couples, and families seeking support with relationship dynamics and challenges involving multiple family members.
Psychosis can involve changes in perception, thinking, and the ability to distinguish internal experiences from external reality. Treatment may include specialized psychotherapy, psychiatric care, and family education. For people seeking psychotherapy for psychosis-related concerns, experience with evidence-based approaches is an important consideration.
Dr. Sally E. Riggs
Dr. Sally E. Riggs is a licensed psychologist specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for psychosis. Her areas of focus include helping individuals manage hallucinations, paranoia, unusual perceptions, and other distressing experiences. Her practice also offers family consultations for those seeking guidance about a loved one’s mental health.
Dr. Yulia Landa, PhD
Dr. Yulia Landa has been recognized for her work with teenagers and young adults experiencing psychotic symptoms. Her clinical work has been associated with specialized programming at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, including assessment, education, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
Couples therapy can help partners address recurring disagreements, communication difficulties, trust concerns, intimacy, and changes in their relationship. A therapist with specialized experience in couples work may be particularly helpful when relationship concerns involve more than one area of emotional or interpersonal difficulty.
Leora Manischewitz
Specializes in sex therapy and relationship concerns, helping individuals and couples navigate challenges involving intimacy, sexual difficulties, body image, infidelity, anxiety, depression, and relationship conflict. Her professional background includes involvement with the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT).
Dr. Sharlene Bird
Dr. Sharlene Bird is a clinical psychologist who provides therapy for individuals, couples, families, and older adults. Her areas of focus include anxiety, depression, marital concerns, abuse, and multicultural issues. She offers services in English, Spanish, and Yiddish.
Children and adolescents can experience anxiety, emotional regulation difficulties, behavioral concerns, learning challenges, and social difficulties. Finding a clinician with experience working with young people is important because treatment often involves parents, caregivers, schools, or other members of a child’s support system.
NYU Child Study Center
The NYU Child Study Center provides specialized services for children and adolescents experiencing mental health, behavioral, and developmental concerns. Its programs have included treatment for ADHD and disruptive behavior disorders, as well as parent-focused interventions and skills-based support. Families looking for specialized child and adolescent services can contact NYU Langone to learn about current programs and referral requirements.
Dr. Steve Kurtz, PhD
Dr. Steve Kurtz is a child psychologist who works with children and adolescents experiencing behavioral and emotional challenges. His areas of specialization include ADHD, anxiety, OCD, trauma, emotional regulation, selective mutism, and oppositional behavior. His approach emphasizes collaboration with parents and evidence-based interventions that help children build practical skills.
Dr. Amber Ufford, PhD
Dr. Amber Ufford was featured in the original directory as the director of the Parent-Child Interaction Therapy program at Cognitive and Behavioral Consultants. Her listed areas of focus included ADHD, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, disruptive behavioral concerns, and phobias. Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is a structured treatment approach that helps caregivers strengthen interactions with children and address certain behavioral difficulties.
Child Mind Institute
The Child Mind Institute is a nonprofit organization focused on children’s mental health and learning disorders. Its work includes clinical services, research, and resources for families navigating concerns such as anxiety, ADHD, mood disorders, and learning differences. Parents looking for specialized pediatric mental health resources may find its educational materials and treatment programs useful.
Columbia University Clinic for Anxiety and Related Disorders (CUCARD)
The Columbia University Clinic for Anxiety and Related Disorders was included in the original directory for its specialized focus on children and adolescents with anxiety and related concerns. Its listed services have included therapy and group programs addressing anxiety, ADHD, and behavioral difficulties, with family and school involvement where appropriate. Families should confirm current program availability, eligibility, and referral procedures with Columbia.
Autism, OCD, and anxiety can affect people in different ways. Treatment should reflect the individual’s developmental stage, strengths, concerns, and personal goals. For these needs, look for a provider with relevant assessment or treatment experience rather than relying on a broad mental health specialty alone.
Dr. Rebecca Sachs, PhD
Dr. Rebecca Sachs founded CBT Spectrum, a practice specializing in treatment for anxiety, autism, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The practice uses evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), social skills interventions, and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). Its treatment services include support for individuals seeking help managing OCD symptoms and related challenges.
Mount Sinai Seaver Autism Center
The Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment is part of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Its work has included autism research, clinical assessments, and treatment services for children and families. The center may be relevant to families seeking specialized autism-related assessment and clinical resources. Contact Mount Sinai to confirm current programs and eligibility.
Dr. Ali DeGeorge, PsyD
Dr. Ali DeGeorge works with children and adolescents experiencing ADHD, anxiety, mood disorders, and autism-related concerns. Her areas of experience include psychological assessments and evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and behavioral interventions.
Anger is a normal human emotion, but recurring difficulty managing emotional reactions can affect relationships, work, and daily life. Therapy can help individuals understand what triggers anger, recognize patterns in their responses, and develop healthier ways to manage difficult emotions.
Dr. J. Ryan Fuller
Dr. J. Ryan Fuller is a New York-based psychologist whose work includes anger management and behavioral therapy. His areas of focus include understanding emotional distress, recognizing self-defeating behavior patterns, and developing practical strategies for managing emotional reactions.
Some people seek therapy to understand recurring emotional patterns, relationship difficulties, or experiences that continue to influence their present lives. Psychodynamic therapy and other insight-oriented approaches provide opportunities to explore these concerns in greater depth.
Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy
The Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy was founded in 1971 and offers psychotherapy services and clinical training. Its areas of treatment have included anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, family difficulties, eating disorders, and other emotional challenges. Its clinicians have used a variety of therapeutic approaches, including psychodynamic psychotherapy and other integrative methods.
Transference Psychotherapy of New York
Transference Psychotherapy of New York is associated with Transference-Focused Psychotherapy (TFP), a specialized psychodynamic treatment approach. Its original profile described services involving individual psychotherapy, psychoanalytic treatment, and other approaches for concerns such as anxiety, depression, and borderline personality disorder. People interested in this approach should ask about the clinician’s specific TFP training and whether it fits their treatment needs.
The cost of therapy in Manhattan varies depending on the clinician’s credentials, experience, specialty, session length, practice model, and insurance arrangements. Some therapists accept insurance directly, while others operate as out-of-network or private-pay providers. Before scheduling, ask about the full session fee and any potential reimbursement options.
Private-pay therapy means clients pay the therapist or practice directly rather than using an in-network insurance benefit for the appointment.
Fees may be influenced by:
Higher fees do not automatically mean a therapist provides better care. Focus on qualifications, relevant experience, treatment fit, and whether the cost is sustainable for you.
An in-network therapist has an agreement with an insurance company to provide covered services at negotiated rates.
An out-of-network therapist does not have that same contractual relationship. However, some insurance plans provide partial reimbursement for eligible out-of-network mental health services.
If you’re considering an out-of-network therapist, contact your insurance company before beginning treatment.
Ask:
A therapist or practice may provide a superbill or monthly insurance statement that you can submit for possible reimbursement. Reimbursement is determined by your insurance plan, not guaranteed by the therapist.
If private-pay fees are outside your budget, consider asking about reduced-fee appointments or sliding-scale arrangements.
Other places to explore include:
The right option depends on your financial circumstances, treatment needs, and the availability of qualified providers.
Once you’ve identified a few qualified providers, the next step is deciding whom to contact. You don’t have to make a perfect decision immediately. An initial conversation can help you understand how the therapist works and whether their approach feels appropriate.
Consider asking the following questions during an initial consultation:
You can also ask whether the therapist has experience working with people in similar life circumstances or with similar treatment goals.
An initial therapy session typically involves discussing what brought you to treatment, your current concerns, relevant personal history, and what you hope to accomplish. Your therapist may ask about relationships, family background, work, emotional experiences, and previous treatment. You can share information at a pace that feels manageable and ask why certain questions are relevant.
The therapist should also explain their approach, confidentiality policies, fees, scheduling, and other practical details.
You don’t need to have everything figured out before your first appointment. Part of the process is working together to understand your needs and establish goals.
A good therapeutic relationship should involve trust, respect, collaboration, and clear communication.
Consider whether the therapist:
You may not feel completely comfortable right away, especially when discussing personal or painful experiences. However, you should feel respected and able to communicate openly about how therapy is going. If the approach doesn’t seem appropriate, it’s reasonable to discuss your concerns or explore another provider.
Start by identifying the concerns you want help addressing, then look for licensed therapists with relevant clinical experience. Check their credentials through the New York State Office of the Professions, compare treatment approaches and fees, and schedule an initial consultation to evaluate whether the therapist feels like a good fit.
Look for appropriate credentials, experience treating your concerns, a clear treatment approach, and a communication style that makes you feel respected and understood. Practical considerations such as location, availability, and fees also matter when choosing someone you can see consistently.
Therapy fees in Manhattan vary depending on the provider’s experience, credentials, specialty, and practice model. Private-pay therapists set their own rates, while insurance coverage and out-of-network reimbursement depend on your individual plan. Ask for the full fee and payment information before booking.
A psychologist is a licensed mental health professional with doctoral-level training in psychology and may provide psychotherapy and psychological testing. Therapist is a broader term that can describe several types of licensed professionals, including psychologists, licensed mental health counselors, and clinical social workers.
A therapist may be a good fit if they listen carefully, understand your concerns, explain their approach, and work collaboratively toward your goals. You should feel respected and comfortable asking questions, even if building trust takes time.
Online therapy can be an effective option for many people, depending on their needs, the treatment approach, and the clinician’s qualifications. Research supports teletherapy as a useful format for several common mental health concerns, although some people prefer in-person sessions or require services that are better provided face to face. Discuss which format is appropriate for your circumstances with a qualified clinician.
MindWell NYC is a New York City psychotherapy practice providing evidence-based mental health services for individuals, couples, families, children, and adolescents. The practice offers personalized treatment for concerns including anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, trauma, relationship difficulties, and other mental health challenges. Its clinicians use approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and other evidence-based interventions based on each client’s needs and goals.
MindWell NYC also emphasizes culturally responsive care and recognizes the importance of understanding each person’s background, relationships, and experiences. To learn more about the practice and its clinicians, visit Meet the MindWell NYC Team.
Find the Right Therapist for Your Needs at MindWell NYC
Choosing a therapist is an important step toward understanding your emotions, improving relationships, and developing healthier ways to manage life’s challenges. You deserve care that respects your experiences, recognizes your goals, and reflects your individual needs. If you’re looking for a therapist in Manhattan, MindWell NYC can help you explore your options and determine whether its clinicians and treatment services are a good fit.
Schedule a free 15-minute consultation with MindWell NYC to discuss your needs and learn more about personalized therapy options.