Collaborative & confidential online therapy for New Yorkers
Online therapy offers a bridge connecting you to specialized mental health experts whether you live in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, or upstate. Our team of psychologists and doctoral-level therapists are licensed to offer virtual sessions to anyone residing in the state of New York. All virtual sessions are provided through a confidential, fully HIPAA-compliant video platform.
How does virtual therapy in New York work?
Professional licensing regulations state that online therapy takes place where the client in physically located during the session. This means that every mental health professional licensed by New York state can see any NY resident for virtual sessions. Whether you are at home in Brooklyn, working in Midtown, or upstate for the week, we are happy to meet you online.
Can we do our sessions if I travel outside of New York?
Unfortunately no, if you know you will be traveling outside of New York, please inform your therapist to discuss rescheduling. Some therapists are licensed by PSYPACT, which is an interstate agreement designed to allow licensed psychologists to offer telepsychology across state boundaries legally and ethically without requiring that an individual become licensed in every state to practice. At this time New York is not an active PSYPACT state.
Who is virtual therapy best for?
Virtual therapy has unique benefits, and it can be a particularly good option for some who’ve experienced constraints with a traditional in-person approach. Our team encourages you to consider virtual therapy if:
you already have very limited time, and online sessions offer greater flexibility between your calendar and your therapist’s availability.
adding a reoccurring appointment to your week is doable once you don’t have to factor in transit time or traffic.
you’re looking for a specialized clinical focus or multicultural training, which can be harder to find if you live outside NYC
online therapy means you don’t have to outsource childcare or responsibilities every week
you’re managing a unique stage of life or physical limits, such as unpredictable energy, recent injury, pregnancy/postpartum, or chronic pain and illness.
Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?
Yes, research shows that virtual sessions can be just as effective as in-person sessions. Our therapists are trained in a number of evidence-based, insight-oriented, and multiculturally responsive approaches that retain their impact and clinical efficacy in a virtual context. In fact, decades of studies continue to show that the most important factor that predicts successful therapy is the therapy relationship, not how you meet.
If meeting your therapist virtually takes practical barriers off your plate, you’ve noticed you can be yourself on video calls, it’s likely that online therapy can work well for you. We’d be happy to speak to you about the option and create a trial period with the intention of evaluating what’s working for you.
What should I expect from my first online therapy session?
Your first online therapy session will feel just like an in-person therapy session! We encourage you to plan to be on time, and when you’re ready to start, click on the secure link that you were provided by your therapist. To make the most of your virtual sessions, you should have:
a private, quiet, uninterrupted environment to talk
reliable, high-speed internet (it often helps to close tabs prior to your session that are actively streaming content)
good lighting and sound to promote clear video and sound
Do you use Zoom, or what platform do you use for online sessions?
Our therapists never use apps like Facetime or Zoom - we will connect online using Sessions, a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform hosted by Psychology Today. Manhattan Therapy Collective has a standing BAA (Business Associate Agreement), which is a legally binding contract under HIPAA between a healthcare provider and a contractor that protects patient health information. You don’t need to download anything new. You will receive a secure, private link to enter your therapist’s virtual waiting room via your phone, tablet, or laptop.
How do we handle technical interruptions or spotty Wi-Fi?
If you’re concerned that you may have spotty or poor wifi, we encourage you to notify your therapist as soon as possible and come up with a solution or backup plan (e.g., use a mobile hotspot, switch locations, reschedule). If we are somehow disconnected during a session, your therapist will reach out through the phone number you provide in advance to reestablish contact and agree upon next steps.
How do out-of-network benefits work for online therapy sessions?
Most insurances cover virtual sessions identically to in-person therapy. If you’re planning to use out of network benefits for your sessions, we encourage you to confirm this is the case with your insurance plan before starting therapy or attending your first virtual session. You should also clarify if there are any unique considerations made for virtual sessions that differ from benefits associated with in-person sessions (e.g., number of sessions, reimbursement for late cancellation fees).
Have more questions? Please contact us.