Cathay  Che
Vetted

Cathay Che

Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW Specialties Insurance & Fees Locations
New York, Rhode Island, California Accepting Online
Updated February 26, 2023

Specialties & Expertise

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • LGBTQ clients
  • People of color
  • Identity development
  • Multicultural literacy
  • Substance use disorders
  • Grief and loss
  • Pet loss support
  • Relationships
  • Asian Pacific Islander clients

Professional statement

Cathay Che is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker offering remote sessions to clients in NY, NJ, and RI. Cathay specializes in identity development, multicultural literacy, anxiety, depression, addictions, and pet loss support. Having previously facilitated a group for identity development, she has deep expertise in helping LGBTQ, biracial, and first- or second-generation individuals navigate the intricacies of identity formation from an intersectional perspective. Having lived in New York for over two decades, she has a particular affinity for working with creative individuals in the arts or media. No matter the reason her clients enter therapy, she is passionate about helping them become more attuned to their emotions and find greater satisfaction in their personal and professional lives.

Cathay supports individuals with both behavioral and substance use challenges and addictions, including gambling, excessing shopping, and hypersexuality. Viewing addiction as a symptom of other underlying issues, she gently guides each client toward uncovering the root of the problem, developing sustainable coping skills, and reaching a safe place of healing and fulfillment. She also has a special sensitivity to the powerful bond people form with their pets and can aid in the grieving process for those who have experienced difficult losses.

Cathay draws from a number of evidence-based treatment approaches including Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), mindfulness practices, and supportive therapy. Her approach to addiction is rooted in Motivational Interviewing, understanding each client's unique background and perspective in order to set realistic, attainable goals. She takes care in genuinely listening to her clients and providing empathetic, honest feedback and sustainable solutions.


Message to clients

I'm a discreet, empathetic therapist who will listen to what you want and what you say very carefully, give you gentle but honest feedback, and help guide you towards solutions that are both accessible and sustainable.


Specialties

Anxiety - Coping with excessive worry, nervousness, or stress; intense discomfort in social settings (social anxiety); sudden and intense feelings of panic (panic disorder)

Depression - Providing support and promoting healing of hopelessness, low motivation and energy, sadness, irritability, sleep disturbance, and loss of interest and pleasure in life

LGBTQ clients - Exploring topics of sexuality, gender, and identity; coping with discrimination and oppression; navigating relationship, family, and cultural challenges

People of color - Working with people of color on topics including race, culture, and family background; support navigating various challenges and stressors

Identity development - Including within the unique context of one's race, ethnicity, sexuality, gender, class, and cultural background; resolving trauma and internalized oppression related to stigma

Multicultural literacy - Awareness and appreciation of different beliefs, appearances and lifestyles

Substance use disorders - Tolerating emotional discomfort; reducing or eliminating reliance on substances; development of new coping mechanisms for stress and suffering

Grief and loss - Emotionally preparing for the anticipated passing of a loved one; managing feelings and reactions to a death or loss of significance; support during the process of healing and acceptance

Pet loss support - Processing the loss of a loved pet

Relationships - Understanding one’s wants and needs in relationships; specializing in supporting ethical non-monogamy, open marriage, or polyamory

Asian Pacific Islander clients - Working with Asian Pacific Islander clients; exploring topics of culture and ethnic background as it relates to one’s family origins and personal identity




Clientele

  • Adults (24+)

Insurance

Cathay Che is not in-network with any insurances.

Read about the benefits of seeing an out-of-network provider here.


Out-of-pocket fees

  • Individual sessions: $225 (50min)
  • Sliding scale: $175 - $225
  • Initial session: $225 (50min)
  • Substance use disorder assessments: $250 (60min)
  • Pet loss counseling: $150 (50min)

Additional session information

Out-of-network billing options

This provider can support you in getting reimbursement from your insurance company if you are seeking out-of-network reimbursement. Here are the out-of-network billing options they provide:

  • Super billing
  • Courtesy billing
  • Direct billing
Payment options
  • Credit Card
  • Debit Card
Session frequency

Frequency of sessions this provider offers to see clients once you are an established client.

  • Weekly
  • Every other week
Therapist's note

Cathay can process paperwork for out-of-network benefits for clients with Aetna, Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare, so clients with these providers can expect to pay their typical co-pay for a session with her.


Location(s)

Online Sessions (New York)
Accepting new clients online
Currently Available Times
  • Morning (Before 10am)
  • Daytime (10am - 1pm)
  • Afternoon (1pm - 5pm)
  • Evening (After 5pm)
  • Weekends
Regular Hours
  • Mon Closed
  • Tue 1pm - 8pm
  • Wed 1pm - 8pm
  • Thu 1pm - 8pm
  • Fri 12pm - 3pm
  • Sat Closed
  • Sun Closed

Online Sessions (Rhode Island)
Accepting new clients online
Currently Available Times
  • Morning (Before 10am)
  • Daytime (10am - 1pm)
  • Afternoon (1pm - 5pm)
  • Evening (After 5pm)
  • Weekends
Regular Hours
  • Mon Closed
  • Tue 1pm - 8pm
  • Wed 1pm - 8pm
  • Thu 1pm - 8pm
  • Fri 12pm - 3pm
  • Sat Closed
  • Sun Closed

Online Sessions (California)
Accepting new clients online
Currently Available Times
  • Morning (Before 10am)
  • Daytime (10am - 1pm)
  • Afternoon (1pm - 5pm)
  • Evening (After 5pm)
  • Weekends
Regular Hours
  • Mon Closed
  • Tue 10am - 6pm
  • Wed 10am - 6pm
  • Thu 10am - 6pm
  • Fri 10am-Noon
  • Sat Closed
  • Sun Closed

Work and Education

Years of Experience: 11 years

Private Practice, 2013 - Present
Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, 2012 - 2020

Columbia University, MSW, 2013


Licensure

New York: 085534

Rhode Island: ISW03153

California: 101612


Languages

English


Client testimonials

"Cathay was nice to talk to."
- Zencare client • October 2020
"Cathay is compassionate, understanding, and made me feel comfortable from the very beginning. She gave me great strategies to deal with my anxiety and really helped me out in a tough time of my life."
- Zencare client • January 2020
"Cathay is a great listener and doesn’t push. She makes me feel comfortable sharing intimate details about my life and her office is truly a safe space."
- Zencare client • December 2019