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Vetted

Vernon Bauer

Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW
New York
Anxiety-Burnout-Depression-Existential crisis-LGBTQ+ related stress-Self-esteem-
AboutSpecialtiesLocationsInsurance & Fees

Professional statement

Before becoming a therapist, Vernon spent years working as a theater director. Both roles involve cultivating a narrative. The major difference with therapy is that patients work to tell their own story with their own voice–and even rewrite the script along the way.

Vernon has worked with diverse populations, including individuals in various creative arts fields and many LGBTQ+ identifying people. He offers clients a thoughtful, empathic, and supportive therapeutic experience.

Vernon brings a psychodynamic-informed framework to the treatment. That means he works with clients to analyze their thought processes and internal experiences. As part of that process, clients can expect him to ask lots of open-ended questions, such as: "Why do you think you did that, or said that?" "How did it feel?" "What do you think would have happened if you had...?"

Therapy can bring up difficult feelings. It can also provide moments of relief, and even (when appropriate) some humor. All emotional states are welcome in Vernon’s therapeutic space.

Vernon also uses action-oriented approaches—like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy—to help patients modify unhelpful behaviors. This approach may involve "homework" assignments intended to help patients apply what they’ve learned between sessions. Vernon’s vision is for his clients to develop a deeper understanding of themselves so they can live a more fulfilling story.


Message to clients

What makes for a meaningful life? There are as many answers as there are people in the world. And yet, we all have to answer this question for ourselves. Maybe you’re unsure of what you want out of life. Perhaps you do know, but feel conflicted about it. Therapy is a place where you can safely explore these larger questions around who you are and what you want so you can make lasting change and find meaning in every day.

I work with queer-identifying individuals—either creative or corporate in their pursuits—who are searching for purpose, feeling stuck, or looking for more than just a “quick fix.” My patients are invited to use their voice, be heard, and explore what’s on their mind. Ultimately, they come out of therapy with a deeper understanding of themselves and tools to make meaningful adjustments in their day-to-day life.


Work and Education

Resilience Lab
Neighborhood Counseling Center
The Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy

Columbia University, MS, 2018

Licensure

New York: 093598

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)

Burnout - Coping with unreasonable expectations and feelings of overwhelm in the workplace; restoring energy, balance, and motivation

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

Existential crisis - Supportive exploration of meaning and purpose in one’s life; finding one’s path in the face of existential anxiety, dread, and feelings of meaninglessness

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

Self-esteem - Cultivating self-compassion, assertiveness, and confidence; developing ways to reduce suffering, anxiety, social withdrawal, and self-neglect




Clientele

  • Adults (24+)
  • Young adults (18-24)

Locations & Hours

Please note that at this time, I'm unable to accept Medicare or Medicaid plans.


Insurance

  • Aetna
  • Aetna International
  • Aetna Student Health Insurance
  • All Savers Insurance Company
  • Allied Benefit Systems
  • Cigna
  • Golden Rule Insurance Company
  • Harvard Pilgrim
  • Meritain Health
  • New School Student Insurance (United Healthcare Student Resources)
  • Nippon Life Benefits
  • Optum
  • Oxford Health Plans
  • Surest (formerly Bind)
  • Trustmark
  • UMR
  • United Healthcare
  • United Healthcare Shared Services
  • University of California Berkeley Student Health Insurance (Wellfleet Student)
  • Wellfleet

Out-of-pocket fees

  • Individual sessions:$200 (50min)
  • Initial session:$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
Payment options
  • Credit Card
Session frequency

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

  • Weekly
  • Multiple times a week