Culturally Sensitive Therapy for Asian American Adults
in NYC
Columbia-trained CBT psychologist helping you
navigate perfectionism, stress, and relationships
with care attuned to your cultural background
A brief, pressure-free call to see how I can help
When You Quietly Carry More Than People Realize
Many Asian Americans carry responsibilities and expectations — from family, others, and themselves — that rarely feel visible. You may appear accomplished and reliable, yet privately feel stretched, unsure, or stuck.
You may notice:
Feeling your efforts are never “enough,” with an inner critic that won’t quiet
Difficulty recognizing or expressing emotions until they feel overwhelming
Struggling to set boundaries without guilt or feeling disloyal
Feeling responsible for others’ needs, or family or relationship harmony
Tension between your identity, values, and family expectations
You’re not alone and change is possible
How Middle Path Can Help You
At Middle Path, you will find a space where you don’t have to explain your cultural background, learned expectations, or the pull between different parts of your identity. Together, we will explore stress, relationships, work-life balance, communication, and the challenge of caring for others while also caring for yourself.
A safe space for emotions – Process your feelings, make sense of them, and strengthen your ability to regulate them.
Clarity & confidence – Understand patterns that drive stress, self-doubt, and self-criticism, and learn practical ways to feel more self-compassionate and self-assured.
Strengths-based, sustainable change – Build on your strengths to make real, lasting shifts in work, family, relationships, and daily life — changes that feel grounded and manageable.
Healthier boundaries – Develop skills to meet your needs and set limits effectively, in ways that align with your values and priorities.
Culturally attuned care – Work with an Asian heritage clinician who understands learned expectations, identity, and cross-cultural dynamics. Mandarin available.
Flexible scheduling – In-office in NoMad or secure online, with a complimentary 15-minute consultation.
No need to have it all figured out — we’ll take it one step at a time
Dr. Sandy Thompson, PhD
Hi! I’m a Columbia-trained clinical psychologist with over a decade of experience supporting Asian American New Yorkers navigating anxiety, perfectionism, and challenges in work, relationships, and family life. Informed by my bicultural background, I offer practical, tailored CBT that considers cultural context, learned expectations, and the many roles you juggle. Together, we’ll create real, lasting shifts at a pace that feels right for you — helping you manage life’s pressures with greater clarity and balance, in ways that align with your values and priorities.
What change can look like
“You helped me stay true to who I am, and I now feel more grounded, clearer on what I want, and able to communicate it in ways that really work.”
“I feel less anxious and confused now, and more able to cope on my own.”
— Y. C.
— A. F. W.
“I’m much more aware of my feelings, needs, and goals as things are happening. I’ve noticed improvements and less stress in my relationship.”
— E. K. F.
Trusted by colleagues
“Dr. Thompson is a compassionate, genuine, and effective provider of cognitive behavioral treatments. She was one of the most skilled clinicians at Bellevue Hospital. I strongly recommend her without hesitation.“
— Dr. Galbraith“Dr. Thompson is an excellent, competent, compassionate clinician. I highly recommend her to anyone seeking evidence-based treatment for anxiety and relationship difficulties.”
— Dr. SearsTaking the First Step
Book your free phone consultation – Private, flexible, and designed to fit your schedule.
Meet with Dr. Thompson – Experienced and trusted by Asian American New Yorkers for work, family, and cultural pressures.
Start your journey toward lasting change – Gain clarity, strengthen boundaries, and feel more balanced and self-assured.
Rates & Insurance
Sessions are $275 each.
We provide Superbills to make out-of-network reimbursement simple. Many clients receive partial reimbursement — sometimes a significant portion — depending on their plan.
We recommend checking with your insurer as you consider your care.
FAQs
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That's completely okay. You don't need to have everything figured out before starting therapy. Openness and curiosity are more than enough to begin. Together, we'll explore what's bringing you in, identify patterns, and clarify what you'd like to change.
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Therapy can be short- or long-term, depending on your goals and needs. Some clients notice meaningful improvements within a few sessions, while others benefit from longer-term support.
We'll regularly evaluate your progress and adjust the focus as your needs evolve. As you reach your goals, we'll work together to transition out of therapy — often by gradually spacing sessions or wrapping up when you're ready.
And if new goals come up or you’d like a refresher, you’re always welcome to return.
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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.
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Sessions are $275.
Payment is due at the time of service. Major credit cards and FSA/HSA cards are accepted.
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We are an out-of-network practice, which allows us to focus on your goals and treatment rather than insurance requirements.
After each session, we'll provide a Superbill that you can submit to your insurer for available out-of-network reimbursement. Many clients receive partial reimbursement — at times a significant portion — depending on their plan.
To learn about your benefits, contact your insurer and ask:
• Do I have out-of-network benefits?
• What is the reimbursement rate for CPT codes 90791 and 90834, with and without place-of-service code 10?
• What is my out-of-network deductible, and do therapy sessions count toward it?
• What is my out-of-pocket maximum (the spending cap after which many insurers reimburse 100% for the remainder of the plan year)? -
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
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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.
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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
Contact us
16 Madison Square West, Suite 918
New York, NY 10010
(646) 907-8080
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