How to Find the Best Psychologist in NYC for Your Mental Health Needs

Finding the best NYC psychologist for your needs can feel like an impossible task. I’ve put together a list of some great strategies for finding a therapist. So many current and prospective patients have shared with me how daunting it feels to find a psychotherapist in New York area. I hope this guide will make your search easier.

Tips for Your NYC Clinical Psychologist Search

1. Cross reference your findings from therapist listings with Google searches.

Don’t stop at the information offered on New York therapist listing sites such a Psychology Today. Find a therapist by going a step further to learn what potential mental health clinicians are really about. Has the psychologist written anything of interest or reported on the latest research? Do they seem modern, worldly and knowledgeable based on their online presence? Do they have impressive reviews on Google? What about their website? Do they talk in a relatable way or do they sound cliche?

2. Pay attention to your first reaction to the picture of the therapist’s face.

There’s so much valuable information in your gut reaction to how he or she looks. Does his or her face make you feel at ease or stressed out. Is it a face you can trust?

3. Ask your friends if they had a psychologist they enjoyed working with.

A referral from a trusted friend is gold. Don’t be afraid to share your need for mental health therapy. Getting the help you need is a sign of strength. Friends who will judge you for needing therapy may not have your best interests at heart and are probably not very evolved.

4. Interview 2–3 prospective clinical psychologists unless you’ve found your match with the first one.

Don’t hesitate to ask questions about what matters to you. Call or email the therapist and ask away. If they don’t make time to answer your questions, then stay away.

5. Seek to understand the psychotherapist’s theoretical orientation/ their approach to therapy to see if it matches the style of therapy you’re looking for.

This one also requires a call or email. Ask them to explain how they conduct therapy and what guides their approach. If they can’t answer clearly, don’t choose them. Do you want a more collaborative CBT experience? Structured? Traditional/psychoanalytic? Existential? Don’t be afraid to ask.

6. Speaking of the phone call, see how you reach to the therapist’s voice.

Does his or her voice soothe you? Is it harsh? That voice has to calm you, but also potentially motivate you.

7. Do some research on the different types of mental health clinicians in New York City.

Are you looking for a psychologist (who is likely to have more formal schooling/training on diagnosis and treatment), a clinical social worker (who could potentially have even more extended training than a psychologist, but you have to ask or google), a marriage and family therapist (who specializes in couples therapy but can still be an amazing individual therapist), a mental health counselor, etc?

8. Many New York City psychotherapists specialize in something or have developed a special skill based on the types of clients they attract.

Most NYC therapists list anxiety, depression and relationships as their specialty. That doesn’t tell you much. Ask your prospective New York psychologist with whom do they work best work? Patients with anxiety? Addiction? For example, I don’t have a specialty per se, but my practice has attracted clients grappling with certain problems, such as panic attacks, social anxiety and work stress, which has prompted me to develop my skills further to give them a great healing experience.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about this article or if something is unclear. I love what I do and I want you to find the help you need.

I have created other articles on the topic of finding a NYC psychologist if you want to read more. Please take a look at some of my other psychology articles on HuffPost to learn more about my philosophy.

Therapy for Bipolar Disorder

I offer CBT therapy for Bipolar Disorder in my New York City office (virtual and in person). I have extensive experience helping clients with Bipolar Disorder to balance their mental health needs with the demands of a busy lifestyle. Treatment for Bipolar Affective Disorder requires a skilled therapist who can adjust therapy sessions based on the varying needs of the client from week to week.

The CBT therapy I offer is catered to the needs of people with a variety of mood disorders, including Bipolar I Disorder, Bipolar II Disorder, Cyclothymic Disorder, Rapid Cycling Bipolar Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder.

In order to better manage mood fluctuations, I focus on the following general therapeutic goals with my clients:

(1) To develop greater mood stability and a range of options for reacting to stressors.

Clients learn stress management techniques and develop a deeper awareness of personal triggers and the behavioral and cognitive options available to them.

(2) To “get out in front of changes in mood” by actively monitoring mood fluctuations and learning how to adjust effectively. 

