Sydney Lerner

Hello, I’m Sydney Lerner, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) based in New York. I offer therapy in Midtown Manhattan and virtually across the state. I work with teens and young adults navigating OCD, anxiety, depression, relationship stress, and family dynamics. My approach is relational and psychodynamic, exploring how past and present relationships shape emotions and patterns. For clients who have completed OCD treatment in the past, I also integrate ERP knowledge to support long-term growth. I earned my BA from Johns Hopkins, my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern, and completed a year-long psychodynamic training at the National Institute of the Psychotherapies.

In therapy, I create a supportive environment where you can feel safe bringing your full self into the room. My work is grounded in relational and psychodynamic principles, helping us uncover the roots of anxiety, OCD, mood challenges, and relationship struggles. Together, we’ll explore how your experiences and relationships shape your feelings and patterns, while building new ways of approaching challenges. I value openness, authenticity, and curiosity, and I often bring warmth and lightness into sessions to make the work both meaningful and approachable.

Clients can expect weekly psychotherapy sessions focused on open exploration, reflection, and connection. Together, we’ll trace the links between past and present, gaining insight into how early experiences and relationships influence current challenges. My hope is that over time you’ll feel more grounded, self-aware, and compassionate toward yourself, with stronger tools for navigating both relationships and daily life.