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Queer-identifying licensed psychologist based in Manhattan, specializing in LGBTQIA+ concerns and men’s health.

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Taking the first step to find a therapist you connect with is often the hardest part of starting therapy—and for good reason.You want a therapist who provides honest but constructive reflection, who creates a space where you can deepen your self understanding, and explore new perspectives without judgment.

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I am a licensed psychologist specializing in men’s health, intimacy, and LGBTQIA+ concerns. Over the past 10 years, I’ve learned that therapy must address more than just the surface to make a positive, sustainable impact; you need the skills to help you fully understand and unblock your pathways to meaningful behavioral change. Using curiosity, empathy, and the right dose of humor, I center context and intersectionality to illuminate how your social and cultural development have shaped your current needs and how to better navigate them in the present day.

Patients who reach out are often, like me, members of the queer community. Queer folks frequently navigate challenges unique to our core identities, which can be hard to explore with therapists whose backgrounds are uncertain. I’ve experienced these challenges and their complexities firsthand. I bring my full authentic self to my work and welcome you to do the same—I am open and affirming in my approach.

Let’s connect and discuss what next steps best serve your personal goals. Please feel free to reach out to schedule a free consultation.

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About

I’m Dr. Christopher Ceccolini (he/him/his)—but please call me Chris. I am a licensed psychologist, an Assistant Professor of Psychology in Clinical Psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine, and an Assistant Attending Psychologist at NewYork-Presbyterian’s Gracie Square Hospital. There, I support treatment for young adults across the tri-state area as the Director of Psychology and Training for the Young Adult & DBT Inpatient Psychiatric Unit.

I’ve worked extensively with adolescents and adults in a wide range of clinical settings, including college counseling, community health, and inpatient care. I am a relational psychologist who uses evidence-based treatments, including dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). While my work is rooted in a robust academic and clinical foundation, I also believe in building a genuine relationship with patients, one where both our identities are present in the therapy space. With me, you’ll encounter humor, authenticity, and challenges to the way you see the world.

Education/Clinical Training

Education

  • Ph.D., Boston College
  • M.A., Columbia University
  • B.A., Wesleyan University

Clinical Training

  • Postdoctoral Fellowship, Weill Cornell Medicine/NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
  • Predoctoral Residency, NYU School of Medicine/Bellevue Hospital
  • Clinical Practica, Harvard Medical School
  • Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
  • Massachusetts General Hospital

Research and Mentorship

As a faculty member at Weill Cornell Medicine, I also conduct research and mentor psychology students. My research focuses on strengths-based care for LGBTQ+ populations and patients managing serious mental illness. I have led presentations on these topics at various national conferences, published multiple peer-reviewed articles, and supervised advanced medical residents and doctoral students at Harvard Medical School, NYU School of Medicine, and Weill Cornell Medicine. I also serve as faculty advisor for the Weill Cornell Wellness Qlinic, the first student-run clinic in New York City offering care for the LGBTQIA+ community. I am especially passionate about supporting young clinicians to integrate social justice and strengths-based practices into evidence-based care, and strive to incorporate these principles into my own work with patients.

See below for a select list of recent and upcoming publications. You may find my complete CV, including all publications and clinical training here.

  • Nghiem, J., Liu, M., Fruitman, K., Zhou, C., Zonana, J., Outram, T., Ceccolini, C. J., Spellun, J., Hankins, D. (in press). Exploring preclinical medical students’ experience facilitating group Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for a student-run mental health clinic: A qualitative study. Academic Psychiatry.
  • Ceccolini, C. J., Green, J. B., & Friedman-Yakoobian, M. S. (2024). Gender-affirming care in the assessment and treatment of psychosis risk: Considering minority stress in current practice and future research. Early Intervention in Psychiatry, 18(3), 207-216. https://doi.org/10.1111/eip.13456
  • Ceccolini, C. J., Friedman-Yakoobian, M. S., Yen, S., & West, M. L. (2023). Safety planning in context: A case study integrating DBT techniques and ACT for overlapping suicide and psychosis risk. Clinical Case Studies, 22(4), 327-342. https://doi.org/10.1177/15346501221139916
  • Ceccolini, C. J., Poteat, V. P., Calzo, J. P. Yoshikawa, H., & *Meyer, K. (2021). A mixed-methods examination of the unique associations of GSA involvement and family support on bravery in sexual and gender minority youth. Journal of Adolescent Research, 36(2), 154-182. https://doi.org/10.1177/0743558420933226
  • Hailes, H. P., Ceccolini, C. J., Gutowski, E., & Liang, B. (2021). Ethical guidelines for social justice in psychology. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 52(1), 1-11. https://doi/10.1037/pro0000291

