Dr. Sumi Raghavan, PhD, licensed trauma therapist based in NYC and NY

Individual Psychotherapy | Trauma Therapy in NYC & NY

Reclaim joy and find purpose beyond the hustle.

Available online in NY and in-person in Downtown Brooklyn

As a trauma psychologist and burnout expert, I primarily work with professionals in demanding, stressful work environments. I also work with adults coping with a range of factors including trauma, depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, grief and loss, and life transitions.

I’m compassionate and nonjudgmental and will be your ally as we work together toward growth and change.

My focus & specialization

Specializing in psychotherapy for leaders, professionals, academics, and journalists in high-stress environments

Work can bring satisfaction and meaning, but chronic stress, trauma, and burnout can be destructive.

I’m here to support you in finding the balance that works for you. I walked away from tenure after years of working hard as an academic woman of color on the tenure track, and I know what it’s like to grapple with big questions around career, identity and work.

I also know that these questions often reflect larger patterns and challenges in our lives, and we’ll work together to figure these things out and help you get un-stuck.

My sub-specialty is working with journalists who are exposed to occupational chronic work stress and trauma.

I have a strong appreciation for the role of journalism in society and consider it a privilege to work with news professionals. I have completed specialized training from the Global Center for Journalism and Trauma on the professional culture and occupational challenges of journalists.

My approach to trauma therapy and therapy for burnout includes a focus on culture, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Regardless of background, we all have a culture, and we exist within systems and contexts that impact who we are and how we see the world.

I am especially experienced in working with clients of diverse cultural backgrounds. My practice is BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ affirming, and my research and training has focused on the intersection of culture and mental health. I identify as a woman of color and I bring a multicultural perspective to all of my work.

Dr. Sumi Raghavan, PhD, licensed trauma psychologist based in NYC and NY

My goal is to empower you—no matter your background—to step into yourself fully, equipped with insight and tools to live the life you want.

My Clinical approach

As a trauma psychologist, I have been trained in a variety of evidence-based treatments, and I work to integrate them and develop a treatment plan that is unique to you.

For some clients, this will involve learning concrete skills to manage emotions or change problematic thought-patterns. For others, it will involve helping you come to terms with negative past experiences.

Research shows that a solid relationship between a client and therapist is the greatest factor in client improvement, and I work carefully to build a strong rapport with my clients. My style is warm, curious, and engaging. I connect with my clients as one human being to another, and I welcome humor and authenticity in the therapy room.

Together, we’ll work to build on your strengths and move closer to where you want to be.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • I’m trained in a variety of approaches including CBT, DBT, IFS and psychodynamic therapy. 

    I focus on building a genuine and comfortable relationship, I help clients identify patterns of experience and behavior, and support them to move out of unhealthy patterns towards more meaning, connection, and joy.

  • Both! My office is in Brooklyn, NY, near Borough Hall and convenient to most major subway lines. I have a small number of in-person slots, however, and virtual offers us more flexibility. If you feel strongly that you’d like to meet in-person and my slots are full, I’m happy to start working with you virtually and put you on the waitlist for in-person sessions.

  • My fees are competitive and some sliding scale options are available. I do not accept insurance and I function as an “out of network” provider. I encourage you to contact your insurance and inquire about the out-of-network benefit, as well as the deductible. Many of my clients are able to get at least 50% of their fees reimbursed.

    I can provide you with documentation, and you will be responsible for submitting your own receipts.

  • Good question! Research shows that meeting weekly for at least 20 sessions or 6 months is most likely to produce growth and change.

    I ask my clients to begin working with me on a weekly basis, and the length of treatment will depend on how you are doing or feeling.

    Working on your mental health and well-being is an investment, and I’m most effective with clients who take it seriously and show up for themselves. I do not meet with clients on an “ad-hoc” basis.

  • Yes, everything you tell me is between us, unless you explicitly provide me with written permission to share information with someone else.

    The exceptions to confidentiality will occur if I suspect abuse of children or the elderly, or if you share an intent to harm yourself or another person. We’ll discuss together in any of these situations and proceed accordingly.

  • I do not use an AI note taker, and I never will. I disable Siri and have no Alexa or similar device in my office.

  • I’m a clinical psychologist, NOT a psychiatrist, so I cannot prescribe medication. If you are already in psychiatric treatment, I’m happy to coordinate with your provider if needed. If I believe medication could help you, we will discuss and proceed in a collaborative manner and I can provide you with referrals to psychiatrists that I trust.

  • If you’d like to connect and see how I can help, please contact me and we’ll schedule a free 20-minute consultation. If you feel like I might a good fit, we can schedule our first session.

Dr. Sumi Raghavan, PhD, licensed trauma therapist in NYC treating burnout

I’m looking forward to supporting you.

Schedule a free 20-minute consultation to determine whether I’m a good fit for you.