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Michael Kushner

Psychologist, PhD
New York
Anxiety-Depression-Relationships-Mood disorders-
AboutSpecialtiesLocationsInsurance & Fees

Professional statement

Dr. Michael Kushner is a Licensed Psychologist in lower Manhattan who specializes in seeing adults with anxiety and/or depression as well as individuals who are navigating relationship, work, or family challenges.

Dr. Kushner utilizes a psychoanalytic approach to help his clients uncover how their thought patterns influence their emotions and the way they interact with others. He teaches them how to manage their anxiety and become more at peace with this part of their personality. When working with clients who are experiencing depression, Dr. Kushner takes the time to understand their symptoms and what may trigger them. He teaches them how to shift their perspective and learn to look at their life in a more positive light.

Dr. Kushner’s style is empathic and thoughtful. He spends time getting to know his clients and helping them discover that the life they want is within reach.


Message to clients

People seek therapy for different reasons. Some want to solve a specific problem, and some want relief from feelings of unhappiness or anxiety. Others want to make a change in work or relationships, or want to be liberated from a pattern of behavior that's not working for them. You may have a combination of these issues or just feel jumbled -- uncertain about the source of troubling feelings. In all of these cases, seeking professional help is the first step. By doing so, you make real your wish for change and your wish to feel better.
My approach uses analytically-informed psychotherapy and psychoanalysis. This means that together we will seek to understand the particular ways you have of reacting to events and the ways in which you relate to others, both of which are often at the root of emotional difficulties.
Over time, working this way makes it possible to address a variety of issues and get relief from emotional pain and troubling symptoms. Initiating therapy is a signal that you are serious about wanting to feel better and that you are worthy of the effort to improve your life.


Work and Education

Years of Experience: 32 years

Clinical Practice
Market Research and Management Consulting
University of Minnesota, Research Fellow

Institute for Psychoanalytic Training and Research (IPTAR), Candidate, 2011
City University of New York, MA, MPhil, PhD, 1992
Columbia University, BA, 1986

Licensure

New York: 018780

Languages

English

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

Relationships - Understanding one’s wants and needs in relationships; exploring patterns of interaction, addressing concerns, and strengthening satisfaction in relationships and dating

Mood disorders - Depression, dysthymia (mild depression), bipolar disorder, hormone-related mood issues, i.e. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) and postpartum depression, adjustment disorder with depression




Clientele

  • Adults (24+)
  • Parents
  • Seniors (65+)
  • Young adults (18-24)

Locations & Hours


Insurance

  • Aetna
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Cigna
  • Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Medicare
  • Northwell Direct
  • Oxford Health Plans
  • United Healthcare

Out-of-pocket fees

  • Individual sessions:$200 (45min)
  • Sliding scale:$100 - $200
  • Initial session:$200 (45min)

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
Payment options
  • Cash
  • Check
  • Zelle
Session frequency

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

  • Weekly
  • Multiple times a week