All of us have suffered from negative emotions like sadness, anxiety, regret, or grief. Many have found ourselves stuck in our own thoughts, making it difficult to manage our moods and our behavior. Commonly, we get caught repeating destructive cycles such as overeating, engaging in tumultuous relationships, or obsessively thinking about things outside of our control.

These are the types of human struggle that compel us to seek professional help. Speaking with someone who has the singular motive of offering compassionate support, helping you see the broader picture, and providing tools to build resilience and psychological growth, can bring significant relief and truly help you progress in the right direction.

Different Types of Therapists

Once you are ready to talk to someone, the next task is to find the right person for the job. How can you tell if you should see a social worker, psychologist, psychotherapist, or psychiatrist? First, let’s clarify the language of the trade.

A psychotherapist is a generic term that describes anyone who treats problems related to mood, behavior, or affect. There are several different types of psychotherapists, including social workers, psychologists, licensed mental health workers, psychiatric nurse practitioners and psychiatrists.

Although all of these professionals can potentially perform “talk therapy,” only psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners have received medical training in order to prescribe medications. Furthermore, some psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners identify themselves as psychopharmacologists. These are individuals who have particular expertise in prescribing medication, and who do not necessarily provide talk therapy. Read about our psychotherapy and psychiatry services here.

If you prefer to address painful emotions, experiences, or self defeating behaviors by speaking confidentially with a professional versus using medication, you will want to find someone versed in psychotherapy. Often, the letters behind a person’s name reflects the type and years of training.

For example, a social worker (LCSW) is someone who has had a two year graduate degree, and hundreds of hours of supervision before they can see patients independently.

A psychologist (PhD) has completed a four year degree as well as written a thesis based on rigorous research. Even after completing comprehensive degrees, many professionals seek even more advanced training in a specific field of psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), or psychodynamic psychotherapy. Some mental health providers specialize in certain populations, such as children, couples or families.

Dozens of studies have shown that the relationship between client and therapist is the most critical factor in treatment success, more so even than the specific type of therapy employed, so it might be helpful to speak to a few professionals before you choose a therapist.

Find Positive Attributes in Your Therapist

Finding a therapist that is right for you. Some common positive attributes of any mental health professional include warmth, supportiveness, skillfulness, flexibility, and good judgment. Take some time to get a feel of the person before you make a decision, as it can be initially awkward for any of us to share details of our mental life with another individual. At The Midtown Practice, before making a referral we generally spend some time on the phone learning about you before deciding which therapist would fit best with you, so as to improve the goodness of fit and the resulting therapeutic alliance.

You Are Not Alone

Whether you are suffering from chronic feelings of sadness, loneliness, experienced a painful break up or loss, you do not need to suffer alone. Taking the time to understand the different options available can help you find someone whose treatment style and expertise best suits you. Working collaboratively with the right mental health professional will help you to become “unstuck” and move your life forward with greater ease and fulfillment.

Service Locations

New York, New Jersey, Conneticuit, Florida, California & Massachusetts

Get Started Today

We’re pleased you are here, and we’re committed to finding the right person to help you with your mental health.

Step 1: Connect

Finding the right person to help can seem challenging, which is why we offer multiple ways to connect with us. You can schedule a complimentary 20-minute consultation with our highly trained Clinical Coordinator, Alli Malamut, by either:

  • Calling or texting us at: 212-286-8801
  • Email us at: info@midtownpractice.com
  • By completing the form to the left.

If you do not reach us directly, you can expect to hear back from us the same day or within one business day.

Step 2: Get Matched

In order to find you an ideal fitting clinician or therapist, our Clinical Coordinator will want to learn more about you. Specifically, it would be helpful to hear about your concerns, personal preferences, and any relevant logistical matters (for example, in-person or video sessions? best time or day to meet?) During this call, please feel free to ask us any questions as well!

Please feel free to share with us if you have already identified someone you would like to work with from Our Team page.

Step 3: Check the fit

Connect with the clinician or therapist you are matched with to ask questions, share history, and make sure you feel comfortable about moving forward. If so, book your first session. If it does not feel right, circle back with us.

Step 4: Get started

Schedule time to meet with your new clinician or therapist and work towards living a more fulfilling life!

Over the years, we’ve found our thoughtful matching process is the surest way to find you an ideal clinician or therapist and achieve the best outcome for you.

Call Us

212-286-8801

Email Us

info@midtownpractice.com

Office Address

18 East 48th Street, Suites 1104 and 1202, NYC 10017