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Nicole Issa(She/Her/Hers)

(She/Her/Hers)
Psychologist, PsyD
Rhode IslandMassachusettsNew York
College and Graduate Student Mental Health-LGBTQIA+ Affirming Therapy-Gender Affirming Therapy-Anxiety-Relationships-

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This therapist is currently not accepting new clients. Find available Rhode Island therapists on Zencare.

AboutSpecialtiesLocationsInsurance & FeesTestimonials

Professional statement

Dr. Nicole Issa is a Clinical Psychologist in Providence, RI and is also the Founder of PVD Psychological Associates. Dr. Issa specializes in working with college students, adolescents, and adults. She also works with individuals of all ages who identify as members of the LGBTQIA community. PVD Psychological Associates is one of few BCBS of Rhode Island LGBTQ Safe Zone certified providers. In addition to seeing her clients in Rhode Island, Dr. Issa offers online therapy to clients in Massachusetts and New York.

Dr. Issa treats a wide variety of issues, including depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. She is particularly passionate about supporting college and graduate students as they navigate academic and career stressors, adjustment to change, and relationship challenges. She also enjoys helping adolescents identify their strengths, process their emotions, and find healthy ways of coping with challenges.

Dr. Issa meets clients where they are and focuses on the relationship as the core, and most important aspect, of therapy. She often utilizes techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). She also checks in with her clients often to ensure they feel like they are on their way towards meeting their goals. She wants clients to not only process their emotions and experiences but also make behavioral changes that allow them to ultimately live the life they want.

Dr. Issa is deeply passionate about the work she does and wants everyone to have a safe space where they feel comfortable and cared for. She is currently the chair of the Rhode Island Psychological Association’s Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity Committee and sitting Board Member. She also regularly contributes to pieces in the media and has been featured on Self, HuffPost, Bustle, Brit + Co, New England Psychologist, Elite Daily, and ABC6. Her office is located on College Hill, near Brown University.


Message to clients

In my work as a therapist, I focus on understanding early experiences and how psychological well-being can be fostered through relationships. I believe change and healing come through relationships: our relationships with ourselves, as well as our relationships with others. I view therapy as a collaborative process that allows both therapist and client to grow and change.
I practice primarily from a relational-dynamic perspective, though I incorporate techniques from cognitive behavioral (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and narrative approaches to tailor treatment to the unique and individual needs of each client.
My clients describe me as an empathetic, active listener who approaches their concerns with caring, respect, pragmatism, and sometimes, humor. I'm honored that you're considering working with me and would be happy to answer any questions you may have.


Work and Education

PVD Psychological Associates, Founder and Licensed Psychologist
Center for Dynamic and Behavioral Therapy, Co-Founder and Licensed Psychologist
Azimuth Psychological, Co-Founder and Licensed Psychologist
Vorpahl Psychology Associates, Postdoctoral Fellow
Connecticut College Student Counseling Services, Psychology Intern
Worcester State Hospital, Psychology Intern
Seven Hills Behavioral Health, Staff Therapist and Psychology Practicum Student
Family Services, Staff Therapist
Taunton State Hospital, Psychology Intern

Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology, PsyD, 2012

Languages

English

Specialties

College and Graduate Student Mental Health - Anxiety, stress, and depression that may arise during college and graduate school

LGBTQIA+ Affirming Therapy - Exploring topics of sexuality, gender, and identity; coping with discrimination and oppression; navigating relationship, family, and cultural challenges

Gender Affirming Therapy - Positive support of others that acknowledges and reflects the inherent worth and value of the wide diversity of ways that people experience and express gender

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

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




Clientele

  • Adults (24+)
  • Parents
  • Teenagers (13-18)
  • Young adults (18-24)

Locations & Hours


Insurance

  • Aetna Student Health Insurance
  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
  • Berklee College of Music Student Health Insurance (Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO)
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA HMO
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA PPO
  • Boston College Student Health Insurance (UnitedHealthcare)
  • Columbia University Student Health Insurance Plan (Aetna)
  • Harvard Student Health Insurance (Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO)
  • Johnson and Wales University Student Health Insurance (United Healthcare)
  • Lesley University Student Health Insurance (Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO)
  • MIT Student and Affiliate Extended Insurance Plan (Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO)
  • New School Student Insurance (United Healthcare Student Resources)
  • Northeastern University Student Health Insurance (Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO)
  • RISD Student Health Insurance (United Healthcare)
  • United Healthcare Student Health Plan
  • University of Rhode Island (URI) Student Insurance (United Healthcare)

Out-of-pocket fees

  • Individual sessions:$225 (50min)
  • Initial session:$275 (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
Therapist's note

Sliding scale: A limited number of lower fee sessions are available to clients who need a reduced fee to receive therapy.

Please note that Dr. Issa only accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield commercial plans (community plans are not accepted at this time).


Client testimonials

"Dr. Issa is the first therapist I have spoken to in an online setting, yet I already like her better than the therapists I have had in the past. She is an amazing listener, and I feel very comfortable sharing things with her."
- College student December 2019
"Dr. Issa has a way about her that puts me at ease. She really listens and really understands me. I also really appreciate when she validates my feelings and the issues I am struggling with."
- Female professional December 2019
"Dr. Issa has been such an incredible help to me. She is very present and asks a lot of questions that help me think about things in a different, more helpful way."
- Male professional December 2019