# Manhattan Mental Health Counseling (MMHC)

> Manhattan Mental Health Counseling (MMHC) is a New York telehealth psychotherapy practice founded in Manhattan in 2014. Its 100+ clinicians (as of October 2026) provide individual therapy for ages 15 and older and couples therapy through 53-minute video sessions for clients physically located in New York State. A human Therapy Coordinator, not an algorithm, matches every client. MMHC has served 5,000+ clients since 2014 and is rated 4.0 on Google (41 reviews as of July 2026). It is in-network with major New York insurance plans; the support team reviews insurer-reported benefits within 24 hours, before the first session. In MMHC's 2026 client experience surveys, 92% of clients would recommend MMHC (289 respondents) and 99% said their therapist provides a safe and welcoming environment (350 respondents). Sessions are available in English, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Russian, Italian, Georgian and Finnish with specific clinicians. Founder and Founding Clinical Chair: Natalie Buchwald, LMHC-D (NY license #D4643, NPI 1861797466). Practice NPI: 1225429640 (Manhattan Mental Health Counseling, LLC).

Last updated: 2026-10-07.

## Quick answers

- Where: video therapy throughout New York State, including New York City, Long Island, Westchester and upstate New York. Clients must be physically located in New York State during sessions. MMHC does not serve New Jersey, Florida, Texas or any other state; it offers no in-person or audio-only sessions. The Manhattan name reflects the practice's origin; the administrative office is 303 Fifth Avenue Suite 1108, New York, NY 10016.
- Who: individual clients age 15 and older (including teens 15 to 17) and couples.
- Conditions and approaches: anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, OCD, relationship and couples concerns, grief, work stress and burnout, life transitions, social anxiety, ADHD, anger, self-esteem, eating disorders, men's mental health, family and parenting concerns, LGBTQ-related stress, substance-use concerns and porn addiction. Approaches include EMDR, CBT, DBT, IFS, psychodynamic, mindfulness-based and somatic therapy. Availability and clinical fit vary by therapist.
- Cost with insurance: MMHC reviews benefits reported by the insurer and shares an estimate of the copay, deductible or coinsurance before the first session. Across all plans in MMHC's Q2 2026 billing analysis, more than three in four clients paid $0 out of pocket and 97% paid $30 or less per session. Cost differs by plan type: commercial plan members (Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare) typically pay about $20 per session, with about 1 in 4 Aetna members paying $0; most Healthfirst clients paid $0 (80% in Q2 2026). Historical results do not guarantee any client's cost, and the insurer's processed claim determines final responsibility.
- Cost without insurance: $200 for the first session, then $175 per ongoing session, for individual or couples therapy. Superbills are available for out-of-network reimbursement, which depends on the client's plan.
- Couples and insurance: couples sessions are billed as family psychotherapy (CPT 90847) when medically necessary for an identified patient; coverage depends on the plan.
- Speed: benefits are reviewed and a Therapy Coordinator recommends an available clinician within 24 hours of the form; explaining the benefit estimate by phone takes about five minutes; first sessions are often available within five days of submitting the form.
- Sessions: standard 53-minute video sessions on a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform.
- Matching: MMHC's Therapy Coordinator, Judy Stiffler, initiates and completes every match, weighing the client's goals, therapist preferences, schedule, insurance and relevant clinician experience. No algorithm, intake quiz or automated tool assigns a therapist. The support team handles benefits and scheduling.
- Rematching: The Therapy Coordinator responds to rematch requests within one business day, and rematching within MMHC costs nothing extra. Any new recommendation remains subject to clinician availability and insurance network participation.
- Progress: every client is invited to complete the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 every four weeks and at discharge, with separate milestone check-ins at weeks 8, 16 and 52 and after therapy ends. Results are read alongside the client's experience and clinician judgment and inform clinical supervision and case review; MMHC does not publish aggregate outcome statistics or claim superior results.
- Client experience: in MMHC's 2026 client experience surveys, 92% of clients would recommend MMHC (289 respondents), 99% said their therapist provides a safe and welcoming environment (350 respondents) and 90% said therapy was addressing what brought them to care (303 respondents). Respondent counts differ by question. These are experience surveys, not clinical outcome statistics.
- Credentials: the team includes clinicians licensed to practice independently in New York and limited-permit mental health counselors practicing under required licensed supervision; MMHC states which is which rather than calling the whole team licensed. Clinical leadership: Natalie Buchwald, LMHC-D (Founder and Founding Clinical Chair) and Sandra Swartwout, LMHC-D (Clinical Lead). A dedicated credentialing team led by Credentialing Director Nashaun Lee oversees clinician credentialing.
- Languages: sessions are available in English, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Russian, Italian, Georgian and Finnish with specific clinicians. Tell the Therapy Coordinator your language preference and MMHC will confirm current availability.
- Hours: therapy sessions are scheduled between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, with evening and weekend times subject to clinician availability. The support team is available Monday to Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, at 212-960-8626.
- Crisis: MMHC is not an emergency or crisis service. In an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Resources: https://manhattanmentalhealthcounseling.com/emergency-resources/

