(347)-915-4047

MANHATTAN PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES

Dr. Mary Ellen Clifford
CEO & Founder

New York • International

Your Path To Hope, Healing, and Happiness Starts Here

Dr. Mary Ellen Clifford
CEO & Founder

(347)-915-4047

A Leader in the Field of Psychology

Life can be overwhelming, even for the people who appear to have it all together. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, relationship challenges, trauma, burnout, or simply feeling stuck, therapy offers a place to slow down, gain perspective, and begin creating meaningful change.

I believe every person deserves to feel heard, understood, and accepted. My goal is to create a space where you can speak openly without fear of judgment—a place where we work together to better understand what’s keeping you stuck and develop practical, lasting strategies that help you move forward with confidence.

For more than twenty years, I have had the privilege of helping adolescents, college students, adults, professionals, physicians, executives, entrepreneurs, parents, couples, and families navigate some of life’s most difficult and meaningful moments. While every person’s story is different, my approach remains the same: to meet you where you are, understand what matters most to you, and tailor therapy to your unique needs.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. Every individual brings different strengths, experiences, and goals into the room. Rather than following one rigid treatment model, I thoughtfully integrate evidence-based psychological approaches that best fit each person. Depending on your needs, treatment may draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), trauma-focused interventions, solution-focused therapy, positive psychology, relationship-focused treatment, and other evidence-based approaches. Therapy is collaborative, practical, individualized, and always guided by the best available psychological research.

Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of contributing to clinical, educational, consultation, and professional work associated with respected organizations including Columbia University Irving Medical Center and the New York State Psychiatric Institute, Mount Sinai, the New York State Supreme Court, New York City’s independent and private schools, Vassar College, Harvard University, and the United Nations. These experiences have broadened my perspective and strengthened my commitment to providing thoughtful, compassionate, and individualized care to every client I meet.

Concierge Psychological Services

In addition to my traditional outpatient psychotherapy practice, I offer concierge psychological services for a limited number of clients whose lives require greater flexibility, accessibility, and continuity of care.
This specialized service has evolved naturally over many years of working with physicians, executives, entrepreneurs, internationally mobile families, public figures, and ultra-high-net-worth individuals. While the clinical work itself remains grounded in the same evidence-based principles I use with every client, the concierge model is designed to meet the unique logistical and privacy needs that often accompany demanding careers, extensive travel, and complex personal or professional responsibilities.
Depending on a client’s needs, concierge services may include enhanced accessibility between sessions, executive functioning and performance support, psychological consultation during periods of transition or crisis, coordination with physicians and other trusted professionals, and continuity of care while traveling.
Over the years, I have traveled throughout the United States—including California, Tennessee, and New York—as well as internationally to destinations such as Malta, St. Tropez, and other parts of Europe to provide continuity of care when clinically appropriate. These experiences have given me a deep appreciation for the unique challenges faced by individuals whose personal and professional lives extend well beyond one location.
Whether I am working with a college student experiencing anxiety, a parent balancing family responsibilities, a physician facing burnout, an executive leading a global organization, or an internationally traveling client, my philosophy remains the same: every person deserves care that is compassionate, individualized, evidence-based, and grounded in a genuine therapeutic relationship.
It is a privilege to walk alongside people during some of the most vulnerable and transformative moments of their lives. My hope is that every client leaves therapy feeling stronger, more empowered, and more connected to the life they want to create.
I believe meaningful change is possible for everyone. No matter where you are in your journey, therapy can be a place to rediscover hope, experience healing, and build a life filled with greater happiness, resilience, and purpose.

Hope. Healing. Happiness.
Those three words reflect the heart of my practice and my commitment to every person who entrusts me with their story. It would be an honor to walk alongside you on your journey toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.

Expanding Access to Therapy for All New Yorkers and Internationally

Recognizing the growing need for accessible, high-quality therapy, Dr. Clifford expanded Manhattan Psychological Services to offer comprehensive online therapy. Now, individuals across New York and internationally can receive expert, science-backed care from the comfort of their homes.

Her collaborative and judgment-free approach ensures that patients feel safe exploring their struggles, building resilience, and gaining self-awareness. Dr. Clifford’s mission is to equip every patients with lifelong tools for healing, growth, and fulfillment.

At the heart of Manhattan Psychological Services is a belief in the power of resilience, self-awareness, and personal growth. Whether you are just beginning therapy or have been on this journey for a while, you will find a welcoming and supportive environment here.

Welcome to Your Journey Toward Healing

Taking the first step toward therapy can feel daunting, but it is also an act of courage and self-care. Dr. Clifford and her team are here to walk alongside you, offering guidance, encouragement, and the tools you need to create the change you seek.

