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KS Portrait of Dr. Kari Schlessinger

Dr. Kari Schlessinger

Supportive psychologist focused on practical change

NY Psychologist 016617 New York

Experience
18 years in practice
Focus areas
Stress, Anxiety, Parenting, Anger
Approaches
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy
Languages
English
Continue with Kari

About Kari

Dr. Kari Schlessinger brings 18 years of clinical experience as a licensed psychologist practicing in New York.

Background and approach

She combines practical, evidence-informed strategies with a collaborative stance, helping people address stress, anxiety, parenting challenges, anger, self-esteem, and depression. Her work also attends to caregiver stress, communication difficulties, impulsivity, feelings of isolation, mood concerns, first responder issues, and building self-love.

Dr. Schlessinger frames clients as experts in their own lives and prioritizes strengths as tools for change.

She draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy alongside client-centered methods and motivational interviewing to tailor interventions to individual needs. New clients can expect an encouraging, patient approach that emphasizes gradual progress and practical skills for daily life.

Practicing under the credential NY Psychologist 016617, she offers sessions in English and provides multiple online formats to accommodate different schedules. Those interested in starting therapy complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule according to therapist availability.

Therapeutic approaches and how they work online



Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and patterns and testing new ways of thinking and behaving to reduce symptoms like anxiety or low mood. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes empathy, active listening, and the individual's own capacity for growth, creating a supportive space to explore concerns and build self-understanding. Motivational Interviewing helps people clarify their own reasons for change and strengthen motivation when facing ambivalence.

Finding the right approach is part of the collaborative work between client and therapist. Dr. Schlessinger will discuss goals, preferences, and practical needs to determine which methods or combination of techniques fit best, and she adjusts the plan as progress is made.

Online formats - including video, phone, live chat, and text-based messaging - make it easier to fit sessions into busy lives and to access care from wherever a client is located in New York. These options offer scheduling flexibility, the ability to revisit written exchanges, and multiple ways to stay connected during periods when in-person meetings would be difficult, helping therapy remain consistent and accessible.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of problems does this therapist address?
Dr. Schlessinger works with clients on stress, anxiety, parenting difficulties, anger, self-esteem, and depression, with additional attention to caregiver stress, communication issues, impulsivity, isolation, mood disorders, first responder issues, and self-love.
How would you describe the therapeutic approach and style?
The approach blends client-centered listening with practical techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and motivational interviewing to build skills while honoring each person’s strengths and goals.
How long has this clinician been practicing?
She has 18 years of professional experience providing psychological services in clinical settings and independent practice.
What are the clinician's credentials and where are they based?
She is licensed in New York as NY Psychologist 016617 and practices from New York.
Are sessions offered in other languages or to international clients?
Sessions are offered in English, and international clients are not currently accepted.
Which session formats are available for online work?
Clients can meet by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to suit different preferences and schedules.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions are delivered through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin therapy?
To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a session according to the therapist’s availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemDepression

Additional focus areas

Caregiver issues and stressCommunication problemsFirst responder issuesImpulsivityIsolation / lonelinessMood disordersSelf-love

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Motivational Interviewing

Experience

18+ years

Licensed

New York

Languages

English