If you or a loved one experiences psychosis, things can start to feel uncertain very quickly. You may be trying to make sense of what’s happening, wondering what this means for your future, or feeling like everything has been disrupted all at once.
I work with individuals who are navigating early or ongoing experiences of psychosis, their families, as well as the people who care about them. Whether this is your first episode, a recent hospitalization, or something that has been part of your life for years, my role is to help you find your footing again.
My approach is evidence-based, grounded, practical, and focused on what actually helps in day-to-day life. Together, we focus on stabilizing what feels overwhelming, understanding your experience more clearly, and building a path forward that feels possible and sustainable.
You don’t need to have everything figured out to begin. We start where you are and move at a pace that feels manageable.
Professional background
I am a clinical psychologist and the founder of Vital Psychological Therapeutics. I spent more than 20 years on the faculty of the departments of psychiatry at Columbia University and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, where my work sat at the forefront of clinical innovation in the treatment and research of psychosis, schizophrenia, and recovery-oriented care, including cognitive-behavioral therapy for psychosis (CBTp).
My clinical and academic background includes extensive experience in hospitals, outpatient clinics, academic medical centers, and research settings. Over the course of my career, I have worked with individuals experiencing psychosis across different stages of illness, while also studying the factors that support recovery, functioning, emotional regulation, and quality of life.
A significant part of my work has focused on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for psychosis, or CBTp. I have published more than 90 peer-reviewed research articles and several books related to CBTp, schizophrenia, psychosis treatment, and recovery. My clinical approach is informed by this depth of research, as well as many years of direct work with individuals and families navigating psychosis.
I founded Vital Psychological Therapeutics to provide specialized, focused care for individuals and families dealing with psychosis. My goal is to bring together clinical expertise, research-informed treatment, and practical support that helps people stabilize, make sense of what they are experiencing, and rebuild their lives in meaningful ways.
Education
- PhD in Clinical Psychology, Long Island University (2003)
- Predoctoral Internship, Zucker Hillside Hospital, Glen Oaks, New York (2003)
- Postdoctoral Fellowship in Schizophrenia Research, Columbia University (2003–2006)
- Beck Institute Scholar, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for psychosis (2007–2008)
Professional experience
- Licensed Psychologist, New York (2005) and New Jersey (2025)
- PSYPACT Certified for telehealth services across participating states (2025)
- Associate Professor, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (2017–Present)
- Director, Experimental Psychopathology Laboratory (2006–2025)
- Program Leader, New Interventions for Schizophrenia (2018–2025)
- Former faculty member, Columbia University Department of Psychiatry (2006–2017)
- Principal and co-investigator on multiple NIMH-funded studies focused on schizophrenia, psychosis treatment, and recovery (2006–Present)
- Member, Postpartum Psychosis Taskforce, Postpartum Support International (2026–Present)
What therapy with me is like
Therapy with me is structured but flexible. I draw from evidence-based approaches, including cognitive and behavioral therapies for psychosis, while adapting the work to fit your specific situation, goals, and pace.
We focus on what is most relevant to your life right now. That might include managing symptoms, improving emotional regulation, rebuilding confidence, or navigating relationships, school, or work. The goal is not just symptom reduction, but helping you function more fully in your daily life.
I also integrate insights from research into our work together. Much of my clinical and research experience has focused on how factors like stress, sleep, physical health, and cognition impact psychosis. This allows us to look beyond symptoms and address the broader patterns that support recovery.
If you are a family member or loved one, I can also help you understand what is happening and how to respond in ways that are supportive and effective, without feeling overwhelmed or alone in the process.
Start your healing journey today
It’s common to feel unsure about reaching out, especially if things have been difficult or confusing. You don’t need to wait until everything feels clear or stable to begin.
If you’re ready to take the next step, I offer a complimentary consultation where we can talk through what’s going on and whether working together feels like the right fit. From there, we can begin building a path forward that feels grounded, realistic, and tailored to you.
Dr. Kimhy is a licensed clinical psychologist in New Jersey (#35SI00781000) and New York (#016273) and has a PSYPACT® Authorization to Practice Inter-jurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT; #22381).