What patients are saying
Overall rating
5.00
Average wait time
5.00
Bedside manner
5.00
“ I’m so grateful for my time working with Monika. She is incredibly kind, warm, and genuinely invested in your growth. From the very beginning, she created a safe and supportive space that allowed us to build a strong, trusting bond. She consistently recommended insightful books and resources that supported my healing even outside of sessions. I always felt truly seen and cared for, and I would wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone looking for a thoughtful, compassionate therapist.”
MCLess than 3 months ago
“Monika is the real deal. She is warm and direct without being harsh but honest. She somehow knows what questions to ask. Finding a therapist in NYC can sometimes feel like online dating. There are many profiles, bios and promises, but working with her is when you realize, “yes, this is what it’s supposed to feel like.”
You walk in thinking you’re stuck for life, and you walk out with three life realizations and a new perspective. Her practice is beautiful and her manners professional, and I find her feedback refreshingly real. No therapist-speak overload — just smart, grounded support that actually helps you move forward in life, and not stay stuck.”
DSLess than 3 months ago
About Monika Pekala
Clientele seen
Adults (25-64)
Individuals
Families
Treatment approaches
Coaching
Culturally Sensitive
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Gestalt
Compassion Focused
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Identity
Gender
FemaleLanguages spoken
English, Polish
Getting to know Monika Pekala
Monika Pekala, MA, Ed.M., LMHC, is a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist who helps clients navigate life’s challenges with clarity, self-awareness, and compassion. She holds dual master’s degrees in Psychological Counseling and Educational Psychology from Columbia University. Monika’s clinical training draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Positive Psychology, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Buddhist Psychology. She draws upon postgraduate training in Gestalt Therapy to inform her integrative approach, which emphasizes the connection between mind and body in healing and personal growth.
What should a new client know about working with you?
Monika has extensive training and personal experience in infertility treatment therapy and is deeply passionate about supporting women facing infertility challenges. She develops a customized therapeutic approach tailored to each client’s unique medical and psychological needs, integrating emotional support, coping strategies, and holistic tools.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
Monika provides compassionate, evidence-based guidance to help clients recognize unhelpful patterns, build on their strengths, and become agents of change in their own lives. Her work focuses on anxiety, stress, trauma, grief, loss, and relationship issues, including conflict resolution and communication.
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In-network insurances
Aetna
BlueCross BlueShield
Cigna
UnitedHealthcare
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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
- 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
Office location
Dr. John Ryder and Positive Psychology Associates
405 Lexington Ave, # 2621, New York, NY 10174
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- Columbia University, Master's in Psychological Counseling
NPI number
1760919054
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
5 reviews
Most relevant
I’m so grateful for my time working with Monika. She is incredibly kind, warm, and genuinely invested in your growth. From the very beginning, she created a safe and supportive space that allowed us to build a strong, trusting bond. She consistently recommended insightful books and resources that supported my healing even outside of sessions. I always felt truly seen and cared for, and I would wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone looking for a thoughtful, compassionate therapist.
Less than 3 months agoMC
Monika is the real deal. She is warm and direct without being harsh but honest. She somehow knows what questions to ask. Finding a therapist in NYC can sometimes feel like online dating. There are many profiles, bios and promises, but working with her is when you realize, “yes, this is what it’s supposed to feel like.”
You walk in thinking you’re stuck for life, and you walk out with three life realizations and a new perspective. Her practice is beautiful and her manners professional, and I find her feedback refreshingly real. No therapist-speak overload — just smart, grounded support that actually helps you move forward in life, and not stay stuck.
Less than 3 months agoDS
I’ve worked with several therapists over the years, and this has been by far the most effective experience. From the start, I felt heard, understood and challenged by Monika in a way that was constructive and thoughtful. Sessions are focused, insightful and grounded in real understanding rather than generic advice. I’ve gained clarity, perspective and practical tools that have made a meaningful difference in both my personal and professional life. I would highly recommend Monika Pekala to anyone looking for serious counseling.
Less than 3 months agoDB
I found Monika on Zocdoc back in 2018, and I’m very grateful to have connected with her. She is thoughtful, patient, and easy to talk to. To this day, she consistently provides practical tools that have helped me learn, grow, and better understand myself. I would highly recommend her to anyone seeking meaningful support.
Less than 3 months agoNM
April 11, 2026Charlotte M.Verified patient
How soon can I make an appointment with Monika Pekala?
Generally, Monika Pekala has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Monika Pekala's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Monika Pekala accepting new patients?
Monika Pekala generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Monika Pekala's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Monika Pekala accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Monika Pekala is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Monika Pekala online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Monika Pekala using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Monika Pekala work with?
Where is Monika Pekala's office located?
Monika Pekala's office is located at 405 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10174.
What are common reasons for patients to see Monika Pekala?
Monika Pekala 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 Monika Pekala on their profile.
What languages does Monika Pekala speak?
Monika Pekala speaks English and Polish.
How do patients rate Monika Pekala in reviews?
5 patients have reviewed Monika Pekala. 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.