Libby Kessman, LCSW, New York, NY | Psychotherapist

About Libby Kessman

Clientele seen

Young adults (18-24)

Individuals

Adults (25-64)

Couples

Seniors (65+)

Treatment approaches

Culturally Sensitive

Humanistic

Emotionally Focused

Interpersonal

Existential

Psychoanalytic

Identity

Gender

Female

Sexuality

Straight

Faith

Jewish

Ethnicity

White

Languages spoken

English

Getting to know Libby Kessman

I’m a licensed clinical social worker psychotherapist-psychoanalyst with over 40 years of experience. I earned my Master’s in Clinical Social Work from New York University Silver School of Social Work and hold certificates in psychoanalytic psychotherapy and addiction counseling from the National Institute for the Psychotherapies, as well as a certificate in psychoanalysis from the same institute. I also completed an externship at the Ackerman Institute for the Family. In addition to my psychoanalytic training, I have expertise in substance abuse issues and EFT couples therapy. I practice from a relational interpersonal stance and pride myself on my flexibility to incorporate other modalities such as CBT and DBT when warranted. Most people who seek therapy with me are dealing with various forms of anxiety and/or depressive symptoms. Sometimes these arise from relationship difficulties or longstanding self-esteem issues; other times they are situational, such as the aftermath of losing someone close, fears related to world events, or the lingering effects of the pandemic. My great joy in doing this work is helping individuals attain an optimal level of functioning and live not in misery but, as Freud said, to turn “hysterical misery into ordinary unhappiness.”

What should a new client know about working with you?

I've always worked with people from diverse cultures/sexual orientations and feel welcoming to all. People connect to my warmth, humor, and verbal relatedness. As a child, my family lived in a largely Black community for a time and I made friends there as well. Living in NYC for over 40 years has provided me the opportunity to meet and experience a wide variety of diverse people, which I value greatly. I believe Harry Stack Sullivan's tenet: "All of us are much more human than otherwise."

What is your typical process for working with clients?

I talk to you as well as listen closely to the overt as well as latent messages you are communicating. Listening is very important, but responding is too. Sometimes humor finds its way into the session; there are times when other feelings predominate. It's all important and accepted.

Is this doctor in your insurance network?

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In-network insurances

Libby Kessman, LCSW has 50+ in-network plans.

Out-of-pocket fees and assistance

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

I'm in network with most Aetna insurances. For all other insurances, I can provide a superbill for out-of-network submission.

Popular visit reasons

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

New Patient Visit

Pain Management Consultation

Pre-Move In Couples Counseling

Psychosexual Evaluation

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit

Sleep Problems

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

New Patient Visit

Pain Management Consultation

Pre-Move In Couples Counseling

Office location

Libby Kessman, LCSW also offers online video visits for patients

Libby Kessman, LCSW

161 W 88th St, New York, NY 10024

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Education and background

Practice names

Libby Kessman, LCSW

Education and training

Silver School of Social Work, Master's in Clinical Social Work

NPI number

1114022290

Patient reviews

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Frequently asked questions

How soon can I make an appointment with Libby Kessman?

Generally, Libby Kessman has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Libby Kessman's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.

Is Libby Kessman accepting new patients?

Libby Kessman generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Libby Kessman's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.

Does Libby Kessman accept my insurance?

Choose your insurance plan to verify if Libby Kessman is in-network.

Can I make an appointment with Libby Kessman online?

Yes, you can make an appointment online with Libby Kessman using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.

What practice does Libby Kessman work with?

Libby Kessman works with Libby Kessman, LCSW.

Where is Libby Kessman's office located?

Libby Kessman has 2 office locations in New York, view full addresses on Libby Kessman's profile.

What are common reasons for patients to see Libby Kessman?

Libby Kessman frequently sees patients for New Patient Visit, Pain Management Consultation, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Sleep Problems. You can see other visit reasons for Libby Kessman on their profile.