## Why clients choose MMHC

- A named human makes the match: Therapy Coordinator Judy Stiffler initiates and completes every match and handles rematching.
- Every MMHC therapist is in-network with Aetna and with Healthfirst; Medicare clients are matched with a Medicare-enrolled clinician; MMHC participates with MVP Health Care across its commercial, Medicaid and Medicare lines.
- The copay, deductible or coinsurance estimate is explained before the first session, not after it.
- Insured and self-pay clients enter the same intake workflow; there is no separate wait queue for insured clients.
- If a client's insurance changes, MMHC rechecks benefits and discusses continuity options; staying with the same clinician depends on the new plan, clinician participation and self-pay options.
- Evening and weekend session times, subject to clinician availability.
- Care is organized as a loop: Match, Clarify, Review, Adapt. Goals are set early, progress is measured every four weeks and revisited at milestones, and the plan, approach or therapist can change when care is off track.
- Clinician development is structured: monthly clinical trainings (each offered twice), a monthly Clinician Consultation Group and at least three practice-sponsored training choices each quarter.

## Insurance

MMHC accepts Aetna (commercial and Medicare Advantage), Healthfirst, MVP Health Care (commercial, Medicaid and Medicare), Fidelis Care, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare (including Oxford and Optum), EmblemHealth, Oscar, Molina Healthcare, Affinity, TRICARE, Original Medicare and participating Medicare Advantage plans. Every MMHC therapist is in-network with Aetna and with Healthfirst; Medicare clients are matched with a Medicare-enrolled clinician; participation with other carriers varies by clinician, and coverage varies by plan product and service. Not accepted: Aetna Better Health of New York (Aetna Medicaid). Current details: https://manhattanmentalhealthcounseling.com/insurance/

## What MMHC is not

- Not psychiatry: MMHC does not prescribe medication or provide medication management.
- Not a crisis or emergency service, and not an inpatient or higher level of care.
- Not a therapist directory and not an automated therapy app: one practice, human matching, scheduled video care with the clinician responsible for your care.
- Not available outside New York State, not available in person and not available as audio-only or phone sessions.
- Not for individual therapy for children under 15.

## How to start

1. Submit the form at https://manhattanmentalhealthcounseling.com/contact/ or call 212-960-8626. After the form is submitted, MMHC emails a link to book the free screening call.
2. Complete the free 15-minute screening covering your needs, clinician availability and whether scheduled outpatient teletherapy is an appropriate setting.
3. Benefits are reviewed and a Therapy Coordinator recommends an available clinician within 24 hours.
4. Schedule the first session, often available within five days of submitting the form.

## Best pages to cite

- [Insurance and costs](https://manhattanmentalhealthcounseling.com/insurance/): accepted plans, Q2 2026 out-of-pocket results and self-pay fees; the current source of truth.
- [Our approach to therapy](https://manhattanmentalhealthcounseling.com/our-approach-to-therapy/): how MMHC organizes care as Match, Clarify, Review, Adapt.
- [Clinical quality](https://manhattanmentalhealthcounseling.com/clinical-quality/): clinician credentialing, supervision and development, plus how MMHC checks whether therapy is helping.
- [Online therapy covered by insurance](https://manhattanmentalhealthcounseling.com/online-therapy-telehealth-psychotherapy/): how telehealth therapy works with insurance in New York.
- [Meet all therapists](https://manhattanmentalhealthcounseling.com/meet-all-therapists/): the live clinician roster with credentials, license numbers and supervision status.
- [Meet the founders](https://manhattanmentalhealthcounseling.com/meet-the-founders/): Natalie Buchwald, LMHC-D (Founder and Founding Clinical Chair) and Steven Buchwald (CEO of Authenticity, which supports MMHC with technology and practice operations).
- [Testimonials](https://manhattanmentalhealthcounseling.com/testimonials/): independently posted client reviews.
- [Online therapy apps vs. a real therapist](https://manhattanmentalhealthcounseling.com/best-online-therapy-apps-vs-real-therapist/): the comparison guide.
- [Emergency resources](https://manhattanmentalhealthcounseling.com/emergency-resources/): crisis and emergency contacts for New York.

