Clinician

Nicole Cooper

PhD

I am a clinical psychologist licensed to practice in both New York State and California. My deepest passion and expertise lie in working with trauma survivors and individuals with PTSD, as well as providing sport and performance coaching for elite performers, athletes, and CEOS. In addition to serving as a supervising senior psychologist at Union Square Practice with offices in NYC and Beverly Hills, I am an assistant professor in psychiatry at the UCLA School of Medicine, where I teach early career psychiatrists how to do psychodiagnostic assessment and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

What should I expect in our first session?

To be heard in a safe and comfortable environment where frankness is encouraged, candid feedback is provided, and humor is welcomed.

How do you describe your therapeutic approach?

My primary orientation is cognitive behavioral (CBT) but I am a pragmatist – different people have different needs! I incorporate research-backed and time-tested strategies from several psychological modalities—including dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), Eastern/mindfulness traditions, and Sport and Performance Psychology—to help my clients up their game by tackling bad habits, addressing problematic relationships, and building stronger self-esteem.

In my work with couples, I use both Imago Relationship Therapy and the Gottman Method, helping partners improve communication, deepen connection, and transform conflict into opportunities for growth.

My deep roots in both academic and clinical psychology allow me to provide clients with the most up-to-date, evidence-based treatments combined with the warmth, calm energy, and practical approach of an experienced clinician.

How long have you been practicing?

More than 20 years!

What’s the most rewarding part of your job? 

I love helping people become the best versions of themselves, and I find teaching incredibly rewarding as well.

In another life, if you weren’t working in mental health, what would you be doing? 

I honestly cannot imagine! I was born to be a psychologist (my mom is a therapist, too!) – there is simply no other vocation for me.

What’s something your clients might be surprised to learn about you?

I speak four languages, including reading and writing Ancient Greek! I’ve also practiced psychology on both the West and East Coasts of the United States and in London, where I worked at University College London as a cognitive behavioral psychologist.

What is a self-care ritual you practice?

I get eight to nine hours of quality sleep every single night, and I move my body every day.

Experience and Accolades

  • Clinical psychology pre-doc internship at Columbia University Medical Center in 2002 (worked with USP co-founders Drs. Fader and Dulchin!)