I work with my clients to gain increased awareness of subtle or clear changes in their mood. Together we manage depressive, hypomanic or manic episodes.

A more expanded version of my focus now follows…..

Five Ways Psychotherapy Will Help with Bipolar Symptoms

I help clients to create a toolbox of coping mechanisms for managing their Bipolar diagnosis. 

My clients who find success in therapy with managing symptoms of Bipolar Affective Disorder usually attend weekly therapy sessions and are often, but not always, on medication. Here are five main areas of focus that I help clients with various manifestations of Bipolar Disorder to improve.

1. The primary way to manage manic, hypomanic and depressive symptoms associated with Bipolar Disorder is to get in front of your symptoms.

This involves helping you to have the perspective to understand when you need to make changes to either fend off or accommodate fluctuations in your mood. Very often, this involves changing your routines, enlisting the support of others and processing painful thoughts and feelings successfully. Managing sleep is usually a part of this therapeutic goal of getting in front of symptoms of Bipolar Disorder. This is where I excel as a clinical psychologist. Clients have reported positive effects of this therapeutic goal.

2. Therapy for Bipolar Disorder involves deepening your understanding between thoughts, feelings and behaviors, as well as altering belief systems and irrational ideas that control personal choices and the interpretation of events.

This Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approach enhances your ability to step back and better frame decisions made by you and the people in your life.

3. Stress management is a huge part of managing Bipolar Disorder and related conditions.

It appears that episodes of mania, hypomania and depression are often triggered by reactions to stress. I am careful here with my words. It’s not stress itself, but your reaction to stress. I help New Yorkers by teaching them stress management techniques.

4. Successful therapy for Bipolar Disorder includes helping you to establish a social rhythm.

That is, we will organize your relationships and daily routines so that you feel more personal predictability and a greater sense of control. We will analyze your interpersonal relations to gain greater perspective and behavioral options for managing the interface between your social, work, family and romantic relationships and fluctuations in your mood.

5. Compliance with therapy and the cadence established translates into success in managing stress and Bipolar symptoms. 

In addition to a strong therapeutic bond with your psychologist, the greatest predictor of therapeutic success with managing Bipolar Affective Disorder is compliance with treatment.

More on Compliance with Therapy and Routines

A commitment to treatment is extremely important for people with certain manifestations of Bipolar Disorder.

Given that changes in mood heavily influence behavior and choices, compliance with both psychotherapy sessions and daily routines is directly connected to success with managing symptoms of Bipolar Affective Disorder. Of course, this does not apply to everyone, but when someone experiences a significantly depressed mood and feels like withdrawing into an idle state, there might be less motivation to attend a therapy session. Similarly, when manic or hypomanic symptoms are present, or when there is strong relief from a high or low, it might feel like there is no need for therapy. This problem with noncompliance in psychotherapy can sabotage progress.

I believe my success in treating people with Bipolar Disorder starts with the strong therapeutic relationship that I build with my clients. Having an experienced psychologist in your corner who serves as a collaborator, an ally, a coach, an analyst and a motivator can lend itself to a powerful therapeutic experience.

My patients tend to report a positive impact from the work we do, and the rhythm of the therapy really matters.

Bipolar Disorder and the Fast-Paced New York City Lifestyle

I am keenly aware that many New Yorkers are highly ambitious and intelligent. They also tend to be over-scheduled and live in extremes.

It is certainly not easy to manage disruptive mood fluctuations AND juggle a demanding job, relationship obligations, a busy family life and/or a commitment to your passions and hobbies. CBT therapy will help you to find as much balance as is possible given all of your obligations. When you’re in the throes of a depressive, manic or hypomanic episode, something has to temporarily give.

As a psychologist in New York City for over 20 years, I am an expert at helping clients manage the derailment of obligations and relationships caused by Bipolar symptoms.

Psychotherapy is a space to process your wishes, dreams, obligations, stress and fears…and their intersection with mood fluctuations.

