What patients are saying
Overall rating
4.95
Average wait time
5.00
Bedside manner
5.00
“I highly recommend Dr. Alisha Desai. She listens with care and gives helpful advice that has made a real difference for me.
Dr. Desai helped me build better self-esteem, confidence, and self-love. She also helped me develop proven strategies that I can use in my daily life to keep improving. Because of her guidance, I have grown stronger mentally and emotionally.
I also appreciate that she allowed me to share my faith during our sessions. That meant a lot to me and made the experience feel more personal and supportive.
Dr. Desai truly cares about her patients and their growth. I am very thankful for the help she has given me, and I strongly recommend her to anyone looking for and effective therapist. ”
JALess than 3 months ago
“Two thumbs way up. A gold medal. A Michelin star. Whatever the equivalent is for therapists, that's my regard for Dr. Alisha Desai. Here's why:
On my end, finding success in therapy required showing up consistently, genuinely, and with a willingness to face what I had been avoiding... You have to understand how much *easier* it was to do that because Dr. Desai was herself showing up consistently, genuinely, and professionally. The tone was set, the air was calm, and thus the vision was more clearly seen.
It is said that much of therapy's power lies within the therapeutic relationship itself, it being a place to laugh, cry, grieve, let go, challenge yourself, and maybe most of all, heal. For that, I see it as a sacred space. True, Dr. Desai earned her PhD and brings a wealth of experience —that shows— but I believe what truly sets her apart are the human qualities that gave the work a sense of depth and meaning, which, in effect for me, was nothing short of heroic. ”
ABLess than 1 year ago
About Dr. Alisha Desai
Focus areas
Anxiety
Perfectionism
Stress
Burnout
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Work-Related Counseling
Midlife Transition
Psychological Trauma
Clientele seen
Young adults (18-24)
Adults (25-64)
Individuals
Treatment approaches
Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
Cognitive Processing (CPT)
Coaching
Dialectical (DBT)
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Motivational Interviewing
Identity
Gender
FemaleLanguages spoken
English
Getting to know Dr. Alisha Desai
Dr. Alisha Desai is a licensed psychologist specializing in anxiety, burnout, and trauma. She works with adults navigating demanding roles in healthcare, finance, tech, law, and entrepreneurship. Her collaborative and solutions-driven approach helps clients gain clarity, build resilience, and make meaningful, lasting change.
Dr. Desai has advanced training in evidence-based therapies: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and exposure therapy.
Beyond her clinical practice, Dr. Desai has researched and developed national initiatives for staff wellbeing across healthcare systems, courts, and global non-profits. She has partnered with mental health tech start-ups on emerging clinical research. Dr Desai has published over 25 peer-reviewed scientific articles and multiple books, and has presented at national conferences.
What should a new client know about working with you?
**PLEASE NOTE: This practice does not accept insurance. The cost of services starts at $250 per 50-minute session and $300 for the initial intake.**
What is your typical process for working with clients?
At your initial session(s), we'll get to know one another, learn about your experiences, and discuss your goals for treatment.
After the intake, I'll develop a personalized treatment plan that incorporates your goals, strengths, and experiences.
From there, we'll meet regularly to build insight and develop skills that will help you navigate your life with confidence and success. Individual therapy sessions are active and focused on growth and change.
Out-of-pocket fees and assistance
Initial session: $300 for 60 minutes
Ongoing session: $250-300 for 50 minutes
More information on payments and coverage
Initial Intake & Evaluation: $300
Individual Therapy Sessions: $250 - $300
Many insurance companies will offer partial reimbursement for out-of-network appointments. Please be in touch with any questions about fees or out-of-network reimbursement.
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- Drexel University, PhD in Clinical Psychology
- Cornell University (Bachelor's)
- Drexel University, Master's in Clinical Psychology
NPI number
1558074252
Patient reviews
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
4.95
Wait time
5.00
Bedside manner
5.00
Your trust is our top concern, so providers can't pay to alter or remove reviews. We also don't publish reviews that contain any private patient health information. Learn more here
19 reviews
Most relevant
I highly recommend Dr. Alisha Desai. She listens with care and gives helpful advice that has made a real difference for me.
