- Practical tools
- Evidence-informed
- Strengths focused
About Hillary
Dr. Hillary Schaefer is a licensed psychologist based in New York who aims to make therapy feel manageable. She speaks plainly, listens closely, and focuses on practical steps people can use between sessions. Her approach suits people facing stress, anxiety, parenting strain, changes in life, mood concerns, addiction-related problems, and issues tied to identity or intimacy, including codependency.
Dr. Schaefer earned her doctorate in 2013 from the University of Virginia and has practiced for 12 years. Her background includes work in clinic, hospital, and university settings, plus experience directing a clinic for families and children. She has worked with people affected by medical issues and those connected to military life.
In sessions she aims for clear collaboration. Conversations are grounded in evidence-based methods, but shaped around each person’s needs and preferences. She focuses on helping clients recognize strengths and take small, useful steps toward goals.
Her work emphasizes practical tools alongside acceptance of difficult feelings. She offers support for anger, sleep and eating concerns, body image, and relationship or family-origin issues. She also addresses niche topics such as BDSM, kink, and alternative sexual cultures when relevant to a client’s goals.
Dr. Schaefer holds licenses as a New York Psychologist and a Washington Psychologist. She works in English and does not take international clients. To begin, people complete a short questionnaire and schedule based on her availability.
How therapy approaches shape online care
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, helps people notice painful thoughts and feelings without letting them dictate choices. It focuses on clarifying personal values and taking small committed actions toward those values. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, focuses on identifying unhelpful thought patterns and testing different behaviors to reduce distress and improve daily functioning. Both approaches are practical and skill-based, useful for anxiety, depression, codependency patterns, and stress-related issues. Finding the best approach is a team effort. The therapist will talk with each person about their goals and preferences and will adapt methods as needed. That way the work stays relevant and useful rather than rigid or one-size-fits-all. Please confirm which session formats are currently available before scheduling, as this profile does not list specific formats. Online work can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy life, reduce travel time, and allow focused check-ins during a break at work. Some approaches lend themselves to homework between sessions, which can fit naturally into an online therapy rhythm. Licensed professionals can help map out a plan that fits daily routines while addressing the concerns that brought someone to therapy.Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
12+ years
Credentials
New York, Washington
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does this therapist help with?
She helps people with stress, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, parenting challenges, ADHD, addictions, relationship and family-origin issues, and codependency among other concerns.
What is her general therapy style?
Her style is collaborative and straightforward. She focuses on clear goals and practical tools while also attending to emotions and values.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 12 years of experience and earned a doctorate in 2013 from the University of Virginia, with prior work in clinic, hospital, university, and military settings.
What credentials and location are listed for this therapist?
She is listed as a New York Psychologist 022053 and a Washington Psychologist PY.61029319, and is based in New York.
Which languages and international options are available?
Sessions are offered in English. International clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are offered?
Session formats are not specified in this biography; please confirm current session options before booking.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I get started with therapy?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.
Profile details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. Credential and registration rules differ between the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.