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Leslie Waite, PsyD(He/Him/His)

(He/Him/His)
Doctor of Psychology, PsyD
New York
Addiction-Compulsive behavior- LGBTQIA, gender, & sexuality topics-Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)- Trauma-
AboutSpecialtiesLocationsInsurance & Fees

Professional statement

Dr. Waite is a psychotherapist with a long history of helping adults navigate the challenges of chemical addictions, behavioral addictions, trauma, and life transitions with care and intention. His work is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Enhancement interventions, offering practical, collaborative strategies to help clients better understand their thoughts, manage difficult emotions, and make meaningful changes in their daily lives.

Dr. Waite also takes a trauma-informed approach to therapy when needed, recognizing the impact that past experiences can have on the present. Treatment is paced thoughtfully and tailored to each individual, with an emphasis on creating a space that feels safe, respectful, and genuinely supportive. Clients are invited to explore their experiences at their own pace while building skills that foster resilience, clarity, and a greater sense of control.


Message to clients

I provide a thoughtful, compassionate space where you can begin to make sense of what’s been weighing on you—and start moving toward meaningful change. My practice focuses on working with individuals navigating addictions, trauma, and major life transitions, whether expected or sudden.

I understand that reaching out for help can feel daunting. Many of the people I work with come in feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected—from themselves, from others, or from the life they want to be living. Together, we work to gently untangle those experiences, identify patterns, and build practical tools for healing and growth.

In treating addictions, I take a nonjudgmental and collaborative approach. We’ll explore not just the behaviors themselves, but the underlying emotional and psychological factors that sustain them. My goal is to help you develop healthier coping strategies and a stronger sense of agency in your choices.

For trauma, I work at your pace, with a focus on creating safety and stability while processing difficult experiences. Whether your trauma is recent or long-standing, we’ll approach it in a way that honors your resilience and supports your nervous system.

Life transitions—such as career changes, relationship shifts, loss, or identity exploration—can bring uncertainty but also opportunity. I help clients navigate these periods with clarity and intention, so you can feel more grounded and aligned with your values.

My style is warm, direct, and engaged. I believe therapy works best when it feels like a genuine human connection, where you can be honest, challenged when needed, and supported throughout.


Work and Education

Van Buren Counseling, LLC, Psychologist, 2022 - Present

Adler University, Psy.D., 2018

Licensure

New York: 023836

Languages

English

Specialties

Addiction - Coping with emotional discomfort and suffering; reducing or abstaining from unwanted behaviors such as unhealthy gambling or shopping

Compulsive behavior - Coping with overwhelming urges and impulses, such as hair pulling or skin picking; developing alternative ways to reduce stress and alleviate suffering

LGBTQIA, gender, & sexuality topics - Exploring topics of sexuality, gender, and identity; coping with discrimination and oppression; navigating relationship, family, and cultural challenges

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) - Healing painful experiences and memories from the past

Trauma - Coping and healing after threatening or scary events, such as witnessing accidents or experiencing sexual, verbal, emotional, or physical abuse




Clientele

  • Adults (24+)
  • Couples

Locations & Hours


Insurance

  • Aetna
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of New York
  • CDPHP
  • Carelon Behavioral Health
  • Cigna
  • Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Optum

Out-of-pocket fees

  • Individual sessions:$160 (60min)
  • Sliding scale:$60 - $160

Reach out to Connect

Small steps make a big difference. Start by connecting with Leslie Waite today.