Psychotherapy and Mental Health Counseling in New York | Asian & Asian American Therapists in New York
Sia Li, LMHC
Senior Psychotherapist and Supervisor
We accept most major commercial insurance plans, including Aetna, Wellfleet, Cigna, United Healthcare, Oxford, Oscar Health, Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Carelon Behavioral Health, for residents of New York.
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Hi, This is Xiya :)
Choosing to begin a counseling journey takes great courage, and I’m honored to walk alongside you on this path.
My counseling style is rooted in a client-centered approach, integrating your personal goals, needs, and cultural background into a tailored plan. I draw from mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral therapy(CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), family system theory, and other evidence-based modalities to support your self-understanding and exploration. I view counseling as a collaborative process—together, we will examine your thoughts and emotions, navigate life’s challenges, uncover your inner strengths, and work steadily toward a more fulfilling and balanced life.
My areas of focus include, but are not limited to, depression, anxiety, relationship/attachment issues, family dynamics, self-esteem, life transitions, and cultural adaptation. I have experience working with diverse populations, including adults, seniors, families, and neurodiverse individuals, and provide psychological counseling and case management across various settings, such as community programs, schools, inpatient environments.
Psychotherapy with me is not only a space to address life challenges but also a place for self-awareness, exploration, creativity, and personal growth. Growth is not always linear—new insights may emerge gradually, and ups and downs are a natural part of the process, all intended to nourish you and help you become a more whole and authentic self.
Top Specialties
Depression
Anxiety
Rational Issues
Life Transitions
Self-Esteem
Expertise
Mood Disorders
Family Conflict
Parenting
Women’s Issues
Chronic Illness
Complex Trauma
Cultural Adaptation
Specialty Approaches
Person-Centered Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy/ CBT
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy/ ACT
Trauma-Informed Care
Family Systems Approach
Motivational Interviewing
Attachment-Based
Mindfulness-Based
I Work With
Individuals
Education
Columbia University, Master's in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness
Licensure
LMHC State of New York / 013706-01
Licensed Professional Counselor, State of New Jersey #37PC01191600
About Sia
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My journey to becoming a therapist has been both a path of professional exploration and a deeply personal process of growth. I was drawn to psychology because it is a science—grounded in observation, experimentation, and evidence-based methods that help us understand human behavior, thought, and emotion. At the same time, I am profoundly moved by the human experience: the emotional and spiritual dimensions of life, and the resilience and wisdom that people demonstrate in their everyday living. This integration of scientific rigor with a deep appreciation for the essence of life is at the core of my motivation to become a therapist and continues to inspire my passion for this work.
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Counseling with me is a collaborative process. Together, we will explore your experiences, behavioral patterns, and the challenges that arise within your cultural and environmental context. I provide a safe and open space where you can freely express your thoughts and emotions. A strong therapeutic relationship is central to our work. Your comfort, trust, and willingness to share will always be respected, and we will move forward at a pace that feels safe and supportive for you. I view personal growth as a gradual journey rather than a straight path—insights emerge over time, and challenges naturally become part of the process. Throughout this journey, I will walk alongside you, supporting you as you move toward greater clarity in your goals and a more authentic sense of self.
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Each client enters psychotherapy with their own distinct challenges and expectations. What matters most is the willingness to engage in self-reflection and to confront one’s inner experience with honesty. With sincerity and patience, I accompany clients throughout this process, moving forward together step by step. Psychotherapy is a journey of self-discovery, carried out in the presence of a trained professional. The personal qualities we seek to cultivate are not attained overnight; rather, they are gradually developed over time. Some may already exist within you, while others will emerge through sustained reflection and meaningful growth.
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I don’t believe that everyone—or every stage of life—requires repeatedly revisiting the past, processing trauma, or healing the inner child. While these efforts are valuable at the right time, excessive focus on internal repair may lead to a perpetual sense of “never being enough.” I believe that psychological growth is not only about analyzing and healing past wounds but also reflected in everyday choices and actions. "Living in the present"—including maintaining a healthy lifestyle, cultivating supportive relationships, and taking responsibility for life—is often the most fundamental form of self-care for the mind and body.
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I am very excited about the increasing accessibility of mental health services, enabling more people to receive support, as well as the growing diversity and inclusivity of the services themselves. Psychotherapy has so far evolved through major waves, including psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and humanistic approaches. In today’s era of diversity and rapid digital and technological advancement, I am curious about and eager to see future innovations and integrations—potentially practical technological developments that foster personal transformation of mind, body, and spirit, helping individuals connect with and realize their true “self”.
Our Therapists
Book a free 15-minute phone consultation.
We’re excited to hear from you! To get started, our intake specialist will schedule a quick 15-minute phone consultation to verify your insurance and match you with the therapist who’s the best fit for your needs.
We’ll respond to all messages within 48 business hours.
If this is an emergency, please call 911 or reach out to a crisis counselor at 1-888-NYC-WELL. We’re here for you!
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To verify your insurance coverage, please email us using the form below. For all other inquiries, we respond within 48 business hours.