Bipolar Disorder and the Presence of Other Emotional Challenges

CBT Therapy for Bipolar symptoms also takes into account the presence of other influences on your mind and body. Some people with intense or moderate mood fluctuations are also grappling with addiction, obsessive thoughts, panic attacks, anxiety, Attention Deficit Disorder (Adult ADD) and other psychological challenges.

Psychotherapy takes into account all of these factors. I have helped hundreds of clients in my private practice with various forms of Bipolar Disorder over the past 17+ years and in hospitals and clinics before my practice.

I would be happy to help you if you’re ready for the commitment. Please feel free to reach out with any questions ([email protected]).

All the best!

Dr. K

Why a New York City Psychologist Has the Best Job in the World

11 Things You Need to Know About Starting Therapy in NYC

What Exactly Does a Clinical Psychologist Do?

Find out exactly what a clinical psychologist does. Here are some commonly asked questions regarding the role of a clinical psychologist in New York City.

What is the role of a clinical psychologist?

A clinical psychologist works with people to improve their social, emotional, mental and behavioral problems. First, a clinical psychologist conducts an assessment of the problem to arrive at a diagnosis via interviews, observation and sometimes psychological testing. Next, they create a treatment plan with the client and help them to identify goals that the client wants to work on. Then, the clinical psychologist carries out psychological treatment to help the client achieve the goals. Progress is monitored over the course of treatment.

I have been conducting psychotherapy in New York City for over 20 years. One benefit of being a clinical psychologist, as opposed to other types of therapists in NYC, is that my clinical doctoral training in assessment and diagnosis tends to be more extensive than what is offered in most other mental health degree programs.

Some clinical psychologists do research, teach or consult for organizations/businesses to solve systemic and individual issues.

Is the job of a clinical psychologist in New York City different than that in other places?

The role of clinical psychologists in New York City is generally the same as that in other parts of the country. However, there are a few subtle but important differences when compared to clinical psychologists in New York State or other places.

First, in NYC clinical psychologists tend to be more trained in working with people from diverse backgrounds. The amazing diversity of NYC’s population necessitates that New York City clinical psychologists have an added sensitivity to people with alternative lifestyles and varied backgrounds.

Second, the fast-paced speed of everyday life, the noise, the lack of space and the general pressure to achieve success makes New York City a challenging place to live. As a Manhattan clinical psychologist, I am frequently helping people manage their career achievement needs and the stress generated from wanting to “make it big” here in New York. As a result, I have the honor of working with some incredibly ambitious people who are changing the world.

Third, it is my belief that a New York City clinical psychologist also helps people cope with the lack of a sense of community in the city. Other parts of the country have more of a community feel. The absence of community creates the potential for feeling a sense of emptiness, isolation and loneliness, especially when you are new to NYC. A clinical psychologist in New York City who has been in practice for a long time must know how to help patients cope with this kind of challenge.

Please note that other kinds of NYC psychotherapists with lots of clinical experience also learn to help people manage the unique combination of isolation and pressure found in New York City.

What is the Difference Between a Therapist and a Psychologist?

A therapist is a generic term for any mental health clinician who meets face-to-face (or online) with patients to alleviate their emotional suffering. Be careful though. There are also many types of therapists that are not associated with mental health, such as a physical therapist, speech therapist and occupational therapist.

A psychologist is a type of therapist, one with the most rigorous training out of all the types of mental health therapists.  Psychologists tend to have more years of clinical training and more hours of supervision and clinical experience even before they graduate from their program.

How long does it take to become a clinical psychologist?

In order to become a clinical psychologist, you need to complete your Bachelor’s Degree first. Some clinical psychologist also complete a two-year Master’s Program in Counseling or a related mental health field before their clinical psychology doctoral program. However, clinical psychology doctoral program students are awarded a Master’s Degree after two years and them they continue on for their doctorate.

