I am a board-certified adult psychiatrist and psychotherapist. I serve in leadership and teaching roles at NYU, where I teach the next generation of psychiatrists and work at the intersection of college mental health and academic medicine. My practice focuses on high-achieving professionals and students navigating mood and anxiety disorders, ADHD, perfectionism, and identity development. I created my private practice space, The Light Room, to be decidedly different from traditional psychiatric practices — care that's evidence-based yet deeply human, personalized, accessible, and responsive.
I specialize in integrating psychotherapy with medication management to offer a truly comprehensive treatment approach.
Client Focus
Session Format: Couple, Family, Individual sessions.
Age Specialty: Adult, Young Adult
Demographic Expertise: Asian, Black / African American, Christian, Hispanic / Latino, Men, Middle Eastern, Muslim, Women clients.
Languages: English, Arabic
Treatment Approach
- Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) Helps people accept difficult thoughts and feelings instead of fighting them, while committing to actions that reflect their values. It blends mindfulness with practical behavior strategies.
- Behavioral Therapy Uses learning techniques like reinforcement and practice to change unwanted behaviors. It is often applied to phobias, anxiety, and habits.
- Christian Counseling Blends psychological practices with Christian values and scripture. It provides faith-based support for life challenges and spiritual growth.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) One of the most widely used approaches, CBT helps people identify unhelpful thoughts and replace them with healthier patterns. It is effective for anxiety, depression, and many other concerns.
- Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) An evidence-based treatment for PTSD that teaches clients to reframe unhelpful thoughts about trauma. It helps reduce guilt, shame, and fear.
- Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) Builds skills in self-kindness and compassion toward others. It is especially helpful for people who struggle with shame or self-criticism.
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) Focuses on strengthening emotional bonds in couples or families. It helps people identify negative cycles and create more secure connections.
- Integrative Therapy Combines techniques from multiple approaches into a customized plan. It adapts to each client’s unique situation and needs.
- Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) A short-term approach focused on improving relationships and social support. It is often used for depression and grief.
- Motivational Interviewing (MI) A collaborative, client-centered approach that strengthens motivation for change. It is especially effective for addictions and health behaviors.
- Psychodynamic Therapy Explores unconscious thoughts and patterns that influence current behavior. It builds insight into how the past impacts the present.
- Psychoeducational Therapy Provides education and coping tools about mental health conditions. It empowers clients with knowledge and practical skills.
- Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) Focuses on solutions and future goals rather than past problems. It is practical, short-term, and goal-driven.
Approach Description: My treatment philosophy is fundamentally integrative, meaning I draw from multiple evidence-based therapeutic modalities to create a personalized approach tailored to each client's unique needs and goals. As a board-certified psychiatrist, I seamlessly combine medication management with psychotherapy, lifestyle interventions, nutrition/sleep optimization, amongst other strategies. I believe that true healing addresses both the biological and psychological dimensions of mental health.
I work collaboratively with folks to understand how thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and past experiences interact to create current challenges. My approach emphasizes building insight into patterns while also developing practical tools for change. I help clients identify their core values and work toward living more authentically aligned with what matters most to them.
Central to my work is creating a safe, non-judgmental therapeutic relationship where you feel truly heard and understood. I believe in meeting you where you are—whether that means focusing on immediate symptom relief, exploring deeper psychological patterns, processing past trauma, or strengthening your relationships. My style balances compassionate support with gentle challenge, helping you build self-awareness, resilience, and genuine self-compassion.
I don't believe in one-size-fits-all treatment. Instead, I thoughtfully adapt my approach based on what will be most effective for your specific situation, drawing from the therapeutic techniques best suited to your goals and adjusting our work together as you grow and your needs evolve. Whether you're seeking medication management, therapy, or a comprehensive combination of both, my goal is to help you not just manage symptoms but build a life of greater meaning, connection, and well-being.
Education & Credentials
Michael Nakhla MD
- Male
- License # 305678
- Licensed in NY
- Practicing Since 2017
Education: Board Certification by American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
Psychiatry Residency - Northwell Health's Zucker Hillside Hospital
MD - Pennsylvania State School of Medicine
BA, Neuroscience and Behavior - Wesleyan University
Finances
Fees
- Average Session Fee 500
- Affordable sliding scale therapy: apply if you may be eligible.
- I have limited sliding-scale appointments available. I can also provide detailed superbills for insurance reimbursement and help you understand your out-of-network benefits.
- Out of Network
- I provide detailed superbills for insurance reimbursement and help you understand your out-of-network benefits.
Michael Nakhla Practice Details
Therapy Sessions
- Available In-Person in Scarsdale, NY 10583 and New York City, NY
- Available Online for residents of New York
- Online Therapy Details: Zoom
Traditional psychiatric care can feel rushed or impersonal. I take the time to understand your whole story — not just your symptoms, but your life, your goals, and what matters most to you.
My practice combines the rigor of academic medicine with the warmth and attention of boutique care. This practice is ideal for adults seeking thoughtful, personalized psychiatric treatment and/or psychotherapy. I work best with people who want a collaborative relationship with their psychiatrist and value having time to be truly heard. If you're looking for quick medication refills without conversation, I may not be the right fit. The best way to find out is to schedule a free consultation.