About Us
We specialize in treating OCD, anxiety, eating disorders, perfectionism, and trauma. Our therapists work with clients across New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Florida to overcome challenges and develop more effective ways to manage difficult thoughts and feelings.
Change is possible. The first step to living better can start today!
Starting therapy takes strength and courage
At Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Better Living our aim is to establish collaborative partnerships to empower people to live more meaningful, values-driven lives. We can work together to develop skills to better manage some of the difficult thoughts, feelings or memories that get in the way of living more richly and freely.
We specialize in the evidence-based treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), including “Pure O,” or purely obsessional type, anxiety disorders (e.g., generalized, social, panic, health and phobias) and depressive disorders, the full spectrum of eating and feeding disorders, and trauma.
We have extensive knowledge and experience in the treatment of perfectionism, postpartum/perinatal anxiety and depression, as well as body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), trichotillomania (hair-pulling), and excoriation (skin-picking).
Our clinicians have expertise in a variety of evidence-based treatments, including:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy (ERP/ExRP)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Enhanced Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT-E) for eating disorders
Trauma Focused CBT (TF-CBT)
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
Prolonged Exposure (PE)
Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE)
Habit Reversal Training (HRT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Informed (note we do not offer fully adherent DBT or a comprehensive DBT program, but our therapists often incorporate a variety of DBT skills in their work)
Meet Our Team
Dr. Tatyana Mestechkina, Ph.D.
Founder & Clinical Director
Tatyana Mestechkina, Ph.D. is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, practicing in New York. New Jersey and Florida.
She has particular expertise and interest in using evidence-based treatment for obsessive compulsive spectrum and anxiety disorders. She was trained by a world-renowned expert in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP/ExRP) the gold-standard of OCD treatment. She often incorporates mindfulness and acceptance techniques from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to supplement exposure work.
Her approach is active and nonjudgmental. She places importance on creating a trusting environment and encourages open communication to strengthen the therapeutic alliance.
Dr. Norah Wallace, Ph.D
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Norah Wallace, PhD is a licensed clinical psychologist at CBT for Better Living. She specializes in the treatment of individuals across the lifespan, with a particular emphasis on working with children, adolescents, and young adults.
She has expertise in using evidence-based treatments for OCD and the obsessive compulsive spectrum, body focused repetitive behaviors, and anxiety disorders among all ages. She also has extensive training and experience in working with the full spectrum of eating disorders. Finally, Norah also has expertise and experience in working with individuals across the lifespan who have experienced multiple forms of trauma.
Through her work with children, adolescents, and adults with a variety of diagnoses and presenting problems, Norah uses a range of cognitive behavioral therapies (CBT), including exposure and response prevention (ERP), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) informed treatments. She has a profound respect and understanding of the science behind evidence-based treatments, as well as an appreciation for the complexities of the human experience, and how therapy is both an art and a science, requiring a clinician to think flexibly and meet a client where they are.
Dr. Kate Hamilton, Psy.D.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Kate Hamilton, Psy.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist at CBT for Better Living. She specializes in the treatment of OCD, anxiety-related conditions, mood disorders, emotion regulation difficulties, and trauma-related disorders.
She works with adults and adolescents. Dr. Hamilton utilizes evidence-based cognitive-behavioral therapies, including exposure and response prevention (ERP/ExRP) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)-informed treatment. She has a particular interest in treating trauma-related disorders and has received intensive training in specialized treatments, such as prolonged exposure (PE).
She is committed to creating a safe, collaborative environment for her clients. Her approach to treatment focuses on nonjudgment, warmth, and genuineness.
Dr. Michelle Feder, Psy.D.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Michelle Feder, Psy.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist, practicing virtually in New York, New Jersey, and Florida. She specializes in the treatment of OCD and OCD spectrum disorders, including unhelpful perfectionism, hair pulling/skin picking, and body-dysmorphic disorder. She also has expertise in working with adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and executive functioning difficulties. Finally, she works extensively with individuals with anxiety-related conditions, depression, and emotion regulation difficulties.
Dr. Feder approaches treatment using evidence-based cognitive-behavioral therapies (CBT), including exposure and response prevention (ERP/ExRP), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)-informed treatment.
She believes in working flexibly and collaboratively to help people achieve their goals and live satisfying, meaningful lives. She approaches treatment with warmth, openness, and compassion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is your availability?
We offer appointments Monday-Friday and currently on weekends, during morning, afternoon, and evening hours.
What are the fees?
Please reach out for more information on rates. Payment is due at the time of the appointment.
Do you accept insurance?
Our services are private pay and we are considered out-of-network providers. Many people with out-of-network coverage can receive full or partial reimbursement for the cost of sessions through their health insurance. The amount covered will depend on the insurance plan. After each session, we can provide you with a document, called a “superbill” that has all of the necessary information required to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.
How do I know if I have out-of-network coverage and if so, how does it work?
You can call your insurance company to inquire about your specific coverage and reimbursement. Here are some helpful questions to ask:
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Do I have out-of-network coverage?
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If so, is there an annual deductible? Have I met it? If no, how much has been met?
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What percentage do you cover for out-of-network mental health providers?
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Is there a maximum amount you reimburse per visit or per year?
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Is there a claim form that I must use to submit for reimbursement?
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How much time do I have to submit a claim after my session?
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Do I need a pre-authorization? If so, how do I obtain it?
Reach Out
Take steps toward better living by scheduling a complimentary 15-minute consultation. During this call, we’ll get to know a little about you and your needs so we can find the best fit for you.
Get Matched
Once we get your info, we match you with the therapist whose expertise, training and style best align with your preferences and goals. We’ll also discuss logistics like whether you’d prefer in-person or virtual sessions, and ideal times.
Connect
Meet with your matched therapist for an initial session to ask questions, share your story, and see if it feels like the right fit. If it feels right, we’ll set up your regular sessions.
Contact us Today
Phone
Virtual Sessions
Virtual sessions anywhere in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Florida