Overall, a doctorate in clinical psychology can take between 4-7 years, sometimes even longer. There are three years of graduate classes during which doctoral students are completing supervised clinical training (aka externships) in various mental health settings, such as a hospital, clinic or school counseling center. Once the coursework is complete, the doctoral student has to complete a one-year internship in an accredited mental health setting. After the internship the doctorate is awarded. Then the new psychologist must complete  about 2000 hours of post-graduate training before receiving a license in a particular state. Please note that the information provided here varies greatly across states in the US. Please see here for more on the topic.

What is the difference between a psychologist and a clinical psychologist?

A psychologist is a general term for a professional who went to a doctoral program in psychology. A clinical psychologist is an expert in the human mind that attended an accredited doctoral program in clinical psychology. Clinical psychologists also work directly with human subjects. In other words, clinical psychologists work with clients. Other non-clinical psychologists may draw from the same knowledge based but they do not necessarily work directly with clients.

There are other types of psychologists, including industrial psychologists, social psychologists, forensic psychologists and sports psychologists.

Do you need a doctorate to be a clinical psychologist?

Yes, you need a doctoral degree to be a clinical psychologist. You can get a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree or a Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD) degree in order to be a psychologist.

In some mental health settings, I have seen people loosely use the word “psychologist” to refer to the mental health clinician on staff regardless of their degree, but the true definition of the role implies earning a doctorate in psychology.

What is a PsyD ?

A PsyD or Psy.D. represents a “doctor of psychology,” which is a practitioner’s degree in clinical, counseling or school psychology). In contrast to a PhD, the training you receive at a PsyD program tends to involve more clinical training and more hours of supervised face-to-face interaction with patients. There are probably exceptions. Phd programs in clinical psychology tend to have more of a research focus. While a lot more PhDs are hired for teaching roles, PsyDs are hired as well in universities.

In my PsyD program I received extensive training in clinical psychology, conducted hundreds of hours of supervised psychotherapy AND I wrote a PhD-level dissertation. It was not my original intention to create such a mammoth dissertation, and you generally do not have to write a huge dissertation in a PsyD program. It can be a more contained project.

Is a clinical psychologist a doctor?

Yes, a clinical psychologist is considered a doctor of psychology (not to be confused with an MD, or medical doctor.

What is the difference between a clinical psychologist, a clinical social worker, a mental health counselor and a marriage and family therapist?

A clinical social worker (LCSW) helps people to cope with emotional, behavioral and mental issues, but the training does not include as much emphasis on assessment and diagnosis as compared to a clinical psychology doctoral program. Many LCSWs take their education a step further by attending extensive training programs in specific areas following the completion of their clinical hours for licensure. Social workers receive impressive training in understanding and navigating through various systems that interact with the individual. See here for more on this degree.

A mental health counselor is a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling. See here for more on this degree.

A marriage and family therapist (LMFT) is a specialized degree that focuses primarily on marital and family counseling. There is also training in individual therapy. See here for more on this degree.

What is the difference between clinical psychologists and psychiatrists in New York State?

A clinical psychologist is a PhD or PsyD helps alleviate emotional suffering via various forms of talk therapy.

A psychiatrist is a Medical Doctor (M.D.) who went on to specialize in psychiatry. Psychiatrists tend to work with people who are grappling with more serious forms of emotional suffering, but not always. Some psychiatrists also conduct psychotherapy. They tend to lean toward medication as the solution for emotional problems.

Clinical psychologists in New York State are not permitted to prescribe medication. Nor do they do not receive any formal training in prescribing medication.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions about the field of clinical psychology or to get started in therapy.

A New York Psychologist Shares 18 Ways to Overcome Mask Anxiety

During this unique time we’ve had to adjust to life behind a face mask. The world outside your window has changed, which necessitates a shift in the way you protect our physical and mental health.

While casual use of a mask in open spaces is generally easier to manage, many of us are experiencing uncomfortable levels of anxiety, even panic, while wearing a mask around others, especially as we transition toward slightly increased exposure to more people and places.

Uncertain times like these demand increased confidence in our physical and psychological protection as we encounter real or imagined danger. Below you’ll find 18 great tips for overcoming mask anxiety.

