Psychotherapy NYC: How & Where To Find Psychotherapists Near You

by Zencare Team

"Psychotherapy" is the general term used to describe all the different types of talk therapy. There's a large variety of therapy types, especially in a city as diverse as NYC.

You may already be familiar with some of these therapy types, like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and psychodynamic therapy. There are many more, and you may find more than one modality you’re interested in. So when you’re starting your search for a psychotherapist, it may prove helpful to learn about common therapeutic approaches, then choose ones that seem appealing to you – so you can search for practitioners with experience in those approaches.

Then, when you’re ready to start your search for a psychotherapist in NYC, start on Zencare below! You can filter by cost and insurance, watch each therapist’s introductory video, and book a free initial call to find the psychotherapist who’s right for you.

Ready to learn more about psychotherapy, plus where and how to find a psychotherapist in NYC? Learn more about what you can expect in your sessions, how much you can expect to pay in NYC, how to use health insurance, and what qualities you should look for in a psychotherapist:

  1. Health insurance for psychotherapists in NYC
  2. Sliding scale psychotherapy in NYC
  3. How much does psychotherapy in NYC cost?
  4. Affordable psychotherapy NYC
  5. What to look for in psychotherapists in NYC
  6. Issues that psychotherapists can help New Yorkers with
  7. What to expect in psychotherapy sessions in NYC
  8. Find a psychotherapist near you

Health insurance for psychotherapists in NYC

Find a psychotherapist in NYC who accepts your insurance below.

Psychotherapists in Manhattan who accept insurance

Psychotherapists in Brooklyn who accept insurance

Can't find your health insurance, or very many psychotherapists who are listed in your insurance network?  

Many therapists choose not to take health insurance – aka be “in-network” with health insurances – for a number of reasons, including low reimbursement rates from health insurance companies and privacy concerns.

If you cannot find a therapist who accepts your health insurance, consider paying out-of-pocket (on average between $150 and $250 for a one hour session in NYC) or use sliding scale fees, as explained below.

Sliding scale Psychotherapists in NYC

“Sliding scale” fees refer to the range of session fees that a therapist is willing to accept for clients with limited resources.

For instance, a therapist's standard session fee might be $250 per session – but they might offer a sliding scale cost of $175 - $200, depending on your ability to pay. This means that when possible, they’ll work flexibly within your budget, and offer lower fees to help you receive mental health care.

Find psychotherapists in NYC who offer sliding scales using the different queries below.

Manhattan sliding psychotherapists

Brooklyn sliding scale psychotherapists

Queens sliding scale psychotherapists

How much does psychotherapy in NYC cost?

Psychotherapy in NYC costs on average $150 to $250, for a 45-minute session. That’s mostly if you cannot find the right psychotherapist for you who accepts your health insurance, and you’re paying out of pocket.

If you do find a therapist who accepts your health insurance, you may only pay a copay at each session. These usually range from $20 to $40 per session.

Related: How health insurance for therapy works

How to afford psychotherapy in NYC that’s within your budget

If you do not have the financial means to pay for therapy with out-of-pocket fees, you have options! These options include:  

1. Sliding scale

Sliding scales are a flexible rate per session based on your income.

2. Using out-of-network benefits

Whenever possible, try not to limit your therapist search by just searching for in-network insurance. By using out-of-network benefits, you can typically have a portion of each session fee reimbursed by your insurance company, opening up benefits like affordability and a quicker start date.

If you are seeing an out-of-network psychologist or therapist, you can also:

  1. Apply for reimbursement using your health insurance’s out-of-network benefits
  2. Inquire with the the therapist to see if they offer a “sliding scale” (see section above)

What to look for in a psychotherapist in NYC

Everyone’s needs are different – meaning there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to psychotherapy. Keep the following components in mind when you begin your search for a psychotherapist:

Cost, location, and scheduling

Before making an appointment with the psychotherapist, ask yourself:

  1. Can I afford these session fees? The cost of therapy ranges depending on location, practitioner, and whether you’re using insurance.
  2. Can I commit to attending sessions regularly? Remember to account for travel time, and other demands in your schedule.
  3. Do the therapists’ available times work for me? Some therapists offer evening and weekend appointments if you have an otherwise limited schedule.

