Not a crisis service. Call or text 988, or call 911 in an emergency.

NearbyTherapy

Therapists in New York, licensed providers across the state

New York has one of the widest ranges of mental health licenses in the country, from mental health counselors to psychoanalysts. This page explains what those letters mean, who issues them and how to find a licensed therapist in New York City, Brooklyn or anywhere else in the state.

A woman walking up the stoop of a Manhattan walk-up building in the morning, a tote bag on her shoulder

License types you will see in New York

All of the licenses below are issued and overseen by the New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions. Its public online lookup lets anyone check whether a license is current.

LettersWhat they mean
LMHCLicensed Mental Health Counselor, the New York name for a professional counselor
LCSWLicensed Clinical Social Worker, trained in clinical social work and psychotherapy
LMFTLicensed Marriage and Family Therapist, focused on couples, families and relationships
Licensed psychologistDoctoral level clinician who may also provide psychological testing
LCAT and licensed psychoanalystCreative arts therapists and psychoanalysts, two less common New York licenses

You may also see LMSW (master social worker) or the designation LCSW-R, which New York uses for clinical social workers with additional supervised experience. Ask any provider which license they hold and whether they practice independently.

Learn more about marriage and family therapists, clinical social workers, licensed professional counselors and psychologists.

New York cities we cover in detail

Buffalo, Rochester, Albany, Syracuse, Long Island and the Hudson Valley are all searchable from the box above.

Paying for therapy in New York

Many therapists in New York accept some commercial insurance plans, some accept New York Medicaid, and some work self-pay only. New York Medicaid members are often enrolled in a managed care plan, and that plan decides which therapists are in network. Call the number on your card, or ask the practice directly. Our guide to a therapist near me that takes Medicaid explains the general questions to ask.

Online therapy and state lines

A therapist generally must be licensed in the state where you are located during the session. If you live in New Jersey or Connecticut and work in Manhattan, an online session taken from home may require a license in your home state, so tell the provider where you will be.

How New York listings appear

Claimed profiles show the details a therapist entered and a "License verified" badge, and they answer concern and insurance filters. Unclaimed registry listings appear beneath them with name, credential, practice address and phone from the NPPES NPI Registry.

More licensed providers in New York

Details not yet confirmed by the provider. Call to ask about insurance and fees.

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Is an LMHC the same as an LPC

They describe similar training. New York calls its professional counselor license LMHC, while many other states use LPC.

How can I check a New York license

The NYS Education Department, Office of the Professions, offers a public license verification search by name or license number.

Can a New York therapist see me online

Generally yes, if you are located in New York during the session. Ask the therapist about rules for other states.

Help in a crisis

NearbyTherapy is a directory and not an emergency service. Call or text 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) if you are in crisis, or call 911 in an emergency.

Start your New York search

Are you a therapist licensed in New York? Your registry listing may already be here.

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