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Michael Brustein Psychotherapy, Licensed Psychologist

Michael Brustein is a clinical psychologist in NYC who specializes in CBT and mindfulness for anxiety issues. He works with professionals who struggle with anxiety, anger, self-esteem, and perfectionism. The majority of his clients are male, ranging in age from 25-60.

Specialties

Anxiety and Panic Disorders
Depression
Life Transitions
General relationship challenges (family, friends, co-workers)
Men’s Mental Health

Pay with insurance

Aetna

Pay out-of-pocket

$ $ $ $ $

$200-260
Sliding scale

A sliding scale is a range of out of pocket fees that providers accept based on financial need.

Locations

Offers virtual sessions

Licensed in

New Jersey
New York

“I have specialized training in psychedelic-assisted therapy, mindfulness, and Buddhism.”

What was your path to becoming a Psychologist?

In my mid-20s, I made a career change from marketing executive to psychologist. I still carry my passion for perception and motivation into my clinical work with clients. I consider myself creative and curious, which I believe creates a conducive atmosphere for self-exploration and experimentation. I have worked in hospitals, college counseling centers, and clinics. I have specialized training in psychedelic-assisted therapy, mindfulness, and Buddhism. This training has helped foster my understanding of the inner healer and wisdom within all of us. My clients learn how behavioral patterns and problematic mental formations exacerbate suffering.

What should someone know about working with you?

During our initial session, we will try to determine if we are a good match. We will discuss what brought you to therapy and develop goals and expectations for moving forward. It is not uncommon to have some symptom relief in the first six sessions. Clients often report increased capacity for self-reflection, a deeper understanding of mindfulness, and improved capacity to regulate emotions.

What do you do to continue learning and building competencies as a provider?

I’m always taking courses to expand my training and have completed psychedelic-assisted therapy training at MAPS and Fluence. The therapeutic action of psychedelic-assisted therapy involves fostering inner wisdom and compassion and integrating multiple selves, which I bring to my current work and something necessary for change regardless of the modality.

What are you most excited about within the evolving mental health landscape?

I’m extremely excited about psychedelic-assisted therapy, as outcome studies show it can be extremely helpful for PTSD. I think there are many advantages to Zoom therapy and am curious about how technology, such as virtual reality therapy, will change the therapeutic landscape.

Have you done any research-based work that you found particularly exciting? How does it inform your practice today?

In our achievement-oriented world, the trait of perfectionism is something I see in many of my clients. This led me to research and write a book on the topic and go deeper into my studies of mindfulness and Buddhism.

“Clients often report increased capacity for self-reflection, a deeper understanding of mindfulness, and improved capacity to regulate emotions.”