About Huilin Lai
Focus areas
BIPOC Mental Health Issues
Relationship Counseling
EMDR Therapy
Sex Therapy
LGBTQ+ Counseling
Women's Mental Health Issues
Clientele seen
Young adults (18-24)
Individuals
Adults (25-64)
Couples
Seniors (65+)
Groups
Treatment approaches
Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
Coaching
Attachment-based
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Clinical Supervision and Licensed Supervisors
Compassion Focused
Identity
Gender
FemaleSexuality
StraightFaith
NonreligiousEthnicity
Asian
Languages spoken
Chinese (Mandarin), English
Getting to know Huilin Lai
With an early passion for psychology, I moved from China to the US and studied at the University of Pittsburgh, where I earned my Master's in Social Work in 2008. I have been a member and mentor in Asian mental health communities for well over a decade. I am an expert in cross-cultural issues, Asian sexuality, and complex traumas. I'm an LCSW licensed to practice psychotherapy by New York State, an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST) with a Certificate in Sex Therapy and Sexuality Education from the University of Michigan, and an EMDRIA certified EMDR therapist. I'm also licensed to practice psychotherapy in China.
While my work as a therapist is my primary focus, I stay actively involved in education, research, and community outreach. To this end, I have facilitated numerous psycho-educational workshops and therapeutic groups on relationships, sexuality education, and trauma healing in a variety of clinical and community-based settings. I am a field instructor at New York University, where I train master-level social work and mental health counseling students through clinical practice. I'm the founder and director of Ally Counseling and Therapy. I offer supervision to emerging therapists and consultations to seasoned psychotherapists. I welcome people of every ability, age, gender, national origin, race/ethnicity, religious affiliation, and sexual orientation.
What should a new client know about working with you?
My personal approach is warm, flexible and interactive. I also bring my multicultural perspectives into work. I have expertise in several therapeutic approaches and can work flexibly with you to figure out what works best. Some of the specific scientifically supported treatments in which I have expertise include: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Ericksonian Hypnotherapy, Sex therapy, Sexuality education, Internal Family System (IFS), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment Based, Solution Focused, Mindfulness based, Psychoeducational, Life Coaching, Couples therapy, Family System and Spirituality.
I have extensive experience in working with: Traumas (PTSD, attachment traumas, medical traumas etc), relationship issues, sex and sexuality related issues, women's issues, cultural adjustment, international students life coaching, ADHD, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem.
Some fun facts about me
I was always curious about human minds ever since elementary school. I thought about becoming a spy back then, but I didn't have any access to secret service training, so I chose psychology instead. I found it really rewarding to be a therapist !!!!!!
I may NEVER retire from my role of psychotherapist/coach. If I do have to think about a retirement plan one day, I'm thinking purchasing a therapeutic farm and use it for farming, therapeutic retreat and animal rescue.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
I will share some interesting Q & A with clients to give you a better understanding of my style and therapeutic process.
Q: What does a typical initial session look like?
A: We will first meet for one intake/initial session. The goal is to get to know you, find goals and values, and see if working together feels right. Then, we identify themes/topics to work on together and tailor sessions to your needs.
Q: What do you think about diagnosis?
A: " It doesn't matter. You matter more, You Are More Than Your Diagnosis. Diagnosis only matters to insurance companies! No matter whether you’ve been given a diagnosis and regardless of what you’ve been diagnosed with, to me, you are much more than your diagnosis. I’m not interested in labeling you, and I would encourage you to begin seeing yourself beyond any labels too "
Q: Do therapists just sit there and nod?
A: Haha, I do sit there and listen, but I will listen with genuine interest. I’m also an active participant in our work together. You won’t feel like you’re just talking to a "robot" programmed with the professional answers.
Q: What about homework (I'm not sure if I like the idea of homework)?
A: Yes, I firmly believe that doing work outside of therapy will help you to build up emotional wellness muscles, expand comfort zone, and solidify the gains made during our sessions together. Of course with permission from every single part of you, you may leave therapy sessions with homework assignment(s) tailored to you based on the great work you’ve done. You might be asked to work on self care, connect with more supportive being or tighten up your social circles to allow more time and space for yourself, reinforce an old skill, experiment with something new, write a poem, take a cooking lesson, etc…
Q: What is the most important part of being a therapist and coach?
A: "Humility. I really appreciate the diversity of my clients. You are my best teachers. "
Huilin Lai, LCSW-R 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: $375 for 55 minutes
Ongoing session: $325-375 for 55 minutes
- Files your insurance claim: You pay the session fee upfront and the provider files the claim for you, so you can get reimbursed directly without worrying about the paperwork
More information on payments and coverage
We are out of network providers with most insurance companies. If you have out of network benefits, we will do our best to give you as close to an in-network experience as possible.
We will submit all claims so you don't have to deal with receipts. Before your first appointment ever happens, you will be completely advised of all costs, including what your insurance will and will not cover. Rest assured, there is never a surprise bill with us
Please make sure you reach out to us first before booking the appointment online to be advised of all costs.
Office locations
Huilin Lai, LCSW-R also offers online video visits for patients
Ally Counseling and Therapy (2 of 2)
24-20 Jackson Ave, 211, Long Island City, NY 11101
1 of 2
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- University of Pittsburgh, Master's in Social Work
- University of Michigan, Certificate in Sex Therapy and Sexuality Education
Professional memberships
- EMDRIA EMDR International Association
Awards and publications
- Certified in EMDR Therapist by EMDRIA EMDR International Association
- Certified in Sex Therapy by American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists
- Certified in Sex Therapy and Sexuality Education by University of Michigan
- Certified in Clinical Ericksonian Hypnosis by New York Milton H. Erikson Society for Psychotherapy and Hypnosis (NYSEPH)
- Internal Family System (IFS) Circle
NPI number
1447652599
How soon can I make an appointment with Huilin Lai?
Generally, Huilin Lai has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Huilin Lai's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Huilin Lai accepting new patients?
Huilin Lai generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Huilin Lai's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Huilin Lai accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Huilin Lai is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Huilin Lai online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Huilin Lai using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Huilin Lai work with?
Huilin Lai works with Ally Counseling and Therapy.
Where is Huilin Lai's office located?
Huilin Lai has 3 office locations, including in Smyrna, Long Island City, and New York, view full addresses on Huilin Lai's profile.
What are common reasons for patients to see Huilin Lai?
Huilin Lai frequently sees patients for Anxiety, Depression, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Therapy. You can see other visit reasons for Huilin Lai on their profile.
What languages does Huilin Lai speak?
Huilin Lai speaks English and Chinese (Mandarin).