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Finding a Therapist in New York City

Finding a Therapist in New York City

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If you’re looking at therapists in New York City, you might be facing quite a conundrum. A quick Google search returns 586,000,000 results. Over 5,000 people are looking up online mental health treatment in NYC each month. However, narrowing down your options can feel daunting in this 24/7 city. In fact, about one in 25 New Yorkers have a serious mental illness. This equates to 280,000 adults with diagnoses like schizophrenia and major depressive disorder. This is according to the Mayor’s Office of Community Mental Health.

When you’re in need of a therapist in the Big Apple, let’s talk about what you should look for—and why Cerebral weekly therapy could be an excellent fit for you.

Evaluating therapists in NYC: 3 things to look for

Finding online mental health treatment in New York City is a bit like dating. You might need to kiss a few frogs before you find your prince/princess. To help you get more specific about the help you need, consider these three questions.

What type of therapist do you need?

Is depression weighing you down? Are periods of anxiety making it difficult to get through the day? There are many types of therapy. See if you can somewhat pinpoint what you’re battling. It’ll help you determine which therapists in New York City you should consider. Where are you now? Where are you trying to go? What’s your goal? Asking yourself these questions is a good start.

Women looking out the window at New York from above

For example, let’s say you’re dealing with depression, anxiety, or insomnia. You might benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This form of psychotherapy puts an emphasis on the link between thoughts (cognition) and emotions (behavior).

Working with the right type of therapist (and the right kind of therapy) isn’t the only thing to consider. You also want a therapist who will give you the tools and resources to continue working on your mental health even when they’re not around. Let’s use the previous example of CBT. In working with your Cerebral therapist, they’ll encourage you to examine your thoughts and emotions between sessions. You can accomplish this using the CBT exercises available within the Cerebral app.

How do you want to receive your therapy?

When the pandemic shut the world down, most therapists in NYC (and elsewhere) moved to a virtual realm out of necessity. Then, many of us realized how powerful teletherapy is. Now, it’s here to stay, making mental health care more available than ever before.

In fact, a recent survey from the APA found that before the pandemic, 64% of psychiatrists that they surveyed didn’t see any of their patients via teletherapy. After the pandemic took over, 81% of their respondents said that they saw between 75% and 100% of their patients via teletherapy.

Man receiving online mental health treatment in NYC via teletherapy

Thus, online therapy is proving to be a workable alternative to heading for a therapist’s office. If you still prefer in-person treatment, that’s perfectly understandable. If you’d like to go the teletherapy route, then it’s important to do your due diligence. Ensure that you’re receiving care from a reputable organization.

For example, every Cerebral therapist is licensed or an associate working towards licensure under the direct supervision of a licensed clinical supervisor, with training in evidence-based therapeutic practices. Additionally, they’ve all obtained a graduate degree from an accredited institution. Our team is comprised of licensed mental health counselors, clinical professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, social workers, and various types of doctors.

Furthermore, our care model is designed for long-term treatment. It gives you the chance to form a trusted bond with your therapist and receive the support that you need.

What kind of budget are you working with?

Cost is still a huge barrier in making mental health care more accessible. The U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) once reported (via the National Alliance on Mental Illness) that 45.6 million Americans are suffering from a mental illness (roughly 20%). Yet only 38.2% of them received help. They simply couldn’t afford therapy, whether they were insured or uninsured. While the estimates will vary by provider, on average, the average cost of seeing a therapist in NYC is around $200 per session. For a psychiatrist, expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $500.

Let’s start with the former group of people. If you have health insurance, first check to see if your plan covers mental health. If you want teletherapy, look for this specifically.

Health insurance written in Scrabble tiles

Next, you’ll want to see if that plan works with Cerebral. To see a current list of the insurance we accept, please visit our FAQs page. In the case that you need a prescription, it’s billed separately from your monthly plan. Coverage follows whatever your health insurance dictates.

But we also understand that not everyone has insurance. While insurance companies are being pushed to better cover mental health, they’ve got a long way to go. And sometimes, even in the case that it is covered, eligibility is very tight, and it’s hard to qualify.

For this reason, we’ve made it a priority to make mental health services affordable. Memberships cost anywhere from $29 to $325 per month. This depends on the plan you choose and whether your insurance covers it. It excludes the cost of prescriptions. Plans are a flat monthly rate. Our ability to keep the financial commitment so reasonable makes Cerebral the optimal online mental health treatment in NYC.

No individual should ever be denied the mental health support they need because of a financial barrier.

Two women embracing, looking at New York City skyscrapers

(While some of our plans offer unlimited messaging with our care team, we want to offer a gentle reminder. If you’re in emotional distress and need immediate help, you can contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline. Just dial 1-800-273-8255. You can also text “Home” to 741-741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.

Receiving online mental health care with Cerebral

Your mental health always matters. The last couple of years, in particular, have been incredibly trying. We’re here for you. Work with Cerebral and receive regular assessments, weekly therapy, video or phone appointments, and medication management and delivery with one of our affordable monthly subscriptions.

Ready to take the next step? Take a free emotional assessment to get started.

