Last edited 04/17/2025
Claire McCulleyLCSW
LCSW
She / Her / Hers
Accepting New Clients
In Person in New York
Online in New York
Identifies As
She / Her / HersWomanLesbian, QueerLGBTQIA+Neurodivergent, Autistic, ADHD
Get To Know Me
Are there any recurring themes or issues you’ve noticed as you treat people in your area of specialization, and how has this insight guided your approach?
People I work with tend to come in feeling like therapy has never really ‘worked’ for them. They’ve often spent years masking, pushing through burnout, and trying to fit into spaces that weren’t built with them in mind. Many have had negative experiences with past providers who didn’t fully understand them or framed their struggles in a way that felt pathologizing instead of validating. Over time, this can lead to deep confusion about who they really are underneath all the masking, along with struggles in self-esteem, boundary-setting, and self-advocacy.
Because of this, I don’t just focus on mental health in a vacuum—I also look at the bigger picture. Your environment, your support system (or lack of one), and the messages you’ve internalized about yourself all play a huge role in how you feel. Therapy with me isn’t about ‘fixing’ you—it’s about helping you understand yourself better, embrace your identity, and build a life that actually works for your brain.
What are your biggest strengths as a therapist?
I see the best in clients—their strengths, their potential, and who they are beyond the challenges they’re facing. I don’t see myself as ‘the expert’ just because of my credentials. Therapy with me is a collaborative process, not a hierarchy. I genuinely enjoy getting to know my clients—their interests, their passions, their unique ways of thinking—and I bring that into our work in a way that feels natural and affirming.
As an autistic therapist, I’m also deeply observant, which means I pick up on the little things that help build a sense of safety and connection. I adapt to each client’s communication style, humor, and needs while maintaining strong boundaries. I bring a warm, nonjudgmental, and steady presence to therapy—there’s not much that phases me. I’m just really excited to see my clients grow and heal.
What’s the most profound, insightful, or interesting thing you’ve learned as a mental health professional?
I’ve learned is that therapy isn’t about quick fixes—it’s a gradual process, and real change takes time. Success doesn’t always look like (or need to look like) huge breakthroughs; sometimes, it’s the small, steady steps that add up to something meaningful and incredible.
I’ve also learned that while clinical techniques and modalities matter, the most important part of the process is the trust and connection we build together. I’m not the one doing the work—you are. You’re the one making changes, showing up for yourself, and putting things into practice in your daily life. Getting to witness that growth is truly an honor.
Learn more about my:
Location
Online Therapy
Details of my office at 286 5th Avenue, New York, NY
Specialties
Specializes in
ADHDAutism spectrum disorderNeurodiversityBurnout
General Expertise
Self-EsteemLGBTQIA related issuesLife transitionsObsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)Trauma
Treatment Approaches
Strength Based TherapyPerson-Centered TherapyNeurodiversity-AffirmingPsychodynamic Therapy
Clientele
Types of Therapy
Individual Therapy
Serves Ages
Young Adults (18-24)Adults (25-65)Seniors (65+)Adolescents (13-17)
Languages
English
Professional Background
LicensureNew York, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, 099529
Training/CertificationsAutPlay Therapy Training CertificateLGBTQ Institute for Family Therapy Certification
Education
The University at Albany School of Social Welfare, Master of Social Work, Social Work (Clinical Concentration), 2021
The University at Albany, Bachelor of Arts, Public Policy (Law and Civil Rights Concentration), 2019
Work HistoryI have extensive experience supporting autistic and neurodivergent kids, teens, and adults navigate a world that often wasn’t built with them in mind. In my work, I’ve seen firsthand how traditional therapy can fall flat when it doesn’t account for things like masking, burnout, or the frustration of feeling ‘understood’ on paper but not actually supported in real life. My experience working in the child welfare and mental health systems has shaped my approach—one that’s affirming, practical, and actually helpful for autistic and neurodivergent people. Whether it’s unmasking, processing past therapy that didn’t quite fit, or figuring out how to build a life that works with your brain instead of against it, I bring both clinical and lived experience, as well as a deep understanding to the table.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s not uncommon to have questions before starting therapy.
Claire McCulley, LCSW, has answered a few of the questions they receive most often from new clients.
Is Claire McCulley accepting new clients?
Yes, Claire McCulley is accepting new clients for online therapy in New York and in-person appointments at 286 5th Avenue, Floor 10, New York, NY, 10001.
Does Claire McCulley accept insurance?
No, Claire McCulley does not accept insurance.
What types of therapy does Claire McCulley offer?
Claire McCulley offers therapy for individuals.
Does Claire McCulley offer in-person appointments?
Yes, Claire McCulley offers in-person appointments at 286 5th Avenue, Floor 10, New York, NY, 10001.
Does Claire McCulley offer online therapy?
Yes, Claire McCulley offers online therapy via video sessions to people in New York.
How quickly can I see Claire McCulley?
Claire McCulley typically can speak with new clients within 48 hours. You can see their current general office hours and request an appointment on their profile page.
What languages does Claire McCulley speak?
Claire McCulley conducts therapy sessions in English.
Can I book an appointment with Claire McCulley online?
Yes, you can easily book an appointment with Claire McCulley online using Choosing Therapy’s directory.
Find Similar Therapists Near You