Zhi Li, LCSW, MSW, NY | Psychotherapist

About Zhi Li

Clientele seen

Teenagers (13-17)

Seniors (65+)

Young adults (18-24)

Individuals

Adults (25-64)

Treatment approaches

Psychoanalytic

Psychodynamic

Identity

Gender

Non-binary

Sexuality

Queer

Ethnicity

Asian

Languages spoken

Chinese (Mandarin), Chinese (Shanghainese)

Getting to know Zhi Li

My favorite quote is from child psychologist Winnicott: "It is a joy to be hidden and a disaster not to be found." This quote refers to the game hide and seek, where we experience the thrill and security of knowing we are unseen. But at the end of the game, when no one finds us and everyone goes home, we feel tremendous disappointment and isolation. We all have to hide at some point—whether by avoiding, masking, dissociating, or distracting ourselves through giving or pleasing. However, when hiding becomes the only way to feel safe, we lose connection to the part of ourselves that enjoys being seen. Many of us grew up in environments where we were only allowed to be seen when we were "good" and punished otherwise. I strive to offer a space where my clients feel safe whether they want to hide or be seen. This is a space where feelings and a true sense of self come first, even if those feelings are difficult or undesired, and where suggestions and guidance come last. Everyone deserves a space like this. I take pride in building my experience working with marginalized groups. I primarily work with the LGBTQ+ community, people of color, immigrants, sex workers, and those experiencing poverty—all of which often overlap with generational trauma. I’m here to hold this space, and together we can work toward you feeling safe, being seen, and growing. I hold a Master’s in Social Work from New York University and have completed training in Adult Psychoanalysis at the William Alanson White Institute.

What should a new client know about working with you?

My approach is interpersonal psychoanalysis and psychodynamic therapy. This approach seeks to reveal the unconsciousness that leads us to fall back to certain thoughts and behavioral patterns even if we make a conscious effort not to. In sessions, we will discuss elements that communicate unconsciousness such as dreams, fantasies, upbringing, and seemingly groundless uncomfortable feelings. I treat interpersonal issues with an interpersonal approach. What happens outside of therapy is bound to happen in therapy, between us, because we carry our way of life everywhere we go. You might not feel safe addressing your feelings outside of therapy because we don't always have a reflective and holding space to process. But here, you have the option to confront and untangle safely.

Is this doctor in your insurance network?

Enter your insurance carrier and plan

choose insurance

In-network insurances

Aetna

BlueCross BlueShield

Cigna

UnitedHealthcare Oxford

200+ more in-network plans

Out-of-pocket fees and assistance

Initial session: $250 for 60 minutes

Ongoing session: $180 for 45 minutes

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

Popular visit reasons

Adolescent / Teen Issues

Analytical Therapy / Psychoanalysis

New Patient Visit

Pain Management Consultation

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit

Sleep Problems

Therapy

Adolescent / Teen Issues

Analytical Therapy / Psychoanalysis

New Patient Visit

Pain Management Consultation

Education and background

Practice names

Zhi Li, LCSW

Education and training

New York University, Master's in Social Work
William Alanson White Institute (Adult Psychoanalysis)

NPI number

1972120889

Patient reviews

Help Zhi Li, LCSW, MSW build an online reputation by being the first to leave a review after having an appointment.

Frequently asked questions

How soon can I make an appointment with Zhi Li?

Generally, Zhi Li has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Zhi Li's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.

Is Zhi Li accepting new patients?

Zhi Li generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Zhi Li's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.

Does Zhi Li accept my insurance?

Choose your insurance plan to verify if Zhi Li is in-network.

Can I make an appointment with Zhi Li online?

Yes, you can make an appointment online with Zhi Li using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.

What practice does Zhi Li work with?

Zhi Li works with Zhi Li, LCSW.

What are common reasons for patients to see Zhi Li?

Zhi Li 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 Zhi Li on their profile.