Meet Emmy

I am a New York State licensed Mental Health Counselor treating adolescents, adults, and families. I see patients in my private office in midtown Manhattan and have been in clinical practice for more than a decade, specializing in attachment, trauma, and quarter-life crisis.

My approach is psychodynamic, using a relational model of therapy. Relational work examines how our past experiences shape who we are today and often dictate our patterns of relating to others. The goal is to help patients have new and more meaningful ways of relating in the present, using the therapist as a tool for change in the process. Additionally, I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy into the treatment when I feel it can be helpful to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.

A warm, relatable, and personable style of connecting is what I believe helps me to have a strong therapeutic relationship with those I work with.  I enjoy connecting with my patients through humor and compassion, and this allows us to build strong bonds over time.  

I have a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from the University of South Florida. My training is in psychodynamic psychotherapy from the Stephen Mitchell Relational Study Center & the Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy. These trainings sharpened my abilities to navigate the unconscious content of a client's psyche in an effort to alleviate psychological conflict.

A FEW OF MY WORK VALUES:

  • Having a collaborative relationship with my clients

  • Being authentic and sincere

  • Creating a safe space that feels open and caring

Therapy Services

  • Adults

    My style of working with adults involves creating a warm and caring therapeutic relationship that is built on trust, an easygoing feel, and sincerity.

    Together we can figure out what might be getting in the way of you having the life that you hope for but struggle to achieve.

    Anxiety | Depression | Dating | Relationship Issues | Substance Abuse | Career Changes | Family Conflict | Low Self Esteem | Life Adjustments | Body Image | Work Stress | Boundaries | Sexuality | Social Anxiety | Anger

  • Adolescents

    As a therapist, I work with teens to increase their self-awareness and strengthen their relationships. Using techniques like psychodynamic psychotherapy and CBT, we can untangle the root of their pain and reduce symptoms. It's rewarding to see the impact our work can have on their mental health and future relationships.

    Gender Identity / LGBTQIA+ | Self-esteem | Grief and Loss | Threats of Self-Harm or Thoughts of Suicide | Sexual Assault and Trauma | Fitting in with Peers | Demands of High School | Preparing for College | Dating and Relationships | Blended Families | Parents’ Divorce | Parental Substance Use | Emotional Abuse and Neglect | Sexuality

  • Families

    The family is an ever-changing system. I often like to work with the whole family, as I see the identified patient as someone who is operating within an ecology. I will observe the dynamics within these relationships and work with the family to improve their communication and problem-solving skills to address the underlying issues.

    Behavioral problems in children or teens | Changes within the family | Communication problems | Death of loved one | Divorce, separation, or marital problems | Parent-child conflicts | Problems between siblings | Parenting issues | Stressful events or major life transitions | Trauma

Common Questions

HOW CAN YOU HELP ME?

My style involves helping you find insight and supporting you in identifying tangible steps to reach your goals. I see patients with a range of life issues and struggles. These include but are not limited to trauma, relationship issues, work and career transitions,  stress management, work-life balance, body image issues, gender identity, perfectionism, people-pleasing, and disordered eating. The most common issues I treat are generalized anxiety and depression. I also treat bipolar disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder, but typically in collaboration with a psychiatrist if medication is part of the treatment plan. If you’re not sure how I can help, please contact me with your specific questions.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN THAT YOU ARE AN OUT OF NETWORK PROVIDER?

This means I do not accept insurance directly. However, I help my clients with reimbursement and will provide a monthly superbill. I suggest that you call your insurance company to find out what your benefits are for out-of-network reimbursement. Please call the toll-free number (usually found on the back of your insurance card) and speak with a plan representative. If you are coming to see me for individual therapy, inform the representative that you are planning on first accessing an Individual Initial Evaluation (CPT Code 90791) and then ongoing Individual Therapy (CPT code 90834). You are asking about outpatient mental health services. You will tell the representative that you will be seeing Emmy Kleine LHMC. I am considered an “out-of-network” provider.

WHAT IF I HAVE TO CANCEL MY APPOINTMENT?

At some point, there will be a time when you need to cancel an appointment. That is completely understandable. But if you cancel or reschedule your appointment without 24 hours prior notice, you will be charged your full session fee.

DO YOU OFFER SLIDING SCALE? 

Sliding scale fees may be applied on a case-to-case basis. Reduced fee goes as low as $150

ARE OUR SESSIONS CONFIDENTIAL?

Your sessions with me will always remain confidential. There are just a few exceptions that will be explained to you when we start working together. One example of me breaking confidentiality includes you becoming a harm to yourself or someone else.

WHAT IF I NEED MEDICATION?

I strongly believe that medication does not have to be the first means for symptom relief, and giving therapy a try first can be very effective. However, medication can be helpful and is sometimes needed in conjunction with therapy for the best outcomes. If need be, I will make a referral to a psychiatrist.