About Dr. Yong Li
Clientele seen
Teenagers (13-17)
Individuals
Young adults (18-24)
Couples
Adults (25-64)
Identity
Gender
MaleLanguages spoken
Chinese (Mandarin), English
What should a new client know about working with you?
Are you carrying more than others can see? You may feel overwhelmed, stretched thin, or caught between cultural expectations, family responsibilities, and your own needs. Perhaps you're healing from trauma, navigating a major life change, or learning to live with a chronic health condition. You don't have to have everything figured out before coming to therapy.
My approach is collaborative, culturally responsive, and client-centered. I provide therapy in both English and Mandarin and especially enjoy working with immigrants, children of immigrants, college students, young adults, and people navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship challenges, perfectionism, burnout, major life transitions, or chronic health conditions.
Clients often describe my style as warm, steady, and thoughtful. I offer a calm, grounding space where you can slow down, feel understood, and begin making sense of your experiences. I don't tell you what to do—instead, I listen deeply, ask meaningful questions, and help you recognize patterns that may be keeping you stuck while building on strengths you already have.
Depending on your needs, I draw from EMDR, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and other evidence-based approaches. My goal is to help you develop greater self-awareness and self-compassion, learn practical skills for managing difficult emotions, build resilience, and live in greater alignment with your values.
I believe therapy works best when you feel safe enough to be honest and supported enough to explore difficult parts of your story. You don't need to know exactly what to say or where to begin. We can start where you are and move forward together.
My research and lived experience have shaped my understanding of how culture, family, grief, and resilience can influence emotional well-being. Every person's story is unique, and I tailor therapy to who you are, what you've experienced, and what matters most to you.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
You don't need to come to your first session knowing exactly what to say or where to begin. We can start with one simple question: What has been weighing on you lately?
During our first few sessions, I'll take time to understand not only what you're struggling with, but also the experiences, relationships, family dynamics, and cultural influences that may have shaped how you see yourself and the world. Together, we'll clarify what you hope will change and create a treatment plan that reflects your needs and goals.
A typical session with me is conversational, collaborative, and focused. I'll listen carefully, ask thoughtful questions, and help you notice patterns or connections that may be difficult to see on your own. Some sessions may involve exploring a painful experience or understanding why a familiar pattern keeps repeating. Other sessions may focus on learning practical skills to manage anxiety, regulate emotions, set healthier boundaries, or navigate a difficult relationship or life transition.
Depending on your goals, I may integrate EMDR to help you process painful or traumatic experiences, ACT to help you respond differently to difficult thoughts and emotions and reconnect with what matters most to you, or DBT-informed skills to strengthen emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and relationships.
I don't believe therapy should feel like following a script. We'll regularly check in on what's helping, what isn't, and what you need from me. As your needs evolve, our work can evolve too. My goal is for you to leave therapy not only with greater insight into yourself, but also with practical tools, greater self-compassion, and a clearer sense of how you want to move forward.
Is this doctor in your insurance network?
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In-network insurances
Aetna
BlueCross BlueShield
Cigna
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
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- University At Albany, Master's in Social Work
NPI number
1497598718
How soon can I make an appointment with Dr. Yong Li?
Generally, Dr. Yong Li has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Dr. Li's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Dr. Yong Li accepting new patients?
Dr. Yong Li generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Dr. Li's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Dr. Yong Li accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Dr. Li is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Dr. Yong Li online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Dr. Li using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Dr. Yong Li work with?
Dr. Yong Li works with UCLight Counseling.
What are common reasons for patients to see Dr. Yong Li?
Dr. Yong Li frequently sees patients for Depression, New Patient Visit, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Therapy. You can see other visit reasons for Dr. Yong Li on their profile.
What languages does Dr. Yong Li speak?
Dr. Yong Li speaks English and Chinese (Mandarin).