Are you looking for therapy in New York City, New York? Keep reading to learn why you should work with me.
Why I’m Passionate About Supporting New Yorkers’ Mental Health
As a licensed psychologist, with over 20 years of experience in the mental health and human services field, I’ve had the privilege of working with highly sensitive and intelligent individuals from all walks of life. My practice, Groundbreaker Therapy, now supports clients across 43 states, including professionals in demanding fields like business, tech, law, and healthcare, as well as artists, educators, and university students. A significant portion of my work involves supporting people navigating the unique pressures of life in New York City.
I see many New Yorkers struggling with the immense stress and pressure that comes with living in such a vibrant, fast-paced environment. The drive to succeed is powerful, but it can lead to burnout, perfectionism, and strained relationships. Life transitions, from starting a new job to navigating the complexities of family life, feel amplified. The city’s energy is incredible, but it demands a level of resilience that can be hard to maintain alone. This is where accessible, steady support becomes so important, and it’s why I believe virtual therapy is becoming such a meaningful solution for mental health care.
The Mental Health Landscape: What New Yorkers Are Facing Today
High Stress and Rising Expectations
The energy of NYC is unmatched, but it often comes with intense pressure to perform, achieve, and keep up. This can manifest as persistent anxiety, episodes of depression, or chronic stress that impacts your well-being. For some, past trauma can resurface when life feels overwhelming, making it even harder to cope.
Barriers That Keep People From Seeking Therapy
Many people recognize they need support but face significant obstacles. The high therapy cost in the city can be a major deterrent. Beyond that, finding time in a packed schedule for in-person therapy, including the commute, feels impossible. Navigating insurance coverage and finding the right therapist who is a good fit—and doesn’t have a months-long waitlist for in-person therapy—adds another layer of difficulty.
Ready to Start Therapy?
Your healing journey can begin today. Fill out the form below to connect with a therapist who truly listens and understands.
Why Access to Mental Health Care Matters
Getting the right support at the right time can change everything. Therapy provides a dedicated space to breathe, reflect, and gain the skills needed to make real change. It’s not just about managing a crisis; it’s about building a more resilient, fulfilling life. Early and consistent support helps you process challenges, improve relationships, and foster a deeper connection with yourself.
Photo by Emiliano Bar on Unsplash
Why Online Therapy Works So Well for New Yorkers
Convenience That Fits Your Life
One of the greatest benefits of online therapy is its flexibility. There’s no need to commute across boroughs, rush from a meeting, or rearrange your entire day for a session. Virtual sessions make scheduling easier for busy professionals, students with demanding course loads, and parents juggling family responsibilities. This convenience removes a major barrier to starting and sticking with therapy.
A Strong Therapeutic Relationship, Even Through a Screen
Many people wonder if they can form a real connection with a therapist online. Decades of research confirm that online therapy is just as effective as in-person sessions for developing a strong therapeutic relationship. My approach to virtual individual therapy is grounded in creating a personal, connected, and safe space where you feel heard and understood. I prioritize building a warm, compassionate environment where you can feel comfortable being yourself.
Access to Experienced Therapists Without Location Barriers
With telehealth services, your options are no longer limited to your immediate neighborhood. Though my practice is based in Connecticut, I am licensed to provide therapy to clients throughout New York. Many New Yorkers find that working with a therapist who isn’t local offers an added layer of privacy and comfort, allowing them to open up more freely.
Comfort, Safety, and Flexibility
Participating in a therapy session from a familiar environment can be incredibly grounding. For individuals dealing with anxiety, social anxiety, or the effects of trauma, being in a safe, private space like your own home can make the therapeutic process feel more manageable. It also offers flexibility for families who need to coordinate schedules.
What Virtual Sessions Look Like at Groundbreaker Therapy
My Therapeutic Approach
My work is founded on Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), an evidence-based approach that is highly effective for managing intense emotions and improving relationships. I integrate DBT with other treatments tailored to your unique needs, focusing on practical coping skills, emotional resilience, and sustainable, long-term change. The goal is to empower you with the tools to navigate life’s challenges with greater confidence.
Types of Therapy Available Online
I offer a range of services to meet different needs through a secure telehealth platform:
- Individual therapy: For addressing anxiety, depression, trauma, career stress, and personal growth.
- Couples therapy: Focused on improving communication, rebuilding connection, and healing relational wounds.
- Family therapy: To help navigate strained relationships, address dysfunctional patterns, and build a stronger support system.
- Support for emerging adults: Assisting university students and young professionals as they navigate identity, career, and life transitions.
What Clients Can Expect in Their First Session
Your first step is a conversation. I aim to create a warm, non-judgmental space where we can discuss what’s on your mind. You can expect compassionate listening as we explore your needs and determine your goals. From there, we’ll create a clear plan for our work together, establishing a sense of partnership from day one.
Insurance Coverage and Affordability for New Yorkers
Understanding Insurance Coverage and In-Network Benefits
Navigating insurance can be confusing. While I am not an in-network provider with insurance panels, many of my clients receive significant reimbursement. Most health insurance plans offer out-of-network benefits, often covering 50-80% of the therapy cost. I provide my clients with a “superbill”—an itemized receipt—that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. I am always available to help you determine how to make therapy affordable and understand your benefits.
