Virtual psychology for children, teens, and adults across New York
Warm, evidence-based therapy with Dr. Alexi Michaels, PsyD. A decade of experience in schools and clinics, for children, teens, and the adults they become, all from the comfort of home.
Trained and served at
Columbia University·Rutgers University, GSAPP·Lawrence Public Schools·IVDU Elementary·Torah High School of San Diego·San Diego Unified School District
About
My path to this work runs through a lot of classrooms. I trained in clinical psychology at Columbia University, earned my doctorate in school psychology from Rutgers, and then spent years inside New York and New Jersey schools: testing, counseling, sitting with kids on their hardest days, and translating it all for the adults who love them.
Later, as an assistant principal and school psychologist in San Diego, I ran the 504 meetings and IEP processes that most parents find overwhelming. Today I support the San Diego Unified School District as a school psychologist, teach psychology at the college level, and see therapy clients through my telehealth practice. I have sat in every seat at the school table, and that is the perspective I bring to your family.
In the therapy room, my style is warm but practical. I believe every person who sits down with me is already capable, and my job is to help you build the skills that prove it to you. I draw on cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and other evidence-based tools, and I keep our work focused. The goal is not to stay in therapy forever. The goal is to get back to your life.
Soy bilingüe. I am fluent in Spanish and happily provide therapy en español.
Here is what all those years have taught me: growth does not stop at any particular age. Wherever you are in life, there is room to grow.
Services
Every relationship starts with a free 15-minute call so we can make sure it feels like the right fit.
Support for worry, big feelings, school stress, confidence, and friendship struggles. Parents stay in the loop, and sessions are built to feel safe, engaging, and even a little fun.
A steady place to work through anxiety and panic, life transitions, parenting stress, burnout, and self-worth. Skills-based and practical, drawing on CBT and mindfulness, shaped around your goals.
Guidance for understanding your child's needs and navigating school meetings, 504 plans, and IEPs, from a school psychologist and former assistant principal who has run those meetings herself.
Getting started
Book a free 15-minute call. We talk about what is going on and whether we are a good match. No pressure, no obligation.
In our first full session we get the whole picture and set clear, realistic goals together.
Weekly sessions over secure video, at a consistent time that fits your family's rhythm. No waiting rooms, no traffic.
Investment
This is a private pay practice, which keeps your care flexible, confidential, and free of insurance restrictions. Superbills are available on request for possible out-of-network reimbursement. A Good Faith Estimate of costs is available under the No Surprises Act.
Questions
I am a private pay practice and do not bill insurance directly. Many PPO plans reimburse a portion of session costs for out-of-network providers, and I am happy to provide a monthly superbill you can submit to your plan. If using in-network benefits is essential for your family, mention it on our consultation call and I will walk you through the options.
Sí, con mucho gusto. Soy bilingüe y ofrezco terapia completamente en español. Yes, I am fully bilingual and offer therapy in Spanish.
Yes. Research supports telehealth for children and teens, and many kids actually open up more easily from their own space. Sessions are interactive and designed for the screen, not just talk squeezed into a video call.
I work with clients located anywhere in New York State. All sessions take place over a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform.
Reach out below to schedule your free 15-minute consultation. You will hear back within one business day.
Whether it is for your child, your teen, or yourself, the first step is a short, friendly conversation.
Request your free consultationOr email hello@draleximichaels.com · (858) 414-8882
Virtual sessions for clients across New York State
¿Prefiere hablar en español? Con gusto.