Stephanie Lechich,
Ph.D.
Licensed Clinical
Psychologist
New York License #: 025909
Florida License #: PY12763
PSYPACT #: 22580
Welcome!
I offer psychotherapy and performance coaching to individuals in New York, Florida, and PSYPACT participating states. I help individuals better understand themselves and others to promote harmony and stability in their lives. We collaborate to identify emotional, behavioral, and interpersonal patterns, which is empowering in taking steps towards a more fulfilling future. My main specialties include treating performance issues, such as perfectionism and fear of failure, particularly in current and former athletes and performing artists. I also have extensive experience working with personality disorders as well as emotion regulation and relationship issues.
I am warm, non-judgmental, sensitive, and direct. I listen carefully, and I value the importance of pacing the journey, so that the therapeutic process is both comfortable and challenging in a way that fosters growth.
Services
I am an integrative psychotherapist, and I have honed clinical expertise using evidence-based psychodynamic, DBT, mindfulness, and CBT interventions. I offer individual psychotherapy and performance coaching to adults and adolescents.
Specialties
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Perfectionism
Fear of Failure
Performance Anxiety
Low self-esteem
Shame
Procrastination
Avoidance
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Struggles with intimacy
Infidelity
Communication problems
Romantic Conflict
Isolation
Loneliness
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Anxiety
Depression
Mood Swings
Difficulty Expressing feelings
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Loss
Relocating
Career changes
Navigating a breakup
Structure
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After you reach out for an appointment, we will schedule a 15 minute free consultation call in which you can share with me your reasons for seeking therapy. This is also an opportunity to ask questions about my services and fees. Should we determine that it makes sense to proceed, we will schedule an intake session.
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My practice is fully virtual at this time, with sessions taking place on a secure and confidential video platform. Individual intakes are one hour and therapy sessions are 45 minutes.
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When cancelling or rescheduling sessions, please provide at least 48 hours notice. Cancellations will be subject to a $150 charge if not received at least 48 hours in advance, regardless of the reason for the cancellation. Since I do not regularly check my email on the weekend, if it is a Friday, and your appointment is on a Monday, cancellations must be completed by 5pm on the Friday before. The cancellation fee is not intended to be punitive and does not represent my judgment on the validity of the reason for the cancellation.
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We can discuss cost and financial needs in the initial consultation call. I currently accept Aetna insurance. If you are not in-network with Aetna and you receive a diagnosis, most insurance plans have out-of-network coverage, which means that you may be able to get significantly reimbursed for the sessions. I will provide you with a monthly “superbill” that you can submit for reimbursement.
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Do I have out-of-network coverage for outpatient psychotherapy?
What is the amount I can expect to be reimbursed per session given my provider’s information: licensed clinical psychologist with NPI number 1770208209
Do I have a deductible that I have to first meet? If so, how much is it and how much have I already met?
Is there a limited number of visits I can have per year?
What is the process for submitting claims?
How long will it take for me to get reimbursed?
About
I am a licensed clinical psychologist and performance coach with over ten years of experience treating a diverse range of individuals. I am particularly experienced in providing individual and group psychotherapy and conducting diagnostic assessments. I’ve worked with children, adolescents, and adults ages 7 to 65 in a variety of inpatient and outpatient settings such as private practice, hospitals, university counseling centers, and community mental health clinics. In addition to my clinical work, I am an Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, where I contribute to training and teaching in the field. I also contribute to the field of psychology through academic publications, invited presentations, and selected writing, as well as expert commentary featured in media outlets.
Education
Ph.D., Clinical Psychology, Long Island University, Brooklyn
M.A., Clinical Psychology, Long Island University, Brooklyn
B.A., Psychology, Swarthmore College
Clinical Experiences
Union Square Practice (USP) & Strata Performance — Current
I provide psychotherapy through Union Square Practice and performance coaching through Strata Performance, integrating clinical psychology with applied performance work. Across both roles, I help individuals strengthen self-awareness, emotional regulation, and sustainable high performance.
View my Union Square Practice profile | View my Strata Performance profileCenter for Intensive Treatment of Personality Disorders (CITPD) at Mount Sinai Hospital
Postdoctoral Residency, Weill Cornell Medical College Student Mental Health Program
Predoctoral Internship, NYC Health + Hospitals/ North Central Bronx
William Alanson White Institute
Brooklyn Center for Psychotherapy
Long Island University Psychological Services Center
NYC Health + Hospitals/ Kings County Hospital
Brooklyn Heights Behavioral Associates (BHBA)
Selected academic publications, invited presentations, and public scholarship addressing mental health issues and interventions.
Research, Writing & Invited Talks
Academic Publications
Time-Limited Model of an Evidence-Based Telemental Health Intervention in a Graduate Student Mental Health Program (2026)
Journal of Psychiatric Research.
Peer-reviewed publication presenting an evidence-based, time-limited telemental health model and its impact on clinical outcomes within a graduate student mental health program.
Invited Presentations
Invited Presentation — Union Square Practice & Strata Performance (2026)
“Transforming Self-Criticism in Perfectionism: Shame-Informed Strategies for Sustainable Excellence.”
Invited talk examining shame-informed clinical strategies that help transform perfectionism from a barrier into a catalyst for insight, resilience, and sustainable excellence.
Published Essays and Articles
When to Announce Your Pregnancy: What the Research Says (2026)
Psychology Today.
Public scholarship piece examining the psychological, medical, and social factors that shape decisions about when to disclose a pregnancy, including miscarriage risk, social support, and workplace considerations.
[Read Article]
Exercise as Play: Movement, Mindfulness, and Mental Health (2026)
The Mindful Word.
Public scholarship piece examining how playful movement and embodied awareness can support emotional wellbeing and mental health.
[Read Article]
The Camino de Santiago: a Path Towards Mindfulness (2025)
The Mindful Word.
Reflective article exploring pilgrimage, mindfulness, and the psychological benefits of intentional movement and contemplative practice.
[Read Article]
Media Features
How Exercise Boosts Mental Health: Science-Backed Benefits, Explained (2026)
Nike.
Quoted as a clinical expert in this article on the mental health benefits of exercise, including its effects on mood, stress, anxiety, and overall wellbeing.
[Read Feature]
Understanding and Overcoming Unhealthy Perfectionism (2025)
Beverly Hills Courier.
Discussion highlighting clinical perspectives on perfectionism, self-criticism, and healthier psychological functioning.
[Read Feature]