Why Therapy Is an Investment in Well-Being
Investing in your mental health is one of the most valuable decisions you can make. The benefits extend far beyond our sessions. Therapy can reduce stress, improve your focus and performance at work, strengthen your relationships, and enhance your overall wellness. It’s an investment in a more balanced and fulfilling future.
Photo by Andreas Niendorf on Unsplash
The Benefits of Virtual Therapy for New Yorkers
Greater Consistency and Fewer Barriers
Life in New York is unpredictable. Subway delays, bad weather, or a long day at the office can derail plans for an in-person session. With virtual therapy, you can maintain consistency and progress, ensuring your healing journey stays on track no matter what the day brings.
Privacy and Comfort
For many clients, the privacy of their own home is the ideal setting for therapy. It removes the worry of running into someone you know in a waiting room and allows you to feel more secure as you explore sensitive topics. This sense of safety can deepen the therapeutic process.
Real Change Happens When Support Fits Your Life
Effective therapy is consistent therapy. Virtual sessions allow you to stay engaged with the process even when life gets complicated. Whether you’re traveling for work, managing family demands, or navigating a career shift, online therapy adapts to your life, making it possible to prioritize your mental wellness without sacrificing other commitments.
How to Know If I’m the Right Fit for You
What Working with Me Feels Like
My clients often describe our work as compassionate, direct, and supportive. I focus on providing real, actionable skills that support healing and personal growth. Our relationship will be a collaborative partnership built on a foundation of trust, understanding, and mutual respect. I believe in a process that empowers you to become your own best advocate.
What My Clients Often Say Matters Most
The most common feedback I receive is that clients feel truly seen, understood, and empowered. For many, it’s the moment when therapy finally “clicks.” They feel they have a partner in their healing journey who listens without judgment and guides them toward creating a life that works for them.
How to Start Therapy from Anywhere in New York City
Your First Step
Taking the first step is often the hardest part, but I try to make it as simple as possible. Visit my website and fill out the secure contact form. In the form, briefly describe what you are looking for support with.
What Happens Next
I will personally reach out to you to schedule a free online consultation. This conversation is a chance for you to ask questions and get a feel for whether I am a good fit for your needs. There is no pressure and no commitment—just a real conversation with an experienced therapist trained to help.
NYC Mental Health Resources
NYC-Wide / Crisis & Helpline Resources
Resource / Service |
What They Offer & How to Contact |
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Free, confidential 24/7 crisis counseling, mental health & substance-use support, referrals. Call or text 988, or chat online at 988lifeline.org. Available in 200+ languages by phone. |
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Text-based support 24/7, confidential and free — useful for people who prefer texting to talking. Text HOME to 741741. |
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A longstanding nonprofit offering community programs, crisis lines, peer-support, and mental wellness services (including via 988 / NYC 988). |
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Provides free support, education, advocacy, resource guides, and help connecting with housing, support groups, legal aid, etc. Useful for individuals and families affected by mental illness. |
Community-Level & Special Population Services
Organization / Program |
What They Offer & How to Contact |
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Focus on older adults (55+): counseling, group support, home-visit therapy, caregiver support, psychosocial services — useful for seniors in NYC dealing with depression, isolation, or other mental-health challenges. |
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Large non-profit offering community-based mental health programs across NYC: outpatient care, youth services, family services, support for people with mental illness or developmental disabilities, crisis intervention, housing referrals, and more. |
When & Why These Resources Matter (especially for NYC folks)
- Immediate crisis intervention: If someone is feeling overwhelmed, suicidal, or in emotional crisis, hotlines like 988, NYC Well, Crisis Text Line, or local mobile crisis teams can be first responders.
- Confidential support, even without insurance: Many of these services don’t require insurance or payment; they offer support regardless of immigration status, background, or financial situation.
- Access for people who may not want or need long-term therapy yet: For someone not quite ready to commit to therapy, these options offer support, coping strategies, peer connection, referral pathways, and education.
- Support for special populations: Older adults, people with limited mobility or resources, individuals needing peer-support or immediate crisis de-escalation — these community services are valuable additions to the mental health safety net.
- Bridge to longer-term care: Many of these resources help connect people with ongoing therapy, support groups, housing, legal/social services, and other needed supports if appropriate.
Why It Matters
Since I work with clients across states (including New York), I know not everyone has access to local in-person support. These resources fill critical gaps when someone needs help fast or doesn’t yet have a therapist.
When I work with clients, I often encourage them to use crisis lines or community supports first — especially if they’re in distress, on a waitlist, or concerned about cost/insurance — then transition to longer-term therapy when ready.
Photo by Jermaine Ee on Unsplash
Therapy in New York City | A Better Way Forward for New Yorkers
Finding therapy in New York City doesn’t have to be another source of stress. Virtual sessions are opening up new possibilities for accessible, effective mental health care. Acknowledging that you need support takes courage, and you deserve a therapeutic process that fits your life. I encourage you to consider how online therapy can create space for the change, growth, and healing you seek.
When you’re ready, I invite you to reach out and take that first step.