CBT Therapy New York
Cognitive Behavioral
Therapy in New York
A practical, evidence-based approach to changing how you think and feel. Online across NY or in-person in Clinton, NY.
About the work
Real Tools
for Real Change
At Valerie Lighthall LCSW Counseling Services, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is used to help teens and adults understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and start shifting the patterns that are keeping them stuck. With over 15 years of experience, Valerie brings a grounded, practical approach to therapy that gives you skills you can actually use, inside and outside of sessions.
Recognizing the signs
When Your Thoughts
Are Working
Against You
You might not be able to pinpoint exactly when things started to feel heavy, but somewhere along the way your inner voice got louder, more critical, or harder to reason with. That is often where CBT can help the most. You may notice:
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Getting caught in cycles of overthinking, worry, or self-doubt
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A persistent low mood, lack of motivation, or sense of disconnection
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Reacting to situations in ways that feel automatic, even when you do not want to
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Feeling stuck in the same patterns no matter how hard you try to change
You do not need a diagnosis or a crisis to start therapy. If your thoughts are getting in the way of the life you want, that is reason enough.
Learn MoreYour inner voice doesn't have to be the loudest one in the room.
Valerie Lighthall, LCSWUnderstanding CBT
What Is CBT and
How Does It Work?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is one of the most researched and widely used approaches in mental health. The core idea is simple: the way we think affects the way we feel, and the way we feel affects the way we behave. When those patterns become unhelpful, they can start to run the show.
CBT helps you identify those patterns, understand where they come from, and build more accurate and useful ways of thinking and responding.
This isn't about forcing yourself to think positively. It's about learning to think more accurately, so your reactions match what's actually in front of you.
Sessions are structured and collaborative, and you'll leave with tools you can apply to real situations in your everyday life.
You do not need all the answers.
You just need a place to start.
Logistics
Flexible Support,
Without the Extra Hassle
Starting therapy should not feel complicated. From online scheduling to a simple client portal, everything is designed to be straightforward so you can focus on your wellbeing. If you have been thinking about trying CBT, this is a good place to start.
- Available virtually across all of New York State
- Daytime appointments available
- Simple, secure video platform — no downloads required
- Consistent weekly scheduling so it becomes part of your routine
- In-person sessions held in Clinton, NY
- Daytime availability — adding to your schedule, not disrupting it
- A warm, private office space designed for comfort
- Easy to add to your schedule without adding stress to your day
- Glens Falls, NY — $175/session
- Virtual, NY — $165/session
- Sliding scale available — reach out to discuss
- Payment due at time of session — credit card, HSA/FSA accepted
Choosing not to work with insurance companies is a deliberate decision — one that protects you as much as it protects the quality of our work together.
- You don't have to receive a mental health diagnosis to begin therapy.
- Session notes stay between us — they won't be shared with your insurance company.
- No outside party gets to decide how often we meet, how long we work together, or whether your reasons for coming are valid enough.
- A smaller caseload means more attention, more flexibility, and more personalized care — not a number in a system.
- Insurance reimbursement rates for private practice therapists are low and don't reflect experience or training — private pay keeps this work sustainable and focused on you.
The first step
Getting Started Is Simple
Reach Out
Fill out the contact form or send a message — no pressure, just a starting point.
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Quick Consultation
A short call to talk about what's going on and see if it feels like a good fit.
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Begin Sessions
Schedule your first appointment — virtual or in-person in Clinton, NY.
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Common questions
Getting Started
Is Simple
Send a message describing what brings you in. Valerie will follow up to schedule a free consultation call.
This is a private pay practice. A receipt can be provided for you to submit to your insurance for possible out-of-network reimbursement, depending on your plan.
Both. Virtual sessions are available anywhere in New York State, and in-person sessions are held in Clinton, NY.
Teens and adults whose thoughts are getting in the way of the life they want — no diagnosis or crisis required to start.