18 Ways to Reduce Mask Anxiety

1. Take your self-talk to the next level.

Remind yourself 20 times during each outdoor journey that you’re going to be ok. Literally, say to yourself. “No matter what happens, I’m going to be ok.” This self-talk may boost your immune system by giving you an enhanced sense of control during this strange time.

2. Wear your mask at home for short periods of time.

Let the mask feel like it can be a part of you. Dance with your mask. Listen to music. Take selfies. Do whatever makes the mask feel like your mask is a part of you.

3. Remind yourself of your free will to choose.

If your anxiety spikes during a mask-wearing outing, keep telling yourself different choices you’re making in real time. Say, “I choose to…” For example, if you’re about to turn right on as you approach a perpendicular street, tell yourself, “I choose to turn right.” Repeat this for the smallest of choices. Consciously exercising your free will to make choices reduces a perception of powerlessness and increases a sense of personal agency.

4. Strive to better understand your triggers.

Pay attention to the situations that trigger your anxiety. Keep a log of each bout of mask anxiety. A note on your phone will suffice. For each occurrence, write down where it occurred, what you were thinking at the time, rate your anxiety from 1-10 and remind yourself of what you did to calm down. Read over your notes. Talk through your triggers with trusted loved ones and a mental health professional.

5. Practice breathing techniques with and without your mask on.

The more you practice bringing your breathing under control, the easier it will be to self-soothe when you’re feeling anxious with a mask on. Do relaxation exercises at home with your mask on. Here’s an example of a anxiety-reducing relaxation exercise you can try.

6. Practice visualization exercises to simulate wearing a mask in real life.

Picture yourself wearing a mask in different environments that represent varying levels of stress. Begin with the least stressful environment you can imagine encountering and rehearse relaxation exercises to calm your breath. See yourself as relaxed in your mind’s eye. Then move on to visualize more stressful places where a mask may be a challenge.

7. Give your mask a name.

Build a nice relationship with your mask by naming it. Talk to it. Reason with it. Laugh at it and with it. Relate to it as a friend. “Buddy, I gotta loosen you. You’re too uptight.”

8. Consciously send healing vibes to people you see.

Focus your thoughts on how your mask is protecting the people around you. Wish each person well as they pass you by. Transmit thoughts of love and healing. We’re all struggling these days. Bringing your attention to other people’s well-being can get you outside of your own anxiety. Tell them in your mind that you’re protecting them. The world desperately needs your good vibes and sense of social responsibility to heal.

9. Think of the children.

Remind yourself of the children you’re potentially saving by wearing a mask. Imagine kids thanking you in their cute little voices. Step outside of your suffering by picturing their smiles of gratitude. You’re making a sacrifice by being so uncomfortable.

10. Embrace the anonymity.

Your mask offers you a level of public anonymity that you’ve probably never experienced before. A teenager told me he likes to think of himself as a ninja when he wears his mask. Find a fascinating angle on mask anonymity. Embrace temporary hiding out. Enlist your imagination.

11. Get angry at your anxiety.

This is not my first choice compared to the other anxiety reduction techniques, but some people find it effective. Anger is the flip side of anxiety. You can’t feel both at the same time. Focus on how annoying your anxiety can be. Talk back to your anxiety. Yell at it in your mind. Tell it that it can’t control you.

12. Try name calling. That is, give your anxiety a name.

Naming your anxiety reminds you that anxiety is not all of you: rather, it’s a part of you. This anxiety reduction technique represents another way to increase your sense of control in the face of uncertainty, similar to my recommendation to get angry about your anxiety. Call your anxiety a person’s name and let it know how you feel. There’s something comical in this, but it can work if you buy into this technique. “Herbert, you suck! Go away!”

13. Find the humor in your situation.

I know that there’s nothing funny about all of the tragedy that the Covid-19 virus has inflicted on the world, but for survival’s sake, look for what funny about a given situation. Laughter can be neutralizer of mask anxiety. I think about the inevitably awkward moments that this pandemic has created. How would Larry David respond to a scenario you find yourself in? George Costanza? Kramer? The Modern Family characters? What about your favorite comedic characters?