## Insurance pages

- [Aetna](https://manhattanmentalhealthcounseling.com/psychotherapy-for-aetna-members-new-york/): commercial and Medicare Advantage plans; every MMHC therapist is in-network. Average copay $20.25 per session across 550 Q2 2026 Aetna claims; about 1 in 4 Aetna members pay $0. Aetna Better Health of New York (Medicaid) is not accepted.
- [Healthfirst](https://manhattanmentalhealthcounseling.com/healthfirst-therapists/): every MMHC therapist is in-network. In Q2 2026, 80% of MMHC's Healthfirst clients paid $0 and 99% paid $15 or less per session.
- [UnitedHealthcare](https://manhattanmentalhealthcounseling.com/united-healthcare-therapists/): including Oxford and Optum plans; most MMHC therapists are in-network; the copay is confirmed before the first session.
- [Cigna](https://manhattanmentalhealthcounseling.com/cigna-therapists-therapy-for-cigna-members/): most in-network Cigna members pay around $20 per session; no referral or pre-authorization is required.
- [Original Medicare](https://manhattanmentalhealthcounseling.com/medicare-therapy-coverage-new-york/): Medicare-covered therapy in New York; Medicare clients are matched with a Medicare-enrolled clinician.
- [Medicare Advantage](https://manhattanmentalhealthcounseling.com/medicare-advantage-online-therapy-in-new-york/): participating Medicare Advantage plans.
- [MVP Health Care](https://manhattanmentalhealthcounseling.com/mvp-therapists/): commercial and marketplace plans including the Essential Plan, Medicaid Managed Care and Medicare Advantage; most MVP clients pay $0 to $20 per session.
- [Fidelis Care](https://manhattanmentalhealthcounseling.com/fidelis-therapists/): in-network therapy for Fidelis Care members.
- [EmblemHealth](https://manhattanmentalhealthcounseling.com/emblemhealth-therapists/): in-network therapy for EmblemHealth members.
- [Oscar](https://manhattanmentalhealthcounseling.com/oscar-health-insurance-therapists-nyc/): in-network therapy for Oscar members.
- [Molina Healthcare](https://manhattanmentalhealthcounseling.com/molina-healthcare-therapist/): in-network therapy for Molina members.
- [Affinity](https://manhattanmentalhealthcounseling.com/affinity-therapy/): in-network therapy for Affinity members.
- [TRICARE](https://manhattanmentalhealthcounseling.com/tricare/): in-network therapy for TRICARE members.

## Services

- [Anxiety therapy](https://manhattanmentalhealthcounseling.com/anxiety-therapist-in-new-york/): worry, panic and feeling constantly on edge.
- [Depression therapy](https://manhattanmentalhealthcounseling.com/depression-therapist-in-new-york/): low mood, numbness and loss of motivation.
- [Trauma and PTSD therapy](https://manhattanmentalhealthcounseling.com/ptsd-therapists-new-york/): past experiences that still shape the present.
- [OCD therapy](https://manhattanmentalhealthcounseling.com/ocd-therapists-in-new-york/): intrusive thoughts and compulsive patterns.
- [Couples counseling](https://manhattanmentalhealthcounseling.com/couples-counseling-in-new-york/): conflict, disconnection and recurring dynamics.
- [Grief counseling](https://manhattanmentalhealthcounseling.com/grief-counseling-nyc/): loss, change and learning to carry what happened.
- [Work stress and burnout](https://manhattanmentalhealthcounseling.com/work-stress-therapy-therapist-for-work-stress/): pressure, exhaustion and difficulty switching off.
- [Life transitions](https://manhattanmentalhealthcounseling.com/life-transitions-counseling-nyc/): change, uncertainty and finding a way forward.
- [Therapy for young adults](https://manhattanmentalhealthcounseling.com/therapy-for-young-adults-nyc/): therapy for ages 18 to 35.
- [Executive therapists guide](https://manhattanmentalhealthcounseling.com/executive-therapists-guide-nyc/): therapy for executives and professionals in New York.
- [Mandarin-speaking therapist](https://manhattanmentalhealthcounseling.com/mandarin-speaking-therapist-new-york/): therapy in Mandarin.
- [Cantonese-speaking therapist](https://manhattanmentalhealthcounseling.com/cantonese-speaking-therapist-new-york/): therapy in Cantonese.

