About Chris
Chris Payton is a licensed clinical social worker in New York with eight years of experience supporting people through difficult moments. He focuses on clear, practical steps and listens first to understand what matters most to each person. He helps people manage depression, addictive behavior, anger, and low self-esteem.
He also works with those affected by trauma and abuse and people living with HIV / AIDS. Sessions are adapted to the person’s pace and needs rather than following a one-size-fits-all script.
How Chris works
Chris uses straightforward conversation and goal-focused strategies. He draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing to help people notice unhelpful thoughts, try new behaviors, and build motivation for change. Meetings are collaborative and focused on small, manageable steps.
Clients can expect a respectful and nonjudgmental tone. Chris aims to make space for honest discussion, practical problem solving, and skill building. He supports people as they try changes, offering encouragement and adjustments when needed.
Before beginning, clients complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule sessions around availability. Therapy uses a subscription model that can be canceled at any time, and session formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text messaging. This approach is intended to make starting and continuing work as easy as possible.
Chris lists 2 ways of working on the entry:
What Chris works with
The areas below are the ones Chris selected when setting up a profile. The first few are listed as the main focus; the rest are also named.
- Addictions
- Trauma and abuse
- Anger management
Also listed
- Depression
- HIV / AIDS
- Self esteem
Training and background
| Register | LCSW |
|---|---|
| Years in practice | 8 |
| Languages | English |
| Session format | Online: video, phone, live chat or messaging |
| Country | New York |
Memberships and registers are shown as supplied; they are not licences, and this directory does not verify them.
Online support options
How therapy approaches translate to online care
CBT, or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, focuses on the link between thoughts, feelings, and actions. In short sessions people learn to spot unhelpful thinking and test small behavior changes to see what helps them feel better. This approach is often used for depression, mood shifts, and problem behaviors related to addiction.Motivational Interviewing centers on building a person's own reasons for change. The therapist asks open questions and listens to strengths and concerns to increase motivation. It is useful when someone feels stuck or ambivalent about making changes, such as reducing substance use or trying new coping skills.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. Chris will collaborate with each person to choose methods that fit their goals and preferences. He adjusts pace and tools as progress is made and new needs appear.
Online sessions are offered by licensed professionals through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. Video allows face-to-face interaction for skills practice, phone can work when bandwidth is limited, and chat or text can be useful for short check-ins or when typing is easier. These options aim to make scheduling simpler and care more accessible for different routines and needs.
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Common questions
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A practical next step
Write down two things you would want to be different in six months. That is the most useful thing to bring to a first session, whoever it is with. If you would rather start now than keep reading, online sessions are the quickest route.
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