What patients are saying
Overall rating
4.92
Average wait time
5.00
Bedside manner
4.91
“Dr. Wachtel is a thoughtful and empathetic provider who is amazing at cutting to the heart of your issues and helping you see people and situations from new angles. ”
ZLLess than 6 months ago
“My adult son and I in the midst of therapy with Dr. Wachtel that I postponed for years. We started with another therapist and it was not ideal. Our sessions with Dr. Wachtel has made me reflect and recognize that some of my behaviors and occurrences in my son's early life and teenage years were traumatic to him. Dr. Wachtel has been instrumental in helping me reach this point.
With Dr. Wactel's help, hopefully, my son and I will continue to heal our relationship.
”
CKMore than 1 year ago
About Dr. Leah Wachtel
Focus areas
Adult Psychotherapy
Depression
Psychodynamic Therapy
Anxiety
Life Transition
Relationship Struggles
Couples Therapy
Mood Disorders
Clientele seen
Young adults (18-24)
Individuals
Adults (25-64)
Couples
Seniors (65+)
Families
Treatment approaches
Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
Emotionally Focused
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Family / Marital
Culturally Sensitive
Family Systems
Identity
Gender
FemaleLanguages spoken
English
Getting to know Dr. Leah Wachtel
I aim to foster growth and cultivate positive change with every client I see, by helping you to better understand yourself and by working together to develop new ways to cope with life stressors.
Regardless of your reason for seeking therapy, you deserve a compassionate therapist focused on your health and well-being. I have extensive experience working in a variety of settings ranging from hospital outpatient clinics, university counseling centers, and private practice. I’ve treated individuals across the adult lifespan, from adolescence through mature adulthood with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, relationship issues, personality and identity development, life transitions, substance use, chronic illness and more. I work with couples navigating challenges such as communication, intimacy, life changes, decision-making, and future planning.
In therapy, I use a client-centered, insight-oriented approach to explore your unique internal world and individual identities, and to delve into the life experiences that have shaped who you are today.
I am licensed to practice in New York state and a registered telehealth provider in the state of Florida.
What should a new client know about working with you?
I have a thoughtful, calm, even-keeled demeanor that many clients find reassuring. I believe your emotions matter, and I’m here to help you navigate and understand them. I embrace cultural diversity with sensitivity and humility, inviting you to share and explore your background as it contributes to your life. We’ll work to reduce your symptoms and distress level by viewing your emotional reactions from a more holistic and compassionate perspective.
Relationships are an important aspect of life, but not without their challenges. When working with relationship, whether individually or as a couple, I help clients gain a deeper understanding of themselves both as individuals and within the context of their relationships. For example, if you find yourself becoming overly sensitive to criticism or shutting down when receiving feedback from your partner, we can explore the underlying causes of these reactions. Through developing greater self-awareness and fostering effective communication, your couple can build a more meaningful connection.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
Your individual needs and personal well-being are at the center of every therapeutic interaction. To meet the unique needs of each client, I use an integrative approach, primarily conceptualizing cases through a psychodynamic lens while incorporating techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Mindfulness. This combination allows me to tailor therapy in a way that best supports your goals. Typically, I meet with individual clients once a week for 45 minutes, and with couples once a week for 60 minutes.
I strive to create a space where you can openly explore and make sense of what you’re feeling. It's common to experience a mix of emotions, such as excitement and anxiety, or confidence and doubt, especially during times of transition or decision-making. Many clients find that, through our work together, they feel more understood, supported, and better equipped to navigate life’s challenges.
Dr. Leah Wachtel is not in-network with any insurances
It’s common for mental health providers to be out-of-network. Many insurance plans offer out-of-network coverage, so you may get partially reimbursed. Learn more
Out-of-pocket fees and assistance
Initial session: $225 for 45 minutes
Ongoing session: $225 for 45 minutes
More information on payments and coverage
As an out-of-network provider, the practice does not accept any payment directly from insurance. I want to help streamline your reimbursement process by checking your eligibility and submitting claims directly to your carrier on your behalf.
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- Fielding Graduate University, PhD in Clinical Psychology
- New York University, Master's in General Psychology
- State University of New York at New Paltz (Bachelor's)
Professional memberships
- New York State Psychological Association
Awards and publications
- Wachtel, L. (2023). Investigating the applicability of a new technology acceptance model and the impact of treatment barriers on the use of telemental health services for substance use disorders. [Doctoral Dissertation, Fielding Graduate University]. ProQuest.
- Tracy, K., Wachtel, L., & Friedman, T. (2021). The impact of COVID-19 on opioid treatment programs (OTP) services: Where do we go from here? Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 131, 108394.
- Tracy, K., Wachtel, L., Goldmann, E., Nissenfeld, J., Burton, M., Galanter, M., & Ball, S.A. (2020). Mentorship for addiction problems (MAP): A new behavioral intervention to assist in the treatment of substance use disorders. Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, 81(5), 664-672.
