Dr. Hillary Schaefer , NY Psychologist 022053, WA Psychologist PY.61029319

Dr. Hillary Schaefer is a licensed clinical psychologist who brings more than a decade of experience to her work with individuals and families. She earned her doctorate from the University of Virginia in 2013 and has provided care in clinic, hospital, university, and military settings, including directing a clinic focused on families and children. Dr. Schaefer works with a wide range of concerns such as stress and anxiety, depression and self-esteem, trauma, motivation, parenting and relationship issues, LGBTQ+ matters, veteran or military-related concerns, and support for medical difficulties affecting clients or their loved ones. She is licensed to practice as a psychologist in New York and Washington - NY Psychologist 022053 and WA Psychologist PY.61029319 - reflecting her training and professional standing.

Dr. Schaefer aims to create an atmosphere where people feel heard and supported while also leaving sessions with practical tools they can use right away. Her work emphasizes transparency and collaboration, combining evidence-informed approaches with flexibility to adapt to each person’s needs and preferences. She values identifying strengths and building on them, and she has chosen to extend her practice into online care to continue supporting clients in finding clearer paths toward a fuller, more satisfying life.

Please note that evening appointment times are currently full; her posted availability is generally between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Sessions

Dr. Hillary Schaefer uses several evidence-informed approaches to help people address change, cope with difficult emotions, and improve relationships. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, focuses on helping people clarify their values, accept difficult thoughts and feelings, and take meaningful action toward the life they want; it is often helpful for anxiety, stress, and managing life transitions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, helps people identify unhelpful thinking patterns and test new behaviors to reduce symptoms such as low mood, anxiety, and sleep or eating concerns. Emotionally-Focused Therapy centers on understanding and reshaping emotional bond patterns in close relationships, which can be useful for couples and family concerns involving attachment, intimacy, and communication.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Dr. Schaefer works with each person to determine which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences, and she adapts strategies over time so therapy remains relevant and practical.

Online therapy offers flexible ways to connect, including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit sessions into busy schedules, maintain continuity of care during life changes, and access licensed professionals from different locations, while still focusing on effective, goal-oriented work.