What patients are saying
Overall rating
4.33
Average wait time
5.00
Bedside manner
5.00
About Michael Gardner
Focus areas
Adult Psychotherapy
LGBTQ+ Counseling
Psychotherapy
Anxiety
Life Transition
Stress
Depression
Men's Mental Health Issues
Clientele seen
Children (<13)
Adults (25-64)
Teenagers (13-17)
Seniors (65+)
Young adults (18-24)
Individuals
Identity
Gender
MaleEthnicity
Black or African American
Languages spoken
English
Getting to know Michael Gardner
Maybe you’re a teen who feels like no one really gets what’s going on inside. Maybe you’re an adult who keeps it together all day, then lies awake with a mind that won’t slow down. Or maybe your family cares about each other, but conversations keep ending in silence, frustration, or the same argument as last time.
Anxiety, depression, and difficult experiences often show up in quiet ways. You might feel on edge without knowing why, pull away from people and things you used to enjoy, or notice that something from the past still shapes how you react today. Big changes, like a new school, a new job, a loss, or a move, can leave you unsure of your footing.
I work with adolescents, adults, and families navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, emotional overwhelm, and life transitions. I help you understand what you’re feeling, develop healthier ways of coping, and build the confidence and resilience to handle what life brings.
For families, I help each person slow down and truly hear one another. When communication breaks down or people feel disconnected, we work on understanding each perspective and finding ways to reconnect.
My approach is warm, collaborative, and culturally responsive. I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and mindfulness-based practices within a trauma-informed framework, and I tailor our work to your experiences, strengths, and goals.
Over time, you can work toward feeling calmer and more in control of your emotions, seeing yourself with more clarity and compassion, and communicating in ways that bring you closer to the people who matter most.
I offer online therapy throughout New York, so you can meet from wherever you feel comfortable. When you’re ready, book a session, and we’ll begin with what feels most important to you.
What should a new client know about working with you?
You don't need the right words to start. Whether you're a teen who isn't sure therapy is for you, an adult used to handling everything alone, or a family that doesn't know where to begin, you can come as you are.
I believe the relationship we build is the foundation for everything else. My job is to create a space where you feel heard, respected, and understood, never judged or rushed. You set the pace for what you share, and we work as a team.
Together, we'll get curious about what you're experiencing: the thoughts, feelings, and patterns that keep you stuck, and how past experiences may still shape the way you react, cope, or relate to others. Understanding the "why" often makes change feel possible.
Many people arrive carrying stories about themselves, like "I'm too much," "I always mess things up," or "nothing is going to change." We'll look at where those stories came from and whether they still fit who you are and who you want to be.
Insight matters, and so do tools you can use between sessions. We'll work on practical ways to calm your mind and body when stress builds, manage difficult emotions, and face challenges with more confidence.
If difficult experiences are part of your story, we'll move at a pace that feels safe. Your sense of trust and stability comes first.
Your identity, culture, values, and background are welcome here. They shape how you experience the world, and they belong in the conversation.
You also bring strengths, even if they're hard to see right now. We'll notice them and build on them.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
Starting therapy can feel like a big step, so here's what you can expect.
Getting to know you In our first sessions, we'll talk about what brings you in, what's been weighing on you, and how it's affecting your daily life, school or work, and relationships. We'll also explore the parts of your background that matter to you and what you'd like to feel or do differently.
Setting priorities together We'll decide together where to focus first. That might be easing anxiety, working through low mood, processing a difficult experience, adjusting to a major change, or improving communication at home.
Understanding the patterns We'll look at the thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that keep difficulties going, and how past experiences may be influencing what's happening now. This helps you see your reactions with more clarity and less self-blame.
Building practical skills You'll develop coping strategies for real life: grounding yourself when stress builds, shifting unhelpful thinking, managing strong emotions, and responding with more confidence.
Working with families When families meet together, I make sure each person has a chance to be heard. We'll identify where communication breaks down, explore each member's perspective, and practice new ways of talking and listening that build understanding and connection.
Reviewing progress We'll check in regularly about what's helping and what needs to change. Therapy isn't one-size-fits-all, and our work will adjust as your needs and goals evolve.
Progress often shows up in small ways first: pausing before reacting, having a calmer conversation at home, or noticing a difficult feeling without being swept away by it. Those moments build on each other.
Is this doctor in your insurance network?
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In-network insurances
Michael Gardner, LMHC has 100+ in-network plans.
Out-of-pocket fees and assistance
Initial session: $150 for 60 minutes
Ongoing session: $130 for 53 minutes
- Sliding scale: Offers lower out-of-pocket fees on an individual basis, typically based on your ability to pay
- 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 accept the following insurance plans in New York: Aetna, Cigna Evernorth, MagnaCare, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield New York (formerly Empire), and Optum (which includes UnitedHealthcare, UMR, Oxford, UBH, and Oscar), Quest Behavioral Health, Independence Blue Cross Pennsylvania, Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey, Highmark BlueShield of Northeastern New York, and Highmark BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York.
For clients without insurance or whose plans are out of network, I offer flexible private pay options. If I am not in-network with your provider, I can provide documentation for potential reimbursement through your out-of-network benefits.
Payment Methods: Major credit cards, debit cards, Health Savings Account (HSA), and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) cards are accepted.
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- City University of New York, Lehman College, MSEd in School Counseling
- Alfred University, Certificate in Mental Health Counseling
NPI number
1588334478
Patient reviews
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
4.33
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
6 reviews
Most relevant
Mike is real… great listener and speak his opinion so you can see things in a different light…
October 26, 2023Nyisha J.Verified patientVideo visit
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
October 22, 2024Marcus M.Verified patientVideo visit
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
January 30, 2024Ossie G.Verified patientVideo visit
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
How soon can I make an appointment with Michael Gardner?
Generally, Michael Gardner has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Michael Gardner's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Michael Gardner accepting new patients?
Michael Gardner generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Michael Gardner's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Michael Gardner accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Michael Gardner is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Michael Gardner online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Michael Gardner using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Michael Gardner work with?
What are common reasons for patients to see Michael Gardner?
Michael Gardner frequently sees patients for Depression, New Patient Visit, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Sleep Problems. You can see other visit reasons for Michael Gardner on their profile.
What languages does Michael Gardner speak?
Michael Gardner speaks English.
How do patients rate Michael Gardner in reviews?
6 patients have reviewed Michael Gardner. The overall rating for this doctor is 4.33/5. 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.