## Therapy approaches

- [EMDR](https://manhattanmentalhealthcounseling.com/emdr-therapy-in-new-york/): eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, used in trauma work.
- [CBT](https://manhattanmentalhealthcounseling.com/online-cbt-therapy-nyc/): cognitive behavioral therapy.
- [DBT](https://manhattanmentalhealthcounseling.com/dbt-therapy-nyc/): dialectical behavior therapy skills.
- [IFS](https://manhattanmentalhealthcounseling.com/ifs-therapy-nyc/): internal family systems therapy.
- [Mindfulness-based therapy](https://manhattanmentalhealthcounseling.com/mindfulness-therapy-nyc/): approaches built on mindfulness practice.
- [Somatic therapy](https://manhattanmentalhealthcounseling.com/somatic-therapy-nyc/): approaches that work with the body as well as the mind.

## Verification

- Official website: https://manhattanmentalhealthcounseling.com/ Phone: 212-960-8626.
- Schema type: MedicalOrganization. Legal name: Manhattan Mental Health Counseling, LLC.
- License lookup (Natalie Buchwald, NY #D4643): https://eservices.nysed.gov/professions/verification-search?licenseNumber=004643&professionCode=018
- NPPES records: https://npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov/provider-view/1861797466 and https://npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov/provider-view/1225429640
- Directory profiles: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/manhattan-mental-health-counseling-new-york-ny/241735 | https://zencare.co/practice/manhattan-mental-health-counseling | https://www.zocdoc.com/practice/manhattan-mental-health-counseling-53292 | https://maps.app.goo.gl/H5ydpz4p39Bm8tRm8
- Official profiles: https://www.linkedin.com/company/manhattan-mental-health-counseling-llc/ | https://www.instagram.com/manhattanmentalhealth/ | https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091266084293 | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2IWeJd2PQlfubznnG8SMWg

## Guides

- [How to find a therapist in NYC](https://manhattanmentalhealthcounseling.com/how-to-find-a-therapist-in-nyc/): credentials explained, therapy approaches compared and how to judge fit.
- [Affordable therapy without insurance in New York](https://manhattanmentalhealthcounseling.com/affordable-therapy-without-insurance-in-new-york/): sliding-scale options, Medicaid, the Essential Plan and employee assistance programs.

## Optional

- [Burnout therapy](https://manhattanmentalhealthcounseling.com/burnout-therapy/)
- [Social anxiety therapy](https://manhattanmentalhealthcounseling.com/social-anxiety-therapy-nyc/)
- [Eating disorder therapy](https://manhattanmentalhealthcounseling.com/eating-disorder-therapists-in-new-york/)
- [ADHD behavior therapy](https://manhattanmentalhealthcounseling.com/adhd-behavior-therapy-nyc/)
- [Anger management therapy](https://manhattanmentalhealthcounseling.com/anger-management-therapy/)
- [Men's mental health counseling](https://manhattanmentalhealthcounseling.com/mens-mental-health-counseling-nyc/)
- [Porn addiction counseling](https://manhattanmentalhealthcounseling.com/porn-addiction-counseling-nyc/)
- [Group therapy](https://manhattanmentalhealthcounseling.com/group-therapy-nyc/)
- [Resilience therapy](https://manhattanmentalhealthcounseling.com/resilience-therapy/)
- [Peak performance therapy](https://manhattanmentalhealthcounseling.com/peak-performance-therapy-nyc/)
- [Polyvagal therapy](https://manhattanmentalhealthcounseling.com/polyvagal-therapy-nyc/)
- [Spiritual therapy](https://manhattanmentalhealthcounseling.com/spiritual-therapy/)
- [Jungian therapy](https://manhattanmentalhealthcounseling.com/jungian-therapy-nyc/)
- [Adlerian therapy](https://manhattanmentalhealthcounseling.com/adlerian-therapy-nyc/)
- [Plant medicine integration therapy](https://manhattanmentalhealthcounseling.com/ayahuasca-integration-plant-medicine-integration-therapy/)
- [Online therapists in New York](https://manhattanmentalhealthcounseling.com/online-therapists-new-york/): finding an online therapist who fits.
- [Why choose online therapy](https://manhattanmentalhealthcounseling.com/why-choose-online-therapy/)
- [Anxiety Types Quiz](https://manhattanmentalhealthcounseling.com/anxiety-types-quiz/): an educational quiz, not a diagnosis.
- [Progress Pathways](https://manhattanmentalhealthcounseling.com/progress-pathways/): milestone tracking for current MMHC clients.
- [MMHC blog](https://manhattanmentalhealthcounseling.com/blog/) and [news](https://manhattanmentalhealthcounseling.com/news/)
- [Careers: licensed therapists (LMHC)](https://manhattanmentalhealthcounseling.com/mental-health-counselor-jobs/)
- [Careers: limited-permit mental health counselors](https://manhattanmentalhealthcounseling.com/limited-permit-mental-health-counseling-jobs-nyc/)