- Tracy, K., Wachtel, L., & Goldmann, E. (2018). Beyond reduction of substance use: The positive impact of Mentorship for Addiction Problems (MAP). Journal of Alcoholism, Drug Abuse, and Substance Dependence, 4(1).
NPI number
1063299972
Patient reviews
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
4.92
Wait time
5.00
Bedside manner
4.91
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
12 reviews
Most relevant
Dr. Wachtel is a thoughtful and empathetic provider who is amazing at cutting to the heart of your issues and helping you see people and situations from new angles.
Less than 6 months agoZL
My adult son and I in the midst of therapy with Dr. Wachtel that I postponed for years. We started with another therapist and it was not ideal. Our sessions with Dr. Wachtel has made me reflect and recognize that some of my behaviors and occurrences in my son's early life and teenage years were traumatic to him. Dr. Wachtel has been instrumental in helping me reach this point.
With Dr. Wactel's help, hopefully, my son and I will continue to heal our relationship.
More than 1 year agoCK
Dr. W. Is always on time and knowledgeable with my diagnosis and ongoing challenges. She is always willing to listen to the challenges that come up in your every day life to help you find your own answers and path of healing and health. She enlightens your life gently by Picking out the “stand out” statement that you share for the day and drawing the meaning out from that. You will see your life clearer by working with Dr. Wachtel. She Warmly and non- threateningly leads you toward inner strength. I have found my thinking, goals and abilities are much clearer and stronger after a session with this compassionate yet very strong doctor. She brings proper perspective and focus back to you.
More than 1 year agoST
Leah and I have been working together through some really hard relationship & mid age struggles for several months now. She creates an open & respectful space for discussion, sharing, venting, questioning…
She is non-judgemental, kind and supportive. Our sessions have given me comfort and assurance and I would highly recommend working with Leah.
More than 1 year agoBP
I have found Leah to be a thoughtful, compassionate and warm therapist whose sessions I have come to look forward to each week. She has a calm demeanor and I felt at ease in her presence right away. I feel that we have accomplished a good deal in our sessions and I am confident that we’ll continue this success moving forward.
Administratively, I’ve also been really pleased with the practice. Getting an appointment was not an issue, and my initial consultation was very comfortable and easy to schedule. I’ve never waited longer than two minutes in the waiting room (rare for NYC)!
More than 1 year agoAB
Working with Dr. Wachtel has been really helpful. I feel I have made meaningful progress and will continue to do so with the tools, skills, and space she has provided.
She is very kind, patient, thoughtful, and flexible (she has accommodated a number of last minute changes between in-person and virtual sessions!), and provides a great space (whether in-person or online) for working through issues.
I've enjoyed our work together and would recommend her to others!
More than 1 year agoJS
I've always been impressed with Dr. Watchel's professionalism, compassion, and empathy in the sessions that I have with her
Leah has a deep understanding of the human psyche and a genuine desire to help people. She is able to create a safe and supportive environment where I feel comfortable sharing my thoughts and feelings. Something specific that I appreciate about my sessions with Dr. Wachtel is that she is an incredible listener. Giving her clients space to talk through their feelings, emotions, situations, etc. Lastly, she has remained flexible on logistical pieces like virtual vs in-person, day of the week, etc which truly allows me to be in the best headspace possible while we meet. I highly recommend Dr. Wachtel!
More than 1 year agoDS
Dr. Wachtel took the time to truly listen and ask detailed questions to probe further and ensure she understands the issues. What I find truly helpful is that each session seems to build upon the previous one. She ties in details from things that I have mentioned in previous sessions, which slowly uncovers feelings/behaviors that are all interrelated. I have had several "aha" moments which provide incredible insight. Those are the points in therapy that I was seeking. I am grateful for her help.
More than 1 year agoPM
Less than 1 year agoInitials hidden
March 12, 2025Austin T.Verified patient
February 1, 2025Nikki M.Verified patient
July 26, 2024Hasan A.Verified patient
How soon can I make an appointment with Dr. Leah Wachtel?
Generally, Dr. Leah Wachtel has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Dr. Wachtel's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Dr. Leah Wachtel accepting new patients?
Dr. Leah Wachtel generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Dr. Wachtel's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Dr. Leah Wachtel accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Dr. Wachtel is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Dr. Leah Wachtel online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Dr. Wachtel using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Dr. Leah Wachtel work with?
Dr. Leah Wachtel works with Leah Wachtel, PhD.
What are common reasons for patients to see Dr. Leah Wachtel?
Dr. Leah Wachtel frequently sees patients for Depression, New Patient Visit, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Sleep Problems. You can see other visit reasons for Dr. Leah Wachtel on their profile.
What languages does Dr. Leah Wachtel speak?
Dr. Leah Wachtel speaks English.
How do patients rate Dr. Leah Wachtel in reviews?
12 patients have reviewed Dr. Leah Wachtel. The overall rating for this doctor is 4.92/5. They have a 4.91/5 rating for bedside manner and a 5/5 rating for wait time. You can read individual reviews and ratings on their profile.