Credentials and specializations

Psychotherapists differ in their degree types, specializations, and therapy approaches. When looking for the right therapist for you, ask yourself:

  1. Am I considering medication, and thus need a provider who can prescribe? (if yes, you would look for a psychiatrist or nurse practitioner)
  2. Do I want a provider with a particular area of expertise (eg. art therapy, couples counseling)?
  3. Do I want someone with a particular credential (e.g., a Ph.D.)?

Not sure which type of practitioner is right for you? Here’s the difference between a therapist, psychiatrist, and life coach.

The personality fit – a.k.a., therapeutic alliance

While personality fit is more of a nuanced factor than, say, scheduling availability, it may be critical to your success in therapy. Multiple studies have revealed the importance of this factor, often referred to as “therapeutic alliance.”

On your initial phone call with the therapist, ask yourself:

  1. Could I see myself forming a connection with this therapist?
  2. Does their approach suit my personality?
  3. Do I feel like I will be heard and respected by this therapist?

What issues can psychotherapists help New Yorkers with?

Here are some (but not all!) of the concerns that a psychotherapist can help you with in NYC:

  • Anxiety: Anxiety is a common disorder in NYC; how do they manifest in your daily life? There are different therapy approaches that can treat them both, including exposure therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, interpersonal therapy, CBT, and more.
  • Insomnia: It’s the city that never sleeps, but that doesn’t mean you can’t! CBT-I, a form of CBT, is proven to be highly effective in reducing insomnia and other sleep disorders.  
  • Work stress: The long hours in NYC culture (especially for, but not limited to, professions like bankers, consultants, and lawyers) can lead to burnout. Therapy types like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Practices, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help keep you grounded during stressful 9-5s.
  • Phobias: For those experiencing a phobia of subways, enclosed spaces, heights, or other entity that is common in NYC, CBT and Exposure Therapy are proven effective treatments.
  • Academic stress: Students coping with the pressure of college and university in NYC can benefit from therapy types like ACT and CBT.
  • Creative pressures and challenges: Creative professionals flock to NYC’s leading cultural scene; but they may encounter setbacks along the way. Whether you’re experiencing writer’s block or stage fright, a therapist can help you identify and overcome challenges through modalities including art therapy, music therapy, interpersonal therapy, and more.

What to expect in a psychotherapy session in NYC

The first session is a “get to know you” meeting

Your first therapy session is typically not that different from what you might experience at an initial primary care physician visit. If you’re seeing a therapist within a group practice, there will likely be an administrative assistant to greet you and give you some basic paperwork to fill out. (You may also fill this out online, beforehand.)

Afterwards, your therapist will come get you when they’re ready and lead you to their office. Wondering what that staticky noise is? Many therapists use white noise machines so you can’t hear anything that’s said in the office from the outside in order to protect patient privacy.

Once you’re sitting down, you have a chance to assess fit

Your therapist will likely ask if you’ve been in therapy before; if yes, they might want to know whether, and why, you liked the experience. They will also probably tell you more about themselves and the approach(es) they use, as well as covering logistical details.

You’ll have the chance to ask them questions too – don’t be afraid to say what you’re thinking!

You’ll decide whether you want to continue working together

Therapists value the client-therapist fit, and ultimately they’re looking out for your best interests. If, after the first session, you don’t think they’re the one for you, you can tell them that. (While “breaking up with a therapist” might seem awkward, they’ve been through it many times before and won’t take it personally.)

You’ll wrap up with the charge and planning next session

Sessions typically last 45-50 minutes (although intakes can sometimes take longer). At the end, if you’re using insurance, you’ll be responsible for your copay; if you’re not using insurance or are using out-of-network benefits, you’ll be responsible for the full fee. (Your therapist may also ask for your credit card, to save time with automatic payments.)

If you're continuing with your therapist, you'll also confirm your next appointment.

To find out what psychotherapy with your therapist looks like, ask them on your initial call

Since psychotherapy can take so many different forms, the best way to learn what to expect is by asking the therapist you’ve decided on in your initial call!

Find a psychotherapist near you

Ready to get started on your search? Find the right psychotherapist for you on Zencare. Search by insurance, fees, and location; watch introductory videos; and book some free, initial calls with psychotherapists you're excited about!