Patrick Roebke, PsyD
Message from Patrick
I'm a Licensed Clinical Psychologist based in New York City specializing in treatments for substance misuse and other addictions, chronic mood and anxiety disorders, social insecurities, intimacy and attachment difficulties, existential stress, life adjustments, and many other common conditions that lead people to therapy. I view therapy as a transformative, collaborative process rooted in a trusting, authentic relationship between client and therapist. I integrate a range of treatment techniques and methods into my work, from contemporary psychodynamic approaches to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other solution-focused interventions. Together, we identify and overcome problematic ways of thinking, feeling, and relating, all within a safe, validating space that cultivates relief and curiosity in one's self and the world around them. In addition to my practice, I hold a volunteer faculty appointment at New York University School of Medicine. I received my doctorate from George Washington University and hold a master’s degree from Columbia University. I completed my predoctoral internship at Kings County Hospital in Brooklyn, New York, and my postdoctoral training at Columbia University and the New York State Psychiatric Institute.
About Patrick's practice
Weekdays After 5pm
Weekdays 9am - 5pm
$$$
Directive
Reflective
In-person available: Yes
Virtual available: Yes
Anxiety
Depression
Loneliness
Self-Esteem
Romantic Life
LGBTQIA-Related Stress
Addiction and Substance Use
Life Transitions
Out of network providers
NY
Why state matters
Get to Know Patrick
Do you have experience (5-10 years+) working with any types of obstacles or people in particular?
Though I’m qualified to treat many of the common conditions that lead people to therapy, I also have special training and expertise in psycho-therapeutic approaches (talk therapy) for substance use disorders and other addictions. I utilize a variety of therapeutic approaches to help people overcome harm related to the full spectrum of commonly misused substances, such as Alcohol, Opioids, Cocaine, Crystal Meth, Cannabis, and Nicotine (including Vaping). I also have experience treating compulsive sexual behaviors and gambling addiction.
Where did you work before going into private practice?
As a doctoral-level therapist, I spent roughly 10 years in academic training preparing for licensure and the transition to private practice. During this time, I worked across a variety of settings, including several psychiatric hospitals and academic institutions. I spent many years working in research settings studying treatments for substance use disorders. I was working at Bellevue Hospital and NYU School of Medicine for 4 years before I transitioned full-time into private practice. I still hold a volunteer faculty appointment at NYU where I teach doctoral trainees and medical residents motivational approaches to substance use treatment.
Is there ever a time when you would encourage me to leave or graduate? Or how do I know when it's time to end or move on, or time to stay and explore more?
As you’d expect, therapy isn’t intended to last forever. That said, many people benefit from long-term work and view it as an important part of their weekly self-care. I also have people temporarily end therapy and come back at later times. Everyone’s experience with this looks different. I do make it a point to frequently review progress with my clients and to continually reflect on gains made. Ending therapy will be a collaborative decision driven by your individual needs, personal preferences, and symptom improvement.
From your perspective, what is therapy?
This is a difficult question to answer, as therapy looks different for everyone. That’s actually one of the things I enjoy most about the work! Put simply, I view therapy as an opportunity for change. It’s a lived, authentic experience of meeting with a trained and credentialed professional on a weekly, ongoing basis to help you recognize and change deeply-rooted and potentially self-sabotaging mental and emotional behaviors, thoughts, and patterns that are keeping you feeling stuck, in pain, and kept from the life you want to live. It’s a transformative, life-changing opportunity that I wish all people could have the privilege, strength, and courage to experience.
Do you assign homework, activities, or readings for me to do between sessions? Why or why not?
There might be times in our work when I encourage “homework,” but only in the form of an activity or a topic to continue reflecting on between sessions. I don't typically use assignments like “thought logs” or worksheets to take home with you. An example of an activity might be an exposure when I’m working with someone with a phobia (like encouraging a client with social phobia to meet a new friend for coffee). I also might encourage journaling (as a reflective tool), readings, or different communication tactics, all depending on the work and what types of goals we’re working towards in the therapy.
How much do you share about yourself during our time together and why?
I tend not to share much about myself in therapy unless I’m asked. Therapy is about you. It’s about understanding your story and the narratives that are unique to you and your experiences. That said, having curiosities about your therapist is a very natural experience and something that we all anticipate as providers. Everyone approaches this differently. I tend to answer questions you might have about my life or my background in an open, transparent manner, as long as they feel relevant to your therapy. I’ll likely make it a point, though, for us to reflect on why you’re asking, and to consider what it is about you that might be motivating your inquiry before answering or disclosing any parts of myself or my experiences.
How do you approach diversity in the room or working with clients who may come from a different background than you?
One of the things I value most about my work is getting to experience so many perspectives and worldviews that differ from my own. During my years of training, I actively sought to work at hospitals that serve some of the most diverse communities in the country. Through these experiences, I’ve developed a confidence and a security within myself to talk candidly with my clients about our differences. In therapy, I offer space to explore social contexts and cultural identities, and I make it a point to integrate underlying systems of oppression, racial bias, and experiences of discrimination and cultural trauma into my understanding of my clients and their presenting challenges. I also give space for these matters to arise in treatment and work collaboratively with my clients to process and make sense of these experiences and how they’ve shaped their perspectives.
How participatory are you during sessions?
I make it a point for therapy to feel like your time. Though I’ll ask questions and guide you in a direction of insight and clarity around whatever we’re discussing, I’m rarely direct or make concrete suggestions or give “advice.” I strongly believe that therapy is most effective when clients are generating their own feedback. My job, though complex, is to guide you and shed light on certain aspects of your experiences you might have trouble seeing.
How will our relationship be different than relationships I have with friends/loved ones?
It’s very likely that our relationship will feel different and unlike any other relationship in your life. Most fundamentally, therapy offers a safe, confidential space where you can be transparent and honest about yourself, without concern for judgement or how others in your life might interpret or experience these parts of your inner life. Beyond this, central to my work is the concept that our relationship, and the authentic exploration of this relationship, will better help you make meaning out of other important relationships (past and current) and how these might be affecting you or shaping your experiences. While this work can be challenging, and sometimes intimidating, it almost always leads to greater emotional and social fulfillment. As part of this process, you’ll likely find yourself feeling unusually transparent and comfortable talking about our relationship (and what’s it’s like for you) in a manner that expresses your truth in a way you might otherwise feel held back from with others in your life.
What are your policies and practices around insurance?
Though I don't work directly with any insurance companies, I do qualify as an out-of-network provider on most insurance panels. Reimbursement rates vary, but many insurance policies cover a significant portion of fees (often 60% to 80%) after meeting an annual deductible. Though you'll be responsible for payment upon service, I will provide you with all the necessary documentation required for your claim on a monthly basis.
How should I prepare for my first session with you?
After our phone consultation, I’ll email you some documents to read over before we meet. These are standard forms that address certain policies and procedures I follow and important information on my record-keeping and your Protected Health Information (PHI). It’s best if you review these documents in advance so we can jump right into any questions or concerns you might have about the process (and save time for our session). I’ll also ask that you bring any important insurance information that might be necessary for out-of-network claims, a list of any medications you’re taking, and the names of your providers.
How long should I commit to being in therapy, at least in the beginning?
This all depends on your own goals and expectations for therapy, as well as whatever symptoms or challenges you’re bringing to the work. I see people for shorter durations (e.g., 3-6 months) who might be undergoing certain adjustment difficulties and situation-specific stressors (e.g., work stress, breakups/separation, moving to New York), but I also see people with more longstanding difficulties that might take more time to work through (e.g., 6 months or longer). In the beginning it's just about trusting in the process and gaining a better sense of your needs.