CBT Therapy in NYC for Anxiety & People-Pleasing

Columbia-trained CBT psychologist helping New Yorkers
feel more grounded, confident, and balanced

A brief, pressure-free call to see how I can help

When You Carry More Than People Realize

Many New Yorkers carry responsibilities and expectations — from others and themselves — that aren’t always visible. You may appear steady and capable, yet privately feel overwhelmed, unsure, or stuck.


You may notice:

  • Constant worry or overthinking

  • Feeling responsible for others’ needs or emotions

  • Saying “yes” even when you’re already stretched thin

  • A critical inner voice that’s hard to quiet

  • Anxiety at work, in relationships, or during downtime

  • Feeling that your efforts aren’t “enough”

You’re not alone and change is possible

An aerial view of a beach with turquoise water and dark coral reefs

How Middle Path Can Help You

At Middle Path, we offer CBT that’s practical, reflective, and tailored to your needs. Trusted by New Yorkers to navigate life’s pressures, we help you spot patterns that hold you back and build real changes, so you can move forward feeling clearer, steadier, and more self-assured.

  • Clarity & confidence – Understand patterns that drive people-pleasing, self-doubt, and self-criticism, and learn practical ways to feel more self-compassionate and self-assured.

  • Strengths & skills – Recognize your existing strengths and build on what’s already working for you.

  • Balanced, sustainable change – Make real, lasting shifts in work, relationships, and daily life in ways that feel grounded and manageable.

  • Healthier boundaries – Set limits effectively while staying aligned with your values and priorities.

  • Flexible schedulingMeet in-office in NoMad or online through a secure platform, with a complimentary 15-minute consultation.

No need to have it all figured out — we’ll take it one step at a time

A young woman with long blonde hair, wearing a navy blazer and pastel blue blouse, sitting on a park bench outdoors with trees and buildings in the background, smiling at the camera.

Dr. Sandy Thompson, PhD

Hi! I’m a Columbia-trained clinical psychologist with over a decade of experience helping New Yorkers manage anxiety, stress, people-pleasing, over-responsibility, and that persistent feeling of “not enough.” I offer CBT that’s practical, reflective, and tailored to your needs — helping you navigate the pressures in your work, relationships, and family with clarity and balance. Together, we’ll create real, lasting shifts at a pace that works for you and in ways that reflect your values and priorities.

Taking the First Step

  1. Book your free phone consultationQuick, private, and easy to schedule.

  2. Meet with Dr. ThompsonExperienced and trusted by New Yorkers to navigate stress and people‑pleasing.

  3. Start your journey toward lasting change – Gain clarity, strengthen boundaries, and feel more balanced and self-assured.

Rates & Insurance

Sessions are $300 each.

We provide Superbills for easy out-of-network reimbursement, and many insurance plans cover part of the cost.

We recommend checking with your insurer as you consider your care.

FAQs

  • We are out-of-network providers and do not accept insurance directly.
    After each session, we provide a Superbill that you may submit to your insurer if you have out-of-network benefits.

    Many insurers cover a portion of out-of-network treatment costs. To determine your coverage, contact your insurer and ask the following:

    • Do I have out-of-network benefits?
    • What is the out-of-network reimbursement rate for CPT codes 90791 and 90834, with and without the place-of-service code 10?
    • What is the amount of my deductible, and do out-of-network services count toward it?
    • What is my out-of-pocket maximum (i.e., the maximum amount you can pay for out-of-network services per plan year)?

  • Sessions are $300.

    Payment is due at the time of service. Major credit cards and FSA/HSA cards are accepted.

  • Your privacy is our top priority. All sessions are strictly confidential, whether in-person or online, so you can feel safe sharing your thoughts and feelings.

    Access the Privacy Practices Notice HERE

  • Absolutely. Online sessions are private and fully secure on a HIPAA-compliant platform. No downloads or apps are required — you can join from anywhere you feel comfortable.

  • Therapy can be both short-term and long-term, depending on your goals and needs. Some clients notice meaningful improvements in just a few sessions, while others prefer and benefit from longer-term support.

    We’ll work together to address your goals and can adjust or add focus areas as needed. As goals are met, sessions naturally shift toward helping you maintain progress and feel more confident applying the skills on your own — our aim is to help you become your own therapist.

    When you’re ready, we’ll transition out of therapy in a way that feels right for you, whether that means gradually spacing sessions to biweekly or monthly, or wrapping up sooner based on your preferences. You’re always welcome to return for “booster” sessions or new goals in the future.

  • To honor both your time and ours, we kindly ask for at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment. Missed appointments, cancellations, or rescheduling with less than 24 hours’ notice will be subject to the full session fee.

  • You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost. Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.

    You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.

    Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.

    If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.

    Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.

    For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call 1-800-985-3059

Take the first step toward balance today

A delicate bunch of dried Baby's Breath flowers against a textured turquoise background.

Contact us

16 Madison Square West, Suite 918
New York, NY 10010

(646) 907-8080

Flatiron Building framed by fuchsia blossoms in Madison Square Park near our NYC therapy office—contact Middle Path Psychological Services to start individual cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with a warm, culturally sensitive therapist

Schedule a phone consultation

You'll receive a complimentary 15-minute call. We'll discuss what you’d like support for, how I may be able to help, and see if working together feels like a good fit — because fit is crucial for therapy to be helpful.

If none of the times work, or if you’d prefer to connect by email, please reach out here