- Client-centered practice
- Cognitive behavioral work
- Solution-focused steps
About Derek
Derek Bakay is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) practicing in New York with 15 years of professional experience. He focuses on depression, stress, anxiety, career and academic concerns, and coping with life changes. Derek also works with people facing relationship and intimacy issues, parenting stresses, and compassion fatigue.
He uses a mix of client-centered, cognitive behavioral, and solution-focused approaches. Sessions concentrate on practical steps people can try between meetings. Derek treats the person, not a label, and aims to build on existing strengths rather than start from scratch.
In practice he listens closely and keeps sessions interactive. He helps people break problems into small, manageable parts. That might mean testing out a new habit, reworking unhelpful thoughts, or mapping next steps for a career decision.
Derek has experience supporting people through disability adjustment, caregiver strain, blended family challenges, and midlife or life-purpose questions. He also works with issues such as chronic pain, impulsivity, jealousy, and fatherhood concerns.
People who come for help often want concrete change. Derek focuses on clear goals and measurable progress. He uses straightforward language and offers coaching where useful to help people move forward.
To begin, he asks for a short intake overview and then plans a first session that clarifies goals and immediate priorities.
How his approaches translate to online work
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and reflecting back what matters to the person. It helps people clarify values, priorities, and personal goals and can be useful when someone feels stuck or unsure about next steps.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at how thoughts, feelings, and actions connect. It uses practical exercises and experiments to test new ways of thinking and behaving, which can help with anxiety, depression, and work-related stress.
Solution-Focused Therapy concentrates on small, achievable changes and immediate goals. It helps map what’s already working and expand those steps to create momentum.
Picking the right approach is part of the work. Derek collaborates with each person to decide which methods fit their needs and goals. He will review options and adapt the plan as progress is made so therapy stays relevant and focused.
Session formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm the available options before booking. Online work can make scheduling easier, reduce travel time, and fit sessions into busy days like school or work. It can also allow shorter check-ins when a full session isn’t needed and make it simpler to sustain momentum between meetings.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
15+ years
Listed in
New York
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does he help with?
He works with stress, anxiety, depression, career and academic concerns, and coping with life changes. He also addresses relationship, intimacy, parenting, and caregiver stress.
What is his therapy style like?
He uses an interactive, client-centered style that includes cognitive behavioral and solution-focused elements. Expect practical steps and goal-oriented conversations.
How much experience does he have?
He has 15 years of professional counseling experience in a variety of clinical settings. That background includes work with disability adjustment and chronic illness issues.
Is he a licensed clinician and where does he practice?
He is an LMHC licensed in New York and practices from that state. Sessions are provided in English.
Can people outside the US work with him?
He does not accept international clients at this time. Sessions are offered in English to clients based in New York.
What session formats are offered?
Please confirm current session options before booking, as the biography does not list specific formats. Check the booking flow for up-to-date session types.
How is cost handled?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time. Exact pricing is provided during signup.
How do I get started with him?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule your first session once matched.
Online talk therapy through BetterHelp is for adults aged 18 and over and is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Find someone else by name.