What patients are saying
Overall rating
5.00
Average wait time
5.00
Bedside manner
5.00
“Lily is such a kind and thoughtful provider, she really takes the time to listen and make you feel heard. I always feel supported and understood after our sessions; she's truly wonderful!”
RHMore than 1 year ago
About Lily Ostler
Clientele seen
Young adults (18-24)
Adults (25-64)
Individuals
Identity
Gender
FemaleSexuality
BisexualLanguages spoken
English
Getting to know Lily Ostler
Do you ever feel caught between who you’re expected to be and who you truly are? Maybe it shows up as second-guessing yourself, burnout at work, or feeling overwhelmed by family or relationship dynamics. For others, it can show up as imposter syndrome, major life transitions, or persistent questions about purpose and meaning. These experiences can leave you feeling stuck, uncertain, or disconnected from your own needs. Therapy offers a space to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with yourself—a place where your experiences are honored, your emotions are validated, and your voice is genuinely heard.
I work with people navigating a wide range of challenges, including career stress, life transitions, family and relationship difficulties, self-doubt, and identity questions. My approach integrates practical strategies with deep exploration, helping you understand not only what you’re feeling, but why you’re feeling it, and how patterns in your thoughts, emotions, and relationships may be influencing your current experiences. I believe that growth happens through insight, reflection, and intentional action, and that each client brings unique strengths, wisdom, and resilience that can be cultivated in therapy.
In our work together, you’ll find a supportive and nonjudgmental space where it’s safe to explore difficult emotions, confront old patterns, and envision new possibilities for yourself. My goal is to help you move toward clarity, confidence, and a greater sense of alignment between your inner experience and your outer life. Whether you are seeking relief from anxiety or stress, striving to understand yourself more fully, or navigating a significant life transition, therapy with me is a collaborative process grounded in respect, empathy, and curiosity.
What should a new client know about working with you?
Working with me is a collaborative process. I approach therapy with warmth, curiosity, and flexibility, tailoring sessions to meet your needs and goals. Some people come ready to focus on coping strategies and practical tools for managing stress, anxiety, or life transitions, while others want to dive more deeply into understanding patterns in relationships, emotions, and self-concept. Whatever your starting point, I aim to meet you where you are, creating a space that feels safe, validating, and empowering.
I value transparency and open communication in the therapeutic relationship. This means we’ll work together to set goals, explore what’s working, and adjust strategies as your needs evolve. I encourage clients to bring their questions, doubts, and feedback into sessions so we can co-create a therapeutic approach that feels meaningful and effective. Many clients find it helpful to leave sessions with both insight into their experiences and practical tools they can apply in daily life, blending reflection with action.
You can expect therapy with me to be thoughtful, supportive, and tailored to you. I draw on evidence-based approaches while also honoring your individuality and personal values. My hope is that clients leave sessions feeling seen, understood, and more connected to themselves, with strategies to navigate challenges more effectively. Therapy is a space where your experiences are not only validated, but where you are encouraged to grow, experiment, and build the confidence and resilience needed to live more authentically and intentionally.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
When we begin working together, our first sessions are often focused on understanding your current experiences, challenges, and goals. I prioritize creating a safe and supportive environment where you feel comfortable sharing your story and exploring both the external pressures and internal struggles that bring you to therapy. We’ll take time to identify patterns in your thoughts, emotions, and relationships, and consider how these patterns might be influencing your daily life.
From there, therapy often moves in two complementary directions: understanding and practical application. On one hand, we explore underlying patterns, beliefs, and relational dynamics that may be contributing to stress, self-doubt, or conflict. On the other, we develop practical tools for coping with anxiety, managing transitions, setting boundaries, and making decisions that feel aligned with your values. Sessions can include reflective dialogue, mindfulness practices, skill-building exercises, and strategies for self-compassion and emotional regulation.
Throughout our work together, the pace and focus are guided by your needs. Some clients find deep insight and shifts in perspective quickly, while others benefit from ongoing exploration and gradual change. I emphasize collaboration, reflection, and flexibility, helping you integrate therapy into your daily life and develop a stronger sense of confidence, self-awareness, and agency. My ultimate goal is for clients to leave therapy not only feeling heard and understood but equipped with clarity, resilience, and practical strategies to navigate life with greater confidence and authenticity.
Is this doctor in your insurance network?
Enter your insurance carrier and plan
choose insurance
In-network insurances
Lily Ostler, LCSW has 100+ in-network plans.
Don’t see your insurance?
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: $200 for 50 minutes
Ongoing session: $200 for 50 minutes
More information on payments and coverage
My full fee of $200 does not apply to clients with Aetna as their insurance, as you will be charged the contracted rate via your insurance company. Reach out to me with questions regarding insurance and cost!
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- New York University, Master's in Social Work
- Northwestern University (Bachelor's)
Awards and publications
- Therapeutic Relationship Ethics: Adapting in Our Modern World - Teletherapy and Self Disclosure
- Clinical Skills: Attachment Theory & Gen Z Romantic Relationships
- Hormone Cycle & Mental Health: Clinical Considerations
NPI number
1548875065
Patient reviews
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
5.00
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
3 reviews
Most relevant
Lily is such a kind and thoughtful provider, she really takes the time to listen and make you feel heard. I always feel supported and understood after our sessions; she's truly wonderful!
More than 1 year agoRH
More than 1 year agoHL
More than 1 year agoLM
How soon can I make an appointment with Lily Ostler?
Generally, Lily Ostler has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Lily Ostler's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Lily Ostler accepting new patients?
Lily Ostler generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Lily Ostler's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Lily Ostler accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Lily Ostler is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Lily Ostler online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Lily Ostler using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Lily Ostler work with?
Lily Ostler works with New York City Psychotherapy Collective.
What are common reasons for patients to see Lily Ostler?
Lily Ostler frequently sees patients for Depression, New Patient Visit, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Therapy. You can see other visit reasons for Lily Ostler on their profile.
What languages does Lily Ostler speak?
Lily Ostler speaks English.
How do patients rate Lily Ostler in reviews?
3 patients have reviewed Lily Ostler. The overall rating for this doctor is 5/5. 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.