Dr. Desai helped me build better self-esteem, confidence, and self-love. She also helped me develop proven strategies that I can use in my daily life to keep improving. Because of her guidance, I have grown stronger mentally and emotionally.
I also appreciate that she allowed me to share my faith during our sessions. That meant a lot to me and made the experience feel more personal and supportive.
Dr. Desai truly cares about her patients and their growth. I am very thankful for the help she has given me, and I strongly recommend her to anyone looking for and effective therapist.
Less than 3 months agoJA
Thanks
November 8, 2025Terrence B.Verified patientVideo visit
Great experience
Less than 6 months agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
Expertise, Empathy and great communicator
October 13, 2025Terrence B.Verified patientVideo visit
Two thumbs way up. A gold medal. A Michelin star. Whatever the equivalent is for therapists, that's my regard for Dr. Alisha Desai. Here's why:
On my end, finding success in therapy required showing up consistently, genuinely, and with a willingness to face what I had been avoiding... You have to understand how much *easier* it was to do that because Dr. Desai was herself showing up consistently, genuinely, and professionally. The tone was set, the air was calm, and thus the vision was more clearly seen.
It is said that much of therapy's power lies within the therapeutic relationship itself, it being a place to laugh, cry, grieve, let go, challenge yourself, and maybe most of all, heal. For that, I see it as a sacred space. True, Dr. Desai earned her PhD and brings a wealth of experience —that shows— but I believe what truly sets her apart are the human qualities that gave the work a sense of depth and meaning, which, in effect for me, was nothing short of heroic.
Less than 1 year agoAB
Dr. Desai has been instrumental in my recovery. She provided a safe and comfortable environment for me to address my past experiences and her guidance has helped me develop healthy coping strategies.
More than 1 year agoGB
After having been in a few different kinds of therapy, I'm so grateful to have landed with Dr. Desai! She balances compassion and change, and really takes the time to explain the science behind what I've been going through and the right kind of treatment. I've gotten more out of a few sessions than months of prior therapy.
More than 1 year agoCJ
I recently saw Dr. Desai for help with my work anxiety, and I couldn't be happier with my experience! She was incredibly understanding and provided me with practical tools to manage my stress. I feel so much more confident and equipped to handle challenges at work now.
More than 1 year agoMS
I had a fantastic experience with Dr. Desai. She is incredibly empathetic, which made me feel understood and supported throughout our sessions. Her extensive knowledge and approachable demeanor created a safe and comfortable environment for exploring my challenges. I highly recommend her for anyone seeking a compassionate and insightful professional.
More than 1 year agoCL
Dr. Desai is an excellent therapist. She creates a comfortable and safe environment for discussing difficult topics and offers incredibly thoughtful insights and tools. Her approach was very effective and we made great progress during our sessions. I would highly recommend her services.
More than 1 year agoJD
Dr. Desai is an empathetic and patient listener. She is trustworthy and kind. She strikes a balance between providing advice/guidance and knowing when you just need to be heard.
More than 1 year agoKT
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Less than 1 year agoAustin B.Verified patientVideo visit
Less than 1 year agoInitials hidden
December 13, 2024jules A.Verified patientVideo visit
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
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November 14, 2024Brian M.Verified patientVideo visit
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More than 1 year agoVW
How soon can I make an appointment with Dr. Alisha Desai?
Generally, Dr. Alisha Desai has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Dr. Desai's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Dr. Alisha Desai accepting new patients?
Dr. Alisha Desai generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Dr. Desai's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Dr. Alisha Desai accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Dr. Desai is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Dr. Alisha Desai online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Dr. Desai using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Dr. Alisha Desai work with?
Dr. Alisha Desai works with Center for Values-Based Living.
What are common reasons for patients to see Dr. Alisha Desai?
Dr. Alisha Desai frequently sees patients for Anxiety, Mental Health Consultation, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Therapy. You can see other visit reasons for Dr. Alisha Desai on their profile.
What languages does Dr. Alisha Desai speak?
Dr. Alisha Desai speaks English.
How do patients rate Dr. Alisha Desai in reviews?
19 patients have reviewed Dr. Alisha Desai. The overall rating for this doctor is 4.95/5. They have a 5/5 rating for bedside manner and a 5/5 rating for wait time. You can read individual reviews and ratings on their profile.