Michael Blecher, LCSW, NY | Psychotherapist

What patients are saying

Overall rating

4.86

Average wait time

4.87

Bedside manner

4.87

“Michael has been great and I’ve been making great progress with him! I am a fan of the hand outs as they are a great to continue the work in between sessions.”

ASMore than 1 year ago

“Wonderful therapist! I have been working with Michael for about 2 years now and have had a very positive experience. He is professional, knowledgeable, kind, and reliable. ”

KDMore than 1 year ago

About Michael Blecher

Focus areas

Anxiety

LGBTQ+ Counseling

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Bereavement / Grief Counseling

Loneliness

Depression

Men's Mental Health Issues

Clientele seen

Young adults (18-24)

Individuals

Adults (25-64)

Seniors (65+)

Treatment approaches

Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)

Eclectic

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

EMDR

Compassion Focused

Exposure Response Prevention

Identity

Gender

Male

Ethnicity

White

Languages spoken

English

Getting to know Michael Blecher

I offer both in-person sessions in Manhattan and virtual therapy across NYS, because I believe therapy should meet people where they are—both literally and emotionally. That belief grew out of my own journey into this work. My path to becoming a therapist began with a deep curiosity about how people make sense of their lives. I first studied film and psychology, where I learned how stories shape identity and emotion—how the ways we tell our stories can both help and limit us. Over time, I became drawn to helping people explore those stories directly, which led me into community organizing and ultimately into clinical social work. I previously volunteered as an EMT, which taught me how to stay grounded and responsive in high-pressure moments—skills I now bring into therapy, especially when supporting clients through crisis, trauma, or intense emotional distress. My background includes experience in research, community mental health, and intensive outpatient settings. I’ve supported clients facing trauma, anxiety, loneliness, relationship challenges, grief, and political stress. These experiences taught me that healing isn’t about “fixing” people—it’s about understanding how personal experiences and broader social contexts shape our emotions, choices, and sense of self. In therapy, I take a collaborative and compassionate approach. I use evidence-based methods like CBT, ACT, and EMDR to help clients develop insight, resilience, and emotional flexibility. I strive to create a space that feels grounded, curious, and open—where clients can safely explore their inner lives while also connecting their struggles to the larger world around them. Whether you’re feeling isolated, navigating uncertainty, or seeking greater meaning and balance, I aim to help you feel understood and empowered to grow. Together, we can identify patterns, clarify your values, and build new ways of relating—to yourself, to others, and to the world you live in.

What should a new client know about working with you?

Working with me often feels like having space to slow down and really hear yourself. I approach therapy as a collaborative process built on curiosity, respect, and honesty. My goal is to help you understand the patterns that shape your emotions, relationships, and sense of self—so you can begin to live with greater clarity and ease. In our sessions, you can expect warmth, steadiness, and genuine engagement. I balance empathy with active feedback, helping you make meaningful connections between what’s happening in your inner world and your everyday life. Some sessions are exploratory and reflective, while others are focused on specific goals or coping tools. I adapt our pace and style to what works best for you. Clients often tell me they appreciate my calm, grounded presence and my ability to bring both structure and flexibility to the work. I draw on approaches like CBT, ACT, and EMDR, but I never apply them rigidly—therapy is most effective when it’s tailored to your needs and values. I also believe in humor and humanity in the process; therapy doesn’t have to feel clinical or detached. My aim is to create an atmosphere where you can safely explore the harder parts of life while also rediscovering strength, connection, and perspective. By working together, you can expect to build insight, emotional balance, and a deeper sense of self-compassion.

What is your typical process for working with clients?

