I am a clinical psychologist and psychoanalyst with over 30 years experience working with adolescents, adults and older adults.
My style is warm, interactive and direct. I use many approaches and empirically based treatments, but essentially, I listen and work together with my clients to figure things out. We work to relieve symptoms, deepen understanding and change life patterns. Other goals may be to heal trauma, improve relationships and communication, or navigate through life crises and transitions. We can explore identities and social factors that impact mental health. That can be an important part of the work of healing.
I use a combination of building skills, increasing awareness, and deepening the relationship with one’s self and others.
While I’ve spent many years with college and university students, I have also worked as a psychologist and a chaplain at hospitals and nursing homes.
I have extensive experience working with
anxiety
depression
eating disorders
grief/loss
relationship issues
life transitions and crises
spirituality
women, LGBT+, and young adult concerns
Teaching and supervision are also a passion. I have supervised clinicians at all levels from graduate students in social work and psychology to postdoctoral fellows to established practitioners in social work, psychology, and psychiatry.
Contact me.
mcommerf@gmail.com
(917)409-7287
Currently Offering Only Virtual Sessions
The First Step:
You can call, email, or text me. My contact information is listed above. I will call you to discuss what you’re looking for and what I can offer. We’ll discuss fees and insurance. If we’re not a fit, I can suggest other therapists. After almost thirty years referring students at NYU and Barnard, I know a wide network of providers.
The First Appointment:
The initial appointment, an intake, will explore your areas of concern. We’ll also discuss your health and symptoms, support networks, and personal history. Sometimes this requires more than one meeting. We’ll also clarify your goals and some possible directions for treatment.
Insurance:
I’m an in-network provider for Aetna. If you have Aetna, you can contact them to ask about your co-pay responsibility.
I’m out-of-network for all other insurances. This means you would be responsible for paying for sessions in full. I can provide a bill for you to submit to your insurance coverage for possible out-of-network reimbursement.
Supervision:
If you’re interested in clinical supervision, call, email or text me and we can discuss your goals for supervision, my approach, and fees. It’s often best to have at least one meeting to assess goodness of fit.
Work History
Barnard College
Director - Furman Counseling Center
New York University
Training Director - Postdoctoral Psychology Fellowship
Coordinator Eating Disorder Treatment Program
Staff Psychologist
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital Cornell Medical Center (Westchester)
Clinical Instructor of Psychology in Psychiatry
Independent Therapy Practice
Certificate in Psychoanalysis
New York University
Psychology Internship and Postdoctoral Fellowship
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
Cornell Medical Center (Westchester)
Rotation at Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital
Ph.D. Clinical Psychology
Fordham University
Dissertation: Religion and Social Support in Nursing Home Residents
M.Div. Divinity School
Yale University
B.A. Theology and Philosophy
University of Notre Dame