Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is an evidence-based and structured group therapy program that combines mindfulness with core principles of cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT) and has been demonstrated in research to improve depression and anxiety, prevent future depressive episodes, reduce stress, and help people better manage pain.

Dr V. is fully trained and certified to teach MBCT (see here for details on her training and credentials). She offers both MBCT courses and an evidence-based abbreviated version (MBCT-Brief).  All courses are currently virtual. Scheduled courses are listed below.

MBCT-Brief for Depression and Anxiety - Winter 2026

  • This course may be appropriate for you if you:

    • have a diagnosis of depression or anxiety

    • are interested in learning and practicing meditation and other mindfulness exercises

    • are interested in learning and practicing CBT skills

    • are able to invest time and effort to attend 1-hour sessions weekly for 8 weeks and engage in daily at-home practice of the skills learned in sessions

    • meet the following technical/practical requirements:

      • are able to use Zoom.

      • are able to join video sessions from a private/quiet space without distractions.

      • have reliable internet connection

    • are a resident of New York state

  • This course may not be appropriate for you if you are:

    • experiencing severe depression or anxiety,

    • experiencing suicidal or self-harm thoughts or urges,

    • misusing substances,

    • experiencing cognitive, visual, or hearing impairment, or

    • unwilling or unable to fully invest in the sessions or home practice.

  • Duration: 1 hour weekly for 8 weeks beginning January 28, 2026

  • Dates & Time:

    • Wednesdays, 6-7pm,

    • Jan 28, Feb 4, Feb 11, Feb 18, Feb 25, Mar 4, Mar 11, Mar 18

  • Location: Zoom

  • Fees:

    • Fee structure

      • $1250 - Sponsor - If you are able to pay at this rate, you will be generously supporting those with limited resources by making this course accessible to them.

      • $650 - Standard - This is the standard rate for the course.

      • $250 - Scholarship - We have limited spots available at this rate which is for those who would otherwise not have access to MBCT. Eligibility is determined based on income level, household size, and other relevant financial circumstances. Applicants may be asked to provide documentation supporting their financial status.

    • We do not accept insurance; however, if you have out of network benefits the fee may be partly covered by your health insurance as group psychotherapy. We can provide you with receipts to submit to your health insurance provider.

    • All participants in the course are held to the same expectations and policies. Attendance, participation, confidentiality, and respectful behavior are required of everyone to ensure a consistent, safe, and supportive learning environment for all group members. No exceptions will be made based on payment level or financial assistance.

  • Other Details:

    • Each session is highly structured and the course is designed to build skills.

    • Each session will include in-class exercises and group discussion. Discussions are different from a traditional therapy group in that they are focused on experiences with the in-class exercises rather than participants’ history.

    • Sessions build on one another so participants should expect to attend all sessions to fully understand the content and be able to apply it for managing depression and anxiety.

    • Daily home practice is expected including completing guided meditations and other skill-building exercises, reading handouts, and filling out worksheets to support learning. You can expect this to take approximately 30-45 minutes each day.

    • The course will have a maximum of 10 participants.

  • Steps for Application and Registration:

    • Use the button below to submit an initial application.

    • You will receive a survey by email to help determine eligibility for the program.

    • If you meet initial eligibility criteria, you will be scheduled for a clinical evaluation with Dr. V. to further assess fit and orient you to the program.

    • If you and she agree that it is a good fit, payment must be made no more than 7 days after the evaluation meeting and prior to the start of the course.

    • Registration will close on Monday, January 5th but you may request to be added to a waitlist after that time.