Here to Help You Find a Path Forward

Services

Individual Therapy

I provide individual psychotherapy both virtually and in person several evenings of the week at my office on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Sessions are 50 minutes. I am considered an out-of-network provider for most insurance plans. However, I do accept select Aetna plans. I also retain several sliding scale slots in my practice for students and residents. Please reach out to confirm your benefits. Please see the FAQ for further information regarding payment and potential out-of-network reimbursement.

Specialties

LGBTQIA+ Issues

Queer folks manage unique stressors with regard to family, work, friendships, and relationships. Understandably they may be especially cautious in choosing a mental health provider that can understand their concerns. I identify as a gay man and am a member of several subcultures of the LGBTQIA+ community. I bring my own lived experiences as a gay man to my work. In addition to my queer identities, I have completed extensive research with LGBTQ+ populations nationally across multiple settings.

Emerging Adulthood

Emerging adulthood (ages 18 to 30) is a time of massive change and transition for many people. Though it is frequently an exciting time it may also be a period of mental health challenges. It often includes adjustments to new living situations, relationships, educational and professional responsibilities, and roles within families, requiring deep reflection and exploration of personal values. I have worked extensively with diverse young people in many settings to help them confront the challenges they face in young adulthood in order to thrive in their 20s and 30s.

Men’s Mental Health

Men are much less likely to seek mental health treatment compared to other genders. Men are also under-represented in the mental health profession, making up less than 25% of mental health providers. I work with men of all sexual orientations in navigating a wide range of issues relating to masculinity, including ways to identify and express emotions and build emotionally close relationships with others.

Depression & Anxiety

Feeling low or on edge without understanding why are two of the biggest reasons folks seek support in therapy. In my practice, I thoroughly assess symptoms to understand how to best intervene effectively to improve mood and start getting to the heart of what may be affecting the ways you think, feel, and behave.

Sex & Intimacy

Issues related to our sexuality and intimate connections may feel frightening or complicated to explore. I understand human experiences and interests are incredibly diverse, as well as the ways our relationships may not conform to traditional or heteronormative expectations. In a non-judgmental space, I want to help you explore what experiences and relationships help you to feel fulfilled and connected to both others and yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Are you considered an in-network provider?

I am considered an out-of-network provider for most insurance plans. I do accept select Aetna plans as an in-network provider. However, please check to confirm your in-network benefits. Regardless of your coverage, you will be required to pay for your session at time of service.

What do you charge?

For patients who are in-network you will be responsible for a copay or coinsurance set by your insurance plan.

For patients who are out-of-network, we will discuss and agree upon an appropriate session fee during our consultation that is comparable to providers practicing in Manhattan and the tri-state area. I am careful to set my fees at a rate that will likely be reimbursed by insurance providers.

Can I be reimbursed for our sessions?

This is an important question for you to consider before we work together. Confirm with your insurance provider whether you have out-of-network benefits for outpatient mental healthcare. Check whether you require a referral, what your out-of-network deductible is (this is the amount you have to pay before insurance begins to cover costs), and what your coinsurance will be (the portion of the cost you are responsible for after insurance provides coverage). I can provide an itemized bill for you to submit for reimbursement, typically on a monthly basis. Patients who submit bills for out-of-network psychotherapy care often receive 50% – 80% back.

Will I receive a psychiatric diagnosis?

Psychiatric diagnoses are important for several reasons. First, they help us determine goals for psychotherapy that are clear. Second, they are typically required for insurance reimbursement, both in and out-of-network. I will also be open and transparent about your diagnosis and why it may fit your experiences. It is important that patients understand their diagnoses to feel they have agency in treatment to make informed choices.

Do I have to live in New York State to work with you?

You do not have to be a resident of New York State to work together. However, because I am currently licensed in New York State, you must be physically located in New York State at the time of therapy, even if we meet via telehealth.

Are you licensed in other states?

I am currently pending licensure in both New Jersey and Connecticut. Please reach out if you are currently located in either of these states and hope to work together.

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