14. Wear a funny, protective mask.

There are plenty of masks for sale with slogans that will give you and strangers a good chuckle. Knowing that you’re delivering humor to the world may help you feel less anxious with your mask on.

15. Make your mask a fashion statement.

If a humorous mask isn’t your thing, then can you make it about fashion? A few masks that match your clothing can go a long way. I wouldn’t make this recommendation if we weren’t in the midst of a global pandemic, but a little style can go a long way for easing your mask anxiety.

16. Online therapy = an anxiety game changer.

Seeking out an online therapist in a global pandemic is a sign of massive strength. Work on lowering your anxiety from the comfort of your own home with an online therapist. This experience can improve more than mask anxiety. Online therapy for anxiety with the right mental health professional can give you the perspective you need to understand and control your triggers, as well as the less obvious influences on your anxiety.

17. Imagine a light around you that protects you.

Imagine a blue light protecting you from all danger. Focus your energy on this force field. Picture a round aura protecting you. Send love to it. Repeat to yourself in a loving and confident voice, “I am protected.” This exercise is no joke. Creating a reminder of your safety can reduce your anxiety.

18. Start a creative, mask-related phone or video project.

Talk to yourself on camera about what you’re going through. Document this time in your life so that future generations can see what you endured. Share your wisdom from lessons learned. Creative projects lower anxiety.

Online Therapy with an Experienced Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) Psychologist

There are many great benefits of Telehealth, but it’s important to choose the right CBT psychologist for online therapy. The key to caring for your mental health via a video screen is to choose a therapist who has the experience to create a similar therapeutic benefit online as you would receive in person.

This is not an easy accomplishment. It takes the right therapist to build a strong therapeutic relationship via online therapy. People underestimate this skill’s importance in creating change.

I have sincerely enjoyed providing telehealth services to clients as we all adjust to life under quarantined conditions.

The Benefits of Telehealth Services

The Covid-19 pandemic has created unique challenges for everyone. I am currently working with clients to reduce coronavirus anxiety, improve relationships and marriages, process depression, grief and loss, manage new rules and conditions created by confined conditions, develop new habits, explore career changes, eliminate panic attacks, improve sleep and many more challenges.

Online therapy can be a powerful experience, especially when the timing is just right. That is, you’re ready to make changes.

Why Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Online?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy online will give you practical tools to get through the quarantine and beyond. I offer Enhanced CBT to my clients, which is a unique version of online therapy involving altering unhealthy patterns of thinking and behavior, enhancing mindfulness skills and preparing you with concrete strategies to use in the face of emotional challenges.

CBT is more suitable for online therapy than many other forms of therapy because it is collaborative, practical and directly applicable. While other psychologists may focus on overanalyzing your past and the therapeutic relationship, I am in the present with you as a collaborator for personal change.

The Quarantine as an Opportunity to Care for Your Mental Health on a New Level

Given how life has temporarily changed for all of us, the quarantine represents a unique time to create new habits and patterns of thinking. I can help you to jumpstart a mental health initiative. Many things are hard to start under quarantine. Most of us have found that our expectations for personal change have been met with disappointment during the coronavirus pandemic. It’s very hard to cope, let alone make dramatic changes. Many people report feeling shame and self-critical thinking given how hard it is to begin a new habit while under quarantine.

This is where therapy online can help. We can work together to clear obstacles preventing you from beginning new personal initiatives. We can help you to reduce anxiety, stress, shame and more.

Please reach out if you have any questions.

Stay safe and healthy!

Dr. K

Recent Media Contributions

Dr. Greg Kushnick, A Top Mental Health Expert in New York City

Here are some of my most recent media mentions and contributions:

• A New York Times article on depression and Covid-19 in New York City.
• A Fortune Magazine piece on 311 calls, Covid-19 and social distancing complaints in New York City.
• An appearance in a new Amazon Prime documentary on the challenges of being a social media influencer.

For the full list of media contributions, click here.