Therapy / Mental Health Services Consultation on the Upper West Side
Many people seek therapy when they are already exhausted from trying to manage symptoms on their own. It is also common to feel uncertain about what type of treatment to pursue, or even how to describe what is happening beyond “I’m overwhelmed” or “something isn’t working.” A consultation is designed to bring clarity to that uncertainty. It provides a focused clinical conversation that helps translate concerns into a workable first step.
We offer mental health services for adults, adolescents, and children in our Upper West Side office near Central Park or by secure telehealth for New York, New Jersey and Connecticut residents. If you would like a broader overview of the practice, our page on mental health services on the Upper West Side explains how services are structured.
What Our Consultation Covers
Think of it as a calm, focused intake without pressure to commit on the spot. We’ll talk through where symptoms show up—mornings, work, school, late at night—what you’ve already tried, and what’s getting in the way. We’ll also gain a clearer understanding of the changes you want to make and the goals you hope to reach.
From there, we’ll outline treatment options that make sense and preview what therapy would look like week to week. If neuropsych testing, school coordination, or a physician consult may help, we’ll flag it early so you’re not piecing things together alone.
How We Match You to Care
We develop a big picture understanding of what is going on with you to develop an integrated treatment plan that addresses all the pieces of your life. Our approach is skills-based and evidence-based with an emphasis on interventions that can be applied in daily life. We prioritize both providing a supportive space to explore your feelings and helping you learn concrete ways to tolerate discomfort and feel better.
When anxiety is a central driver—such as chronic worry, panic symptoms, social anxiety, or avoidance treatment focuses on learning skills to manage unhelpful thought patterns and gradually target avoidant behaviors.
When obsessive-compulsive symptoms are present, exposure and response prevention (ERP) may be the most appropriate treatment. We move at your pace, working together to tackle fears gradually, one step at a time.
For low mood, burnout, or depression-related withdrawal, behavioral activation and routine design can help restore functioning and re-engage with meaningful activity before motivation returns.
For body-focused repetitive behaviors such as hair pulling or skin picking, we may recommend habit reversal training (HRT) and related approaches, explained in simple, easy to understand terms.
You’ll learn practical strategies to meet sensory needs, resist the urge to pick or pull, and tolerate discomfort.
For children and adolescents, we also consider how symptoms interact with development, school demands, family routines, and sleep.
Parent involvement may be recommended when it improves consistency and follow-through, particularly for anxiety, school avoidance, and transition-related difficulties. When school stress is part of the problem, we can discuss how collaboration and school accommodations are typically approached and what level of coordination is likely to be useful.
In-Person on the UWS & Secure Telehealth (NY, NJ, CT)
Consultations are available in our office near Central Park, convenient to the 1, 2, 3, and B/C subway lines. Secure telehealth is available for New York, New Jersey and Connecticut residents when travel, schedule constraints, or privacy needs make remote meetings preferable.
Many clients choose to begin with a telehealth consultation and then decide whether ongoing care is best in person, online, or in a hybrid format.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens during the consultation?
This 60-minute structured consultation provides a comprehensive overview of your history, with a focus on your presenting concerns. We clarify what is most difficult right now, where symptoms appear across settings, what you have tried, and what you want to change. The goal is to leave with a clear next step and plan.,
Do I need to know which therapy I want?
Not at all. It is more helpful to describe patterns and examples from real life, such as avoidance, panic, spiraling worry, conflict around routines, or low energy. We use that information to identify the treatment approach that best fits your needs.
Is this in person or online?
Either is available. We offer in-person consultations on the Upper West Side and secure telehealth for New York, New Jersey and Connecticut residents. We can also discuss whether a hybrid plan is likely to be useful.
Will there be “homework”?
Evidence-based treatment often includes brief practice between sessions. When ongoing care begins, we typically recommend one or two small, realistic steps tied to your goals. The intent is practical application, not lengthy worksheets.
Can you coordinate with schools or physicians?
Yes, with your consent. When coordination will help, we share concise recommendations so the plan shows up where you live, learn, and work.
Get Started
A consultation can reduce uncertainty and prevent weeks of guesswork. If you would like help identifying a sensible first step, you can request an appointment or call +1 (917) 972-5671.
Location
241 Central Park W # 1D, New York, NY 10024
Phone: (917) 972-5671
Email: info@gordontherapygroup.com
Hours of Operation
Monday – Friday: 9 AM – 6 PM
Saturday – Sunday: Closed