Work With a Supervised Clinician in New York
Our supervised clinicians take insurance and are accepting new clients. Zaire Smalls, MHC-LP, and Karen Garcia, MHC-LP, both have openings and are in-network with Aetna, Anthem / Empire BlueCross (including Excellus, Highmark, and out-of-state BlueCard plans), Carelon, Cigna, EmblemHealth, MagnaCare, Meritain, and NYSHIP / The Empire Plan.
With a supervised clinician, individual sessions are $150 at full fee, with sliding-scale rates of $75–$150; couples sessions are $200, with sliding-scale rates of $100–$200. We reply within two business days, and most people start within one to two weeks — without giving up the depth and quality of care that defines our practice.
Counseling in English and Spanish with Karen
Karen Garcia, MHC-LP, offers a warm, practical approach to anxiety, work stress, self-esteem, and life transitions. Karen is accepting new clients ages 16 and older, with all session formats available in English or Spanish and free 15-minute consultations. She accepts the same insurance plans as our other supervised clinicians.
What a Supervised Clinician Is
A supervised clinician — often listed as an MHC-LP, or Mental Health Counselor with a Limited Permit — has completed their graduate training and is practicing while working toward full licensure, under the close supervision of an experienced, New York–licensed clinician.
In plain terms: they've completed graduate-level clinical training and are providing therapy under close supervision while they continue toward full licensure.
Why This Can Be a Great Fit
Choosing a supervised clinician is a great option for many people.
- Sooner availability — supervised clinicians more often have current openings — most new clients have a first session within one to two weeks of reaching out, not months.
- Lower cost — sessions are typically offered at a reduced fee, and supervised clinicians often have strong insurance access.
- Highly engaged care — early-career therapists are often deeply invested, current in their training, and bringing real energy to the care they provide.
Thoughtful Care, Closely Supported
Every clinician on our team — supervised or fully licensed — practices within our shared relational, trauma-informed framework and values.
Supervised clinicians meet regularly with an experienced supervisor to think carefully about the care they provide. In practice, this means your therapist has steady clinical support behind the scenes.
Many people do some of their deepest therapy this way.
Who This Works Well For
A supervised clinician may be a good fit if you:
- want to begin therapy soon rather than waiting
- are using insurance, or looking for a lower fee
- care about quality and want to know your therapist is well-supported
- are open to being matched based on fit and availability
How to Begin
Reach out through our secure form, and we'll learn a little about what you're looking for, review insurance and availability, and help match you with a clinician — supervised or licensed — who feels like a strong fit and has room to begin.
We respond to every inquiry within two business days, so you are never left wondering whether your message landed.
Cost, Insurance & Getting Started
How much does therapy with a supervised clinician cost?
Sliding-scale rates with a supervised clinician are $75–$150 per individual session and $100–$200 per couples session, based on your circumstances. If you use insurance, copays and other costs vary by insurance and plan.
Can I use insurance?
We are in-network with Aetna, Anthem / Empire BlueCross (including Excellus, Highmark, and out-of-state BlueCard plans), Carelon, Cigna, EmblemHealth, MagnaCare, Meritain, and NYSHIP / The Empire Plan. Copays and other out-of-pocket costs vary by insurance and plan. Participation also varies by clinician; we confirm your coverage and cost before your first session.
How soon could I start?
We respond within two business days, and most new clients have a first session within one to two weeks. Timing depends on clinical fit, your schedule, and clinician availability; some clinicians have a waitlist.
What does supervised clinician mean?
A supervised clinician has completed graduate training and holds a New York mental health counseling limited permit (MHC-LP). They provide therapy with regular clinical supervision while working toward full licensure.
Who You Could Work With
Karen Garcia, MHC-LP
Supervised therapy for teens ages 16+, adults, couples, and families, in English or Spanish.
Currently accepting new clients
Zaire Smalls, MHC-LP
Supervised therapy for teens ages 16+, adults, couples, and families.
Currently accepting new clients
Michelle Batista, MHC-LP
Supervised therapy in English or Spanish.
Currently full — accepting waitlist requests
Sessions are online for clients located in New York. We review clinical fit, insurance, and current openings before you begin. Insurance & Fees · Get Started
Ready for a supported first step?
If you're looking for warm, supported care with sooner availability or lower cost, we can help you find a supervised or licensed clinician who feels like a strong fit.