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Therapy that meets you where you are, not where you think you should be.

Authenticity Psychotherapy LCSW PLLC is a private practice founded and operated by Ariane Ernst, LCSW in New York City. We provide collaborative, humanistic therapy rooted in authenticity, compassion, and genuine human connection.  We specialize in using evidenced-based practice to treat a wide range of conditions such as anxiety-spectrum disorders (such as OCD, eating disorders, and social anxiety), as well as somatic conditions like chronic pain and fatigue.

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Why Authenticity?

We provide nonjudgmental, humanistic therapy where you can be authentically you.

Authenticity is the heart of our work because meaningful change happens when you feel truly heard, seen, and accepted exactly as you are. We believe therapy works best as a collaboration, not an expert telling you how to live your life, but two people working together to better understand your experiences. Our approach is rooted in respect and equality and we value playfulness, curiosity, and humor in sessions. We strongly believe that therapy does not have to feel stiff or intimidating to be effective. You are encouraged to show up exactly as you are.

Our Therapeutic Approach and Specializations

At Authenticity NYC our approach is inherently humanistic, strengths-based, and affirming. Following years of experience in the mental health field, our clinicians have worked with a diverse range of individuals and can offer psychotherapy for a wide spectrum of concerns. Above all, our practice is 100% client-centered and aimed to meet you where you are.

Our practice has experience and training in the following therapeutic modalities:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Exposure & Response Prevention
  • Acceptance-based practices
  • Mindfulness and somatic practices
  • Internal Family Systems
  • Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT)
  • Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP)

We have experience treating a wide variety of mental health concerns including:

  • Anxiety
  • OCD
  • Eating Disorders
  • Depression
  • Chronic Pain
  • Fatigue
  • Psychotic Disorders
  • Personality Disorders
  • Self-Harm/Suicidality
  • Somatic Disorders
  • Women’s Issues
  • Trauma

Rather than a one-size-fits-all model, we tailor therapy to you, your values, and your lived experience. Together we will build insight, strengthen your sense of self, and create meaningful change in a way that feels authentic, sustainable, and empowering.

Experienced Psychotherapists

The clinicians at Authenticity NYC have years of experience and are dedicated, intentional, and evidenced-based.  Our Founder, Ariane, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with eleven years of mental health experience, four years in private practice, and over 2,000 supervised clinical hours.

In-person appointments

We currently offers in-person therapy based out of a cozy office in NYC’s Flatiron District.

Telehealth Appointments

Prefer to attend therapy from home? We offer Telehealth therapy for those residing in New York State.

Accept Insurance & Sliding Scale

We are currently in network with Aetna and can offer a sliding-scale fee for those who qualify in addition to out-of-network reimbursement.

Day and Evening Appointments

Perfect for people who work or study full-time.

Meet The Team

Founder: Ariane Ernst MA, LCSW, CASAC – Advanced

Ariane has advanced degrees in both Social Work and Clinical Psychology and is a Certified Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor.

In addition to private practice, Ariane has worked n non-profits and community mental health for the last 10 years serving underserved populations in NYC. She has extensive experience working with those living with Serious and Persistent Mental Illness, homelessness, HIV/AIDS, and the LGBTQIA population. She has experience treating a wide range of issues and diagnoses including Anxiety, Depression, OCD, Eating Disorders, Personality Disorders, psychotic disorders, and bipolar disorder.

She considers herself feminist, LGBTQIA- Allied, and sex positive.

Psychotherapist: Kent Bassett, LMSW

The people I work with often have several things in common: they’ve been to many doctors to address chronic pain or fatigue. They’ve tried body-oriented interventions—surgery, injections, PT, acupuncture—or mind-oriented therapies like cognitive-behavior, emotion-focused, somatics, or antidepressant medications. Nothing created lasting relief.

What’s different about my approach is how I understand the mind and body not as two separate entities, but intricately linked. As I listen to you, I pay close attention to how rising feelings generate physical sensations. And as someone who overcame a pain syndrome in 2004 and has been working as a filmmaker within the mind-body community since 2011, I bring over a decade of experience with the neuroplastic, or mind-body healing process.

My training is in Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) and Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP), which are empirically supported for chronic pain. I work with people suffering from musculoskeletal pain (arm, leg, back, head, neck, and fibromyalgia), functional somatic syndromes (migraine, IBS, and FND), and post-infectious syndromes (ME/CFS, Chronic Lyme, and Long Covid). The aim with all of these conditions is not just better management, but relief.

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Professional Endorsements

Hear from clients and professionals who have experienced the impact of compassionate, authentic, and personalized care.

Ariane is a dedicated and knowledgeable therapist. She really listens to what you have to say while creating safe, supportive spaces to explore challenging topics. She will be your biggest cheerleader along your healing journey!

Jacqueline Boenisch | LCSW

Ariane is an incredibly insightful, person-centered, & empathetic therapist who effortlessly creates a safe & validating environment for everyone she meets. She is naturally inquisitive and expertly challenges you to meet your goals.

Krysten Thompson LCSW

Have Questions About Therapy?

We know starting therapy can feel like a big step. Here are answers to common questions to help you feel more at ease.

Currently I’m in-network with Aetna and can offer superbills for out-of-network reimbursement.

I can offer a sliding scale fee for those who qualify.

My office is at 220 5th Avenue, 11th floor, NY NY 10001, at the cross streets of 26th Street and 5th Avenue.

I typically work evenings (after 5 PM), Tuesdays through Thursdays.

I have a 48-hour cancellation policy, which allows me to offer care to a greater number of people throughout the week. Unless it’s an unavoidable emergency there is a $75 late-cancellation fee.

Sessions are 55 minutes and are based entirely around what you want to bring to session that day.

I have experience treating a very wide range of issues and diagnoses. I most often treat anxiety, depression, OCD, eating disorders, and personality disorders in my private practice, but have extensive experience dealing with Serious and Persistent Mental Illnesses (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, Major Depressive Disorder).

Office Space

Many people prefer in-person appointments. We’re proud to offer a cozy, chic office space in the heart of Flatiron District.

Curious about how to start?

If you’re interested in starting therapy with Authenticity NYC use the embedded form or send me an email to schedule a free 15 minute consultation.

Insurances Accepted

In-network with

Out-of-network

Reimbursement Options

Payment

Session Fee $195

Sliding scale available