Finding a therapist can be an overwhelming task.
I created this list as an evolving resource to simplify the process of finding a high-quality therapist in the NYC area. This resource is based solely on my experience with these providers and recommendations from trusted colleagues; I receive no incentives for including anyone on this list.
This list emphasizes therapists who center intersectional anti-racist, LGBTQ-affirming values, and are trauma-informed.
If you have questions or feedback about this resource, feel free to contact me.
I created this list as an evolving resource to simplify the process of finding a high-quality therapist in the NYC area. This resource is based solely on my experience with these providers and recommendations from trusted colleagues; I receive no incentives for including anyone on this list.
This list emphasizes therapists who center intersectional anti-racist, LGBTQ-affirming values, and are trauma-informed.
If you have questions or feedback about this resource, feel free to contact me.
Individual Therapists
(out-of-network providers)
In addition to the therapy services I provide, I also recommend a number of highly skilled colleagues.
Dr. Mayowa Obasaju, licensed psychologist (COVID-Cautious Therapist)
Yolaine Menyard, LCSW (COVID-Cautious Therapist)
Carlette Quinto, LCSW-LP (COVID-Cautious Therapist)
Megan Chinn, LCSW
Jené Toussaint, LMSW
Talia Warmflash, LMSW
Leon Digard, licensed psychoanalyst
Julian Adler, LCSW, Esq.
Rebecca Stahl, LCSW
Cassie Peterson, LCSW
Jessica Gorelick, LCSW
Dr. Jacob Ham, licensed psychologist
Shanequa Anderson, LCSW
Justin Lioi, LCSW
Chuck Munn, LCSW
Jeff Barba, LCSW
Critical Therapy Institute
Dr. Mayowa Obasaju, licensed psychologist (COVID-Cautious Therapist)
Yolaine Menyard, LCSW (COVID-Cautious Therapist)
Carlette Quinto, LCSW-LP (COVID-Cautious Therapist)
Megan Chinn, LCSW
Jené Toussaint, LMSW
Talia Warmflash, LMSW
Leon Digard, licensed psychoanalyst
Julian Adler, LCSW, Esq.
Rebecca Stahl, LCSW
Cassie Peterson, LCSW
Jessica Gorelick, LCSW
Dr. Jacob Ham, licensed psychologist
Shanequa Anderson, LCSW
Justin Lioi, LCSW
Chuck Munn, LCSW
Jeff Barba, LCSW
Critical Therapy Institute
Mental Health Clinics & Group Practices
The practices and clinics listed here accept some insurance plans as in-network providers, offer sliding scale, and/or have low-fee options. In general, all provide excellent, high-quality clinical care.
Aldea Counseling
mental health clinic with a culturally-sensitive and holistic focus
Callen-Lorde Center
LGBTQ+ health and mental health center
Community Counseling & Mediation (CCM)
mental health and substance abuse clinic. Accepts many insurance providers and has multiple locations
Crime Victims Treatment Center
trauma-focused clinic with a focus on survivors of sexual violence. All services are free
Gender & Sexuality Therapy Collective
private group practice focusing on gender, sexuality, sex, and relationships
NYC Affirmative Psychotherapy
community focused sliding scale mental health practice with a focus on serving QTPOC
Refresh Psychotherapy
private group practice, accepts many insurance providers
Safe Horizon Counseling Center
trauma-focused clinic, accepts many insurance providers
Aldea Counseling
mental health clinic with a culturally-sensitive and holistic focus
Callen-Lorde Center
LGBTQ+ health and mental health center
Community Counseling & Mediation (CCM)
mental health and substance abuse clinic. Accepts many insurance providers and has multiple locations
Crime Victims Treatment Center
trauma-focused clinic with a focus on survivors of sexual violence. All services are free
Gender & Sexuality Therapy Collective
private group practice focusing on gender, sexuality, sex, and relationships
NYC Affirmative Psychotherapy
community focused sliding scale mental health practice with a focus on serving QTPOC
Refresh Psychotherapy
private group practice, accepts many insurance providers
Safe Horizon Counseling Center
trauma-focused clinic, accepts many insurance providers
Therapist Directories (National)
TherapyDen A progressive alternative to Psychology Today
Open Path Collective National directory of low-fee providers, (fees are $30-60 per session)
COVID-Conscious Therapist Directory
Identity-Specific Therapist Directories
National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network
Therapy for Black Girls
Black Emotional And Mental Health Directory
Asian Mental Health Collective Directory
Latinx Therapists Action Network
Open Path Collective National directory of low-fee providers, (fees are $30-60 per session)
COVID-Conscious Therapist Directory
Identity-Specific Therapist Directories
National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network
Therapy for Black Girls
Black Emotional And Mental Health Directory
Asian Mental Health Collective Directory
Latinx Therapists Action Network
Insurance & Therapy
Most private therapists in New York are out-of-network providers. This means that patients with "out of network" benefits are reimbursed by the insurance company after receiving services and submitting insurance claims. In other words, the patient pays the therapist, and then insurance repays the patient for some portion of the services afterward. Depending on your insurance plan, your reimbursement rate may work out to a similar amount as your in-network co-pay.
(If you are wondering why so few therapists are in-network, this article explains the barriers for accepting insurance as a private practitioner.)
If you are looking for a therapist that takes insurance directly (“in-network providers”), clinics are often the best bet. In-network providers are paid directly by your insurance company, and then the patient is responsible for any co-pay at the time of services. Because there is higher turnover at clinics, the quality of therapists/services may change more rapidly than at other practices. I recommend the clinics on this list based on my previous work with them over the years, but cannot vouch for their current quality of care.
Determining your out-of-network benefits
If you are interested in working with an out-of-network therapist, it is helpful to determine your coverage before starting therapy. This will clarify your actual cost of therapy.
To determine your coverage, call your insurance provider and ask the following coverage questions (the phone number can be found on the back of your insurance card):
(If you are wondering why so few therapists are in-network, this article explains the barriers for accepting insurance as a private practitioner.)
If you are looking for a therapist that takes insurance directly (“in-network providers”), clinics are often the best bet. In-network providers are paid directly by your insurance company, and then the patient is responsible for any co-pay at the time of services. Because there is higher turnover at clinics, the quality of therapists/services may change more rapidly than at other practices. I recommend the clinics on this list based on my previous work with them over the years, but cannot vouch for their current quality of care.
Determining your out-of-network benefits
If you are interested in working with an out-of-network therapist, it is helpful to determine your coverage before starting therapy. This will clarify your actual cost of therapy.
To determine your coverage, call your insurance provider and ask the following coverage questions (the phone number can be found on the back of your insurance card):
- What is my Out-of-Network copay/reimbursement rate?
- What is my Out-of-Network deductible (if any)?
- Have I met any portion of the deductible this year (if applicable)?
- What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
- Are there any session limits?
- Is pre-authorization required?
