Discovering the appropriate therapist may be an incredible beginning towards healing, personal growth, and mental well-being. New York City’s pace of life and diversity of population make it a hotbed of some of the country’s top mental health practitioners. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, relationship issues, identity crisis, or just wanting to improve yourself, this guide presents you with the best 10 therapists in NYC who come with a treasure chest of experience, compassion, and evidence-based achievement in their practice. If you’re looking for the best therapists in New York, this compiled list features practitioners who are at the forefront of clinical skills and commitment.
1. Laurie Sloane—Highly Seasoned Psychoanalyst & Therapist
Experience- and depth-wise, one of the finest therapists in New York is Laurie Sloane. Laurie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 30 years of clinical experience in psychoanalysis, individual and couples therapy, and group work. Her blended method is founded on the collaborative approach of both the conscious and unconscious mind, instructing clients on how their past experiences shape their present feelings and relationships.
Laurie’s specialties include anxiety, depression, grief, identity issues, low self-esteem, and coping with life transitions, particularly for adults in midlife and creative professionals. She is also recognized for leading supportive online groups, including her Virtual Support Groups for Midlife Women, a comforting space where women can share and develop.
Practicing in Manhattan with a Manhasset office, Laurie provides in-office and telehealth sessions, making her services available to a very broad array of clients. Her empathetic approach and sharp observation skills make her a valuable mentor to numerous individuals on their paths towards healing.
2. Dr. Darcy Sterling, LCSW — Well-known Couples & Relationship Therapist
If self-esteem or relationship problems are your dilemma, then one of NYC’s therapists is Dr. Darcy Sterling. Cofounder of Alternatives Counseling and TV personality, Darcy is a clinical social worker certified in couples therapy, and emotional well-being. Possessing degrees from Columbia and NYU, she provides academic discipline with compassionate professionalism.
Darcy’s practice assists clients in dealing with relationships, family life, and individual power. Her practice is affirmative and welcoming, and she is the best choice for individuals who want a therapist who adores all identities.
3. Dr. Anne Marie Albano, Ph.D., ABPP — Best Child & Adolescent Anxiety Specialist
For parents seeking professional assistance with child or adolescent anxiety, Dr. Anne Marie Albano leads the list. A professor at the Columbia University Medical Center and former president of the clinical child psychology division of the American Psychological Association, Dr. Albano has expertise in evidence-based therapies for child and adolescent anxiety, trauma, and mood disorders.
Her writing interlaces science and empathetic care to lead young clients and their families through mental illness, providing hope and real-world solutions.
4. Dr. Heather Berlin, Ph.D.—Neuroscience-Informed Psychotherapy
A psychoanalyst and neuroscientist practicing in NYC, Dr. Heather Berlin is a bridge between neuroscience and emotional health. Her research explores how brain function affects emotions, identity, and behavior. As an Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Mount Sinai, she brings neurobiological understanding to therapy, providing new techniques for emotional management, cognitive functioning, and transformation.
Clients seeking a session of therapy that integrates mind and brain will appreciate her skills as one of a kind and rewarding.
5. Dr. Tracy Dennis-Tiwary, Ph.D.—Specialist in Emotion Regulation & Digital Therapeutics
Dr. Tracy Dennis-Tiwary is a clinical psychologist who bridges the gap between psychology and technology, designing digital interventions that assist clients in managing anxiety and enhancing focus. She is an associate professor at Hunter College and an expert in emotion regulation and attention bias modification.
Her pioneering work in mental health apps complements traditional therapy methods with clients’ functional skills to manage stress in the age of technology.
6. Dr. Nancy Boyd-Franklin, Ph.D.—Family Systems & Cultural Sensitivity Champion
When families are included in the healing process, one name stands out: Dr. Nancy Boyd-Franklin. A Columbia-trained clinical psychologist, she is famous for her culturally sensitive approach to family therapy, especially in African American and minority communities.
Her research focus includes intergenerational trauma, disruption of communication, and cultural identity, building family reunification and resilience in contexts of complex social environments.
7. Erica Woodland, LCSW — Ally to Queer & Trans People of Color
Erica Woodland adds a distinctive voice and vision to practice as one of the founders of the National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network (NQTTCN). She takes seriously the provision of culturally responsive care to QTBIPOC clients who are most often marginalized and traumatized. Woodland’s community-building and healing-oriented practice is empowering in nature, making her a beacon figure for clients looking for affirming and well-educated mental health care.
8. Dr. Cynthia Giacomarra, Ph.D.—Multifaceted Teen & Adult Therapist
Top-rated NYC therapist on TherapyDen, Dr. Cynthia Giacomarra, is a specialist in the treatment of mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, and life change. She employs Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and psychodynamic methods customized according to individual client needs.
Dr. Giacomarra is well-liked by clients because he has a warm and compassionate approach as he goes about finding out underlying issues and building useful coping strategies.
9. Gemma Collins, LMFT — Family & Couples Therapist with a Cultural Perspective
Gemma Collins is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has a focus on multicultural families and couples. She helps clients communicate better, resolve disputes, and nurture the emotional well-being of children.
Gemma’s culturally aware approach allows her to understand the rich backgrounds of her clients and create comprehensive treatment plans that respect personal values.
10. Marissa Gomez Schursky, LMFT — Top-Rated Therapist on Yelp
Completing our list is Marissa Gomez Schursky, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a strong reputation for her empathetic, client-centered practice. She has received compliments regarding her ability to treat anxiety, self-esteem, life transitions, and relationship issues and has 5-star ratings on sites such as Yelp.
Marissa is complimented for creating a safe and supportive environment in which clients can be heard and empowered to make lasting change.
Tips to Select the Ideal Therapist in New York
Selecting the ideal therapist is not so much about qualifications as it is about connection. Here are a few tips for selecting the ideal one:
- Identify your needs: Do you need assistance for anxiety, relationships, trauma, or identity? Therapists have specialties.
- See their modality: Psychoanalysis, CBT, family systems, neuropsychotherapy, or integrative therapy? You need to know what speaks to you.
- Review logistics: Address, availability for telehealth, insurance, fees, and scheduling.
- Initiate contact: Most therapists provide a free consultation or short phone call. It will help you determine if the therapist’s approach works for you.
- Listen to your intuition: Creating safety and feeling understood is most crucial to successful therapy.
If you’d like to check out therapy in New York, be sure to inquire regarding session format, specialty, and what a session is like.
Why New York City Is a Center for Excellent Therapists
New York’s population diversity and the level of high-quality colleges and hospitals provide rich soil for high-quality mental health treatment. Therapists here are more likely to incorporate new studies and multiculturalism into practice. Therapists also provide public education and advocacy, reducing stigma and increasing access.
Final Thoughts
The journey toward mental wellness is personal and sometimes challenging. Having a therapist you trust and respect makes all the difference. From Laurie Sloane’s decades of psychoanalytic wisdom to Erica Woodland’s culturally affirming care for queer and trans people of color, these 10 NYC therapists represent some of the best in their fields.
If you are prepared to move that next step forward, this guide is a good place to start the search for the assistance you need, specifically designed to meet your own life and challenges.
Keep in mind, asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. A skilled therapist will assist you in writing your own story toward healing, resilience, and fulfillment.