“You are here for a reason. Taking the first step toward change takes courage, and I commend you for it. Together, we will cultivate a life filled with joy, purpose, and meaning. Welcome to your journey of transformation.”
— Dr. Mary Ellen Clifford

If you’re ready to begin your path toward hope, healing, and happiness, Dr. Clifford and her team are here to help. Welcome to Manhattan Psychological Services. Let’s take the first step together.

Customer Review

“Dr. Clifford is warm, welcoming, and understanding. What a breath of fresh air! She clearly loves what she does and I leave sessions feeling seen, heard, and most importantly, helped.
Dr Clifford is very passionate and easy to talk to. She encourages me to dwell on the positive things in my life and not the negative. She is always willing to listen to what I want to talk about and offers suggestions and support. I enjoy my time with Dr Clifford”
Vanessa S., age 35, London

Customer Review

“Understands me in and out. In case of trouble, I’ll message her and she always replies back with a very thorough and understanding response. Incredibly kind and thoughtful. Would highly recommend her to anyone as she is highly adaptable. Thank you Mary for your work!”
– Deborah F., age 56, Canada

Customer Review

“I deeply appreciate my therapy experience with Dr. Clifford. She is warm and welcoming, permitting me to feel comfortable sharing my stories, yet is able to challenge me, which I equally appreciate. Her unique background, and her approach (e.g., also posting a Monday message), serve as ways to connect/foster reflection in more ways than one -therefore enhancing my experience. She is genuine, fun & serious, knowledgeable and wise. I would recommend her without hesitation!”
– Gerard N., age 41, New York

Customer Review

“Dr. Clifford has been great and very supportive during my mental and emotional wellness journey. She also has lots of practical advice and tools. She is an expert in CBT, which I feel has been so instrumental for me in “turning the corner” of my journey. She is always kind and respectful and has a great sense of humor. I love her heart for God, and how she appropriately weaves in the spiritual when I need it-which I always need it! I am grateful to God for using her to help me. I so appreciate her experience and wisdom and the many tools used to help me get better.”
– Monica, age 27, Dubai

Customer Review

“Dr. Clifford is clear as a bell. She listens actively and then responds with empathy, clarity and nuggets of wisdom that open up new doorways for me. She sends out messages every Monday that are extremely well written and piercingly helpful. I have a deep appreciation for her educational background and ocean of knowledge. Thank you.”
– Saro, age 39, New York

Customer Review

“Dr Clifford is very professional. She understands me and knows which questions to ask to let me realize what I am going through. I noticed on several occasions that I am making progress.
Dr Clifford is very talented and professional. She is amazing. I am so thankful that I have a wonderful therapist.”
– Emmy, age 16, New York

Customer Review

“Dr. Clifford is a wonderful help! She helps me narrow down exactly what I’m feeling and pinpoint why I’m feeling that way. Her explanations are always easy to understand and applicable. She always has extra resources to suggest to me and is clearly invested in helping me become a better version of myself!”
– Filip, age 34, Sweden

Customer Review

“Dr. Clifford is amazing. She helped me work through a lot of negative thoughts and emotions. She provided a safe space for me to talk and vent comfortably without being judged. I felt heard and understood after a very long time. She is respectful and caring. She didn’t rush me into things and let me go at a slow pace that I wanted. I would highly recommend her.”
– Kerstin, age 18, Germany

Customer Review

“I would describe my therapy time with Dr. Mary Clifford as “potent”! I was shocked about how much I was able to learn in each short session. At the end of each session I was also pleasantly surprised to receive a digital worksheet that perfectly complemented our conversations. The worksheets really helped me explore independently, especially the topics of cognitive behavioural therapy and negative core beliefs. Dr. Clifford has a gift of asking precise questions that led me to many “aha! moments”. Because of her deep listening skills, I always felt compassionately heard while speaking with her. I felt safe under her guidance knowing that she confidently operates from a strong academic background and is grounded in theories and years of personal practice. I am so thankful to have met Dr. Clifford. If you are looking for a highly educated, compassionate, encouraging, non-judgemental and highly intuitive therapist, I really cannot recommend her enough. It will be one of the best gifts you ever give yourself. :)”
– Brittany, age 41, New York

Customer Review

“Dr. Clifford is an amazing therapist and more importantly an amazing human being. She sees the best in us and nurtures that part of us and helps us focus on the positives in life.”
– Will, age 23, Australia

There is A Way

 LET’S FIND THE WAY TO HOPE • HAPPINESS • HEALING TOGETHER