New School Psychotherapy Program

The Safran Center for Psychological Services (SPARS) offers high-quality relational psychodynamic psychotherapy to adults in the community at an affordable rate. Treatment is provided by New School for Social Research Clinical Psychology doctoral students under the supervision of highly trained licensed psychologists. Our model involves a comprehensive intake process and individualized treatment recommendations. Therapy is collaborative and depth oriented, offering strong therapeutic engagement to support progress on collaboratively created clinical goals. Therapy is available from September through June, with the possibility of continuing/returning for services depending on a range of factors. 

In order to provide the highest level of care, treatment sessions are recorded and reviewed in supervision. Recordings are stored in a HIPAA-compliant, anonymous manner, with strict privacy and security measures designed in collaboration with The New School's IT department. We work together to provide a productive and confidential treatment environment.

The Safran Center data repository uses de-identified information for the purposes of psychotherapy research that advances technique, intervention and training. Individuals offering and seeking services have the opportunity to contribute to this repository, and the advancement of our field, according to our rigorous IRB-approved procedures.  All information is held according to the secure industry standards that are reviewed and updated on a regular basis.

Our Patients

Our patients are adults from the greater New York area. Typical issues that bring people to relationally oriented psychodynamic therapy include interpersonal conflicts and tensions, self-esteem concerns, difficulty managing stress, life transitions, depression, anxiety, professional confusion, loss or grief, and a general sense of being unsatisfied and unfulfilled.  We are not able to offer interventions for individuals in crisis situations, acute psychopathology, or those needing help with substance use disorders.

Therapy 

Therapy sessions are 45 to 50 minutes long and are scheduled for the same time each week.  

Starting in 2025, the center will offer two distinct treatment contexts: in-person psychotherapy and tele-psychotherapy. Each different modality will be offered by different clinicians, receiving supervision specific to the treatment context.  

In-person work will be the preferred method for most individuals seeking psychotherapy. Aspects of relationally orientated psychotherapy are specific to in-person work. Session times are available in the morning, daytime, and evening.

A handful of virtual psychotherapy spots will be available for those whose circumstances prevent them from being able to access in-person services. People who most benefit from virtual psychotherapy include those whose specific medical, social, environmental, and/or financial circumstances necessitate that they access services from home.  Virtual psychotherapy sessions must be accessed from a private secure location in New York State from a device with video and a reliable Internet connection. We are unable to offer services to individuals who are located outside of New York State, even on a temporary basis.

*Note: It is not possible for individuals to receive hybrid services or to change from the in-person modality to the tele-psychotherapy modality. In other words, virtual sessions are not available for people engaging in in-person psychotherapy. 

Fees

We are a low-fee clinic and work with a sliding scale based on family size and income. We can work with patients to ensure affordable access to high-quality therapy. We do not participate in insurance plans and do not complete insurance paperwork.

The Next Step 

If you are interested in finding out more about the Safran Center, please call us today at 212.229.5700 x2478 or email safrancenter@newschool.edu.