Dr. Hillary Schaefer , NY Psychologist 022053, WA Psychologist PY.61029319

Dr. Hillary Schaefer is a licensed clinical psychologist based in New York with 12 years of professional experience. She earned her doctorate in 2013 from the University of Virginia and has provided care across clinic, hospital, university, and military settings, including directing a clinic for families and children. She is licensed as a psychologist in New York (NY Psychologist 022053) and Washington state (WA Psychologist PY.61029319).

Dr. Schaefer works with a wide range of concerns, offering support for stress and anxiety, depression and self-esteem, trauma, motivation, parenting and relationship challenges, LGBTQ+ issues, and Veteran or military related matters. She also assists people who are coping with medical difficulties in themselves or loved ones. Her goal is to help clients identify strengths and practical strategies that can be applied right away.

In practice she emphasizes transparency and collaboration, combining evidence-based methods with flexibility to meet each person where they are. She aims to create an environment where people feel heard and leave with usable tools to move toward their goals. Please note that evening appointment slots are currently full; her available hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST.

Evidence-based approaches for online care

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, helps people clarify what matters most to them and build actions aligned with those values. It focuses on accepting difficult thoughts and feelings while committing to meaningful behavior changes, which can be helpful for anxiety, stress, and life transitions.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, teaches practical skills to identify and change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns. It is commonly used for anxiety, depression, sleep and eating concerns, and to improve coping and problem solving.

Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes a collaborative, empathic relationship in which the therapist follows the individual’s lead and supports self-directed growth. This approach can be particularly useful for building self-esteem, navigating relationship or parenting issues, and fostering resilience.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Dr. Schaefer works collaboratively with clients and other licensed professionals to tailor methods to each person’s needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting as progress or priorities change.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can be scheduled as video calls, phone sessions, live chats, or text-based messaging to fit different lifestyles and needs. These options make it easier to access consistent care from licensed professionals without travel, allowing therapy to fit into busy days and reach people in different circumstances.