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Chris Payton

Chris Payton

LCSW

New York

Supportive LCSW focused on practical change

Continue with Chris

At a glance

Credentials
LCSW
License
LCSW, New York / 094439
Experience
8 years
Languages
English
Location
New York

Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.

    • Motivation-focused
    • Practical tools
    • Compassionate care

    About Chris

    Chris Payton is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) based in New York. He has eight years of professional experience helping people who are coping with depression, addiction, anger, trauma, and struggles with self-esteem. He approaches conversations with respect, sensitivity, and compassion to make starting therapy feel more manageable.

    He focuses on practical steps people can use between sessions. Chris tailors conversations and plans to each person's situation instead of using the same approach for everyone. He listens for what matters most to the person and works from there.

    Motivational Interviewing is one of the ways he supports change. That approach emphasizes the person's own reasons for change and builds motivation one step at a time. He also uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which looks at how thoughts and actions influence mood and behavior.

    Sessions are aimed at helping people cope with specific problems, like managing cravings, handling anger, recovering from hurt, or lifting low mood. Chris helps set goals and break them into small, achievable steps. He offers straightforward feedback and practical tools to practice between meetings.

    Chris frames the work as a partnership. He supports people as they try different strategies and adjusts plans based on what is or isn’t working. For parents reading on a phone, he keeps language simple and focuses on clear next steps rather than jargon.

  2. How motivational and cognitive approaches work online

    Motivational Interviewing is a conversational method that helps people find their own reasons to change. It focuses on listening, reflecting, and drawing out motivations so clients can take small, manageable steps. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at how thoughts and behaviors affect mood and actions and introduces practical exercises to change unhelpful patterns.

    Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will talk with the person about goals and preferences, then try methods that match those needs. This is a collaborative process and plans are adjusted based on what works for the individual.

    If you are considering online sessions, confirm current session options before booking since formats are not listed here. Online therapy can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy schedule, reduce time spent traveling, and allow for shorter check-ins when needed. Many people find it simpler to practice skills between meetings when sessions are easier to attend. Licensed professionals can adapt Motivational Interviewing and CBT techniques to work well in remote appointments, focusing on goal-setting, homework exercises, and real-time problem solving.

  4. Areas of expertise

    Primary focus

    AddictionsTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemDepression

    Additional focus areas

    HIV / AIDS

    Therapeutic approaches

    Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Motivational Interviewing

    Experience

    8+ years

    Listed in

    New York

    Languages

    English

  5. Frequently asked questions

    What kinds of concerns does this therapist address?

    The practice focuses on addictions, trauma and abuse, anger, self-esteem, and depression, with additional attention to issues related to HIV and AIDS.

    How would you describe the therapy style here?

    Conversations are collaborative and goal-oriented. The therapist emphasizes motivation, practical steps, and skills you can use between sessions.

    What is the clinician’s background and experience?

    The clinician holds a New York LCSW credential and brings eight years of professional experience working with the listed concerns.

    Where is this therapist based and licensed?

    The therapist is licensed in New York and practices from that location.

    Which languages are offered for sessions?

    Sessions are offered in English.

    Can international clients work with this therapist?

    International clients are not currently accepted.

    How are sessions billed or priced?

    Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

    What are the steps to begin working together?

    Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

  6. Online talk therapy is not emergency or medical care. Stopping or cutting down alcohol or other drugs can be unsafe without medical advice. In immediate danger? Crisis numbers

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Chris Payton Continue with Chris