Clinically reviewed by Tony Reigle, Ph.D., LPC, CCTP-II, CCFP

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Therapy
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Therapy
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Therapy
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The Stages of Therapy There are multiple stages when it comes to therapy, which can be broken down into the following:  Assessment and Intake Building Rapport Self-Exploration and Awareness Targeting Negative Patterns and Developing Coping Skills Sustaining Progress Assessment and Intake The first stage of therapy involves understanding your needs and creating a personalized plan to help you feel better. During your first session, you'll talk to your therapist about your health history, mental health concerns, and anything else that's affecting your well-being. You might also talk about your family, childhood, or past experiences, as these can sometimes influence how we feel today. Once your therapist has a good understanding of your situation, you'll work together to create a plan for moving forward. Here are some things you can expect to discuss during the assessment stage: Your symptoms: What are you struggling with? How are you feeling, thinking, and behaving? What are your hopes and goals for therapy? Your history: Have you had any past mental health diagnoses? What are your family relationships like? Have you experienced any trauma or difficult life events? Your lifestyle: How do you eat, sleep, and exercise? Do you use drugs or alcohol? How is your social support? Your thoughts and feelings: What are your thoughts and beliefs about yourself and the world? How do you typically react to stress or difficult situations? What strengths and coping skills do you already have that are serving you well? What barriers to mental wellness do you experience? Building Rapport The strength of the therapeutic relationship is the strongest predictor of success in therapy. Building a trusting relationship with your therapist lays the groundwork for open communication and collaboration. This involves more than just the exchange of information; it's about creating a genuine bond. Your therapist will actively listen to you, creating a safe space for open communication.  Further questions about your personal history, family dynamics, and past experiences will enable the therapist to develop a profound understanding of the factors shaping your current mental health.  As your therapist gets to know you better, they'll work alongside you to identify any problems that need tackling. This teamwork builds the trust you need for your therapy journey, making sure you always feel safe and supported. Self-Exploration and Awareness The phase of self-exploration and awareness marks a pivotal moment in your therapeutic journey, where the focus shifts inward as you take a deep dive into your thoughts and emotions. Your therapist will be there to guide you as you discover what makes you tick: your patterns, triggers, and how you react to life's ups and downs. It's not just about checking off symptoms, but truly understanding yourself from the inside out. Targeting Negative Patterns and Developing Coping Skills In this phase, you’ll explore the hidden patterns that may be impacting your mental health. With your therapist as your guide, you'll examine and understand negative habits that may be rooted in your thoughts, actions, or relationships. By shining a light on these patterns, you'll gain the power to break free and build a stronger, more confident you. Your therapist will work with you to identify specific challenges and develop personalized coping strategies. These strategies are tools that will help you navigate life's ups and downs with greater resilience. Here's an example: Challenge: Feeling overwhelmed by work stress. Coping strategy: Learning relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing. Benefit: Feeling calmer and more focused throughout the day. Sustaining Progress  This part of therapy is about making real-life changes. Your therapist will guide you through exercises like journaling, mindfulness, and self-assessment, helping you understand your thoughts and feelings better. Your therapist will help you fit these exercises into your daily routine. The more you reflect, the better you'll be able to manage your emotions and navigate challenges outside of therapy. As you do these exercises, you and your therapist will track your progress, celebrate your successes, and identify areas where you can still improve. Your therapist will also help you challenge negative thought patterns or behaviors and replace them with positive ones. As you work together, you'll gain insights into how your past experiences affect your present. This self-awareness is key to developing coping strategies and making lasting changes. Navigating Conversations with Your Therapist Remember, therapy requires your active participation to work. You’ll need to put in consistent effort during (and between) sessions to see real progress. Transparent communication is key.  Openly sharing your thoughts and concerns forms the cornerstone of effective communication in therapy. Transparency creates not just a dialogue but a safe space for exploration and understanding. Your therapist is there as a compassionate guide, and by honestly expressing your feelings and experiences, you lay the foundation for a therapeutic alliance built on trust. Clarify Expectations Discussing your expectations for therapy is important to ensure a harmonious therapeutic journey. Take the opportunity to inquire about your therapist's approach, methodologies, and treatment modalities. Clarifying expectations allows both parties to get on the same page regarding the objectives of the therapeutic process. Ask About Progress Therapy is a journey, and just like any journey, there will be ups and downs. Regularly discussing your progress with your therapist allows you to check in and make sure you're still on the right track to achieving your mental health goals. Seek Guidance on “Homework” Resources Asking your therapist about resources you can complete outside of sessions is a great way to take charge of your mental health. They can recommend books, articles, or exercises that fit your needs, giving you tools to understand yourself better and grow as a person, leading to lasting positive change. Here are some benefits of exploring these resources: Learn new skills: Develop coping mechanisms to manage stress, anxiety, or other challenges. Build self-awareness: Gain a deeper understanding of your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Boost your confidence: Feel empowered to take control of your mental health. Make progress between sessions: Continue growing even when you're not in therapy. Start seeing a therapist online with Cerebral You no longer have to commute to a traditional office to see a professional therapist anymore.  Online therapy offers a convenient and effective alternative, allowing you to connect with a qualified professional from the comfort of your own home. Just as effective as in-person therapy, online sessions provide a safe and confidential space to discuss your concerns and work towards achieving your goals. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or any other mental health concern, online therapy can offer the support and guidance you need. Here are some of the benefits of online therapy: Convenience: Connect with your therapist from using your computer, tablet, or smartphone. No need to worry about traffic, parking, or childcare. Accessibility: Find a therapist anywhere in your home state (rather than just those close by) who specializes in your specific needs. Privacy and Comfort: Receive therapy in the privacy and comfort of your own home, feeling relaxed and at ease. Cost-Effective: Online therapy is typically much more affordable than traditional in-person sessions. Flexible Scheduling: Choose sessions that fit your busy schedule, with appointments available early mornings, evenings, and weekends. Cerebral provides easy access to world-class therapists—100% online. Our deep pool of professionals are vetted, experienced, and come from diverse backgrounds, so we’re sure we can help you choose a therapist who you feel comfortable speaking with. And if you ever need a change, you can choose a new therapist at any time. Plus, we offer flexible scheduling to accommodate even the busiest schedules, with appointments available during the day, at night, and even on weekends. 
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