I view therapy as a process of both understanding and transformation. In our first few sessions, we focus on getting a clear sense of what’s bringing you in—what’s been working, what hasn’t, and what you most want to change. I’ll ask about your history, current stressors, and the challenges in your environment, but always at your pace. Together, we define what progress will look like for you. Once we’ve established a shared understanding of your goals, I tailor our work using evidence-based approaches like CBT, ACT, and EMDR. For some clients, this means learning concrete tools for managing anxiety, improving communication, or setting boundaries. For others, the work centers on understanding the deeper emotional patterns that underlie distress—grief, trauma, shame, or the feeling of being “stuck.” Throughout the process, I check in regularly to make sure therapy feels useful and aligned with what you need. I encourage open feedback and treat therapy as a living, evolving collaboration. While structure and strategy matter, so does the quality of our connection—it’s often through that relationship that real healing happens. Over time, clients begin to notice shifts: clearer self-understanding, stronger emotional regulation, and a greater sense of agency in their lives. My goal is to help you leave therapy not just with insight, but with practical tools and a deeper confidence in navigating life’s challenges long after our work together ends.

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In-network insurances

Aetna

BlueCross BlueShield

Cigna

UnitedHealthcare

200+ more in-network plans

Out-of-pocket fees and assistance

Initial session: $100 for 45 minutes

Ongoing session: $100 for 45 minutes

Sliding scale: Offers lower out-of-pocket fees on an individual basis, typically based on your ability to pay

More information on payments and coverage

Please note that all insurance claims and billing are handled through Alma or Headway. I’ll verify your benefits before we begin treatment

Popular visit reasons

Addiction / Substance Abuse

Anxiety

Anxiety Disorder

Boundary Issues

Depression

Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD)

Psychotherapy

Therapy

Addiction / Substance Abuse

Anxiety

Anxiety Disorder

Boundary Issues

Office location

Michael Blecher, LCSW also offers online video visits for patients

Michael C. Blecher LCSW

1115 Broadway, 9th Floor, Suite 922, New York, NY 10011

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Education and background

Practice names

Michael C. Blecher LCSW

Education and training

Fordham University at Lincoln Center, Master's in Social Work
Fordham University, Certificate in Alcoholism and Substance Abuse

Professional memberships

National Association of Social Workers
American Psychological Association
Society for the Psychological Study of Men and Masculinity

NPI number

1487441994

Patient reviews

All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.

Overall rating

4.86

Wait time

4.87

Bedside manner

4.87

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

35 reviews

Most relevant

I couldn’t ask for a better fit. I’m very optimistic after my first appointment.

February 2, 2025Keith H.Verified patient

Michael has been great and I’ve been making great progress with him! I am a fan of the hand outs as they are a great to continue the work in between sessions.

More than 1 year agoAS

Wonderful therapist! I have been working with Michael for about 2 years now and have had a very positive experience. He is professional, knowledgeable, kind, and reliable.

More than 1 year agoKD

I'm extremely thankful to Michael Blecher for helping me. I was stubborn for many years, falling deeper into a depression. I had anxiety and other personal issues that Michael helped me through. I regret not seeing him sooner. I've been a patient of Michael for about two years and will continue to be one for the foreseeable.

More than 1 year agoMB

I am eternally grateful for Michael's help. He's helped me through multiple issues that I've been dealing with for a long time. He has helped me become a better person. My only regret is not seeing him sooner. I've been a patient of his for two years and will continue to be so for the foreseeable. Michael is friendly and very easy to talk to. He genuinely cares. He's knowledgeable and will help you see a solution to a problem that you may be having. Very easy to book and see. I've been a remote patient and that really helps. We never had any technical issues. He is also very punctual and will see you at the appointment time, no waiting. I wholeheartedly recommend Michael Blecher.

More than 1 year agoMB

Easily the best therapist I’ve ever had (and I’ve had several). Clearly very professional and diligent - superbly thoughtful recaps to start every session, regardless of how long it has been. Not pushy but also keeps you focused and on track. Highly recommend

More than 1 year agoAB

Was friendly and did t waste my time.

March 18, 2023Eric M.Verified patient

January 9, 2026Daniel A.Verified patient

January 1, 2026Muhab E.Verified patient

December 29, 2025Juan S.Verified patient

December 3, 2025Daniel A.Verified patient