Kellie Gainey , LMHC

Kellie Gainey is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) practicing in New York with seven years of clinical experience working one-on-one with adults. She supports people managing a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, situational stress, self-esteem struggles, and major life transitions. Her work focuses on helping clients develop practical coping strategies, process and resolve past trauma, shift unhelpful thinking patterns, improve relationships, and strengthen connection with themselves for clearer direction and more effective daily functioning.

Kellie integrates a range of evidence-informed approaches to meet each person where they are. Her therapeutic toolkit includes Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), client-centered and existential perspectives, as well as mindfulness, narrative methods, and creative expression. She identifies as a queer clinician and offers affirming care from kink/BDSM positive, non-monogamous positive, and fat/body positive positions, aiming to create an environment that respects diverse identities and experiences.

Beginning therapy or switching to a new practitioner can feel overwhelming, and Kellie emphasizes a collaborative, nonjudgmental approach to set goals and tailor interventions to each client. She invites prospective clients to connect to discuss needs and determine whether her style and specialties are a good match.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Kellie uses approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to support clients in practical ways. CBT focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors to reduce distress and improve daily functioning - it is often helpful for anxiety, depression, and stress. DBT emphasizes skills for regulating intense emotions, tolerating distress, and improving interpersonal effectiveness, which can be useful when emotions feel overwhelming or relationships are strained.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Kellie works collaboratively with clients to determine which methods best fit their needs, goals, and personal preferences. She adapts techniques over time so therapy remains relevant and responsive to each person’s changing priorities.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility by allowing sessions by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules, access support from home, and maintain continuity of care when travel or other obligations arise. Licensed professionals can deliver effective, evidence-informed work through these formats while tailoring pacing and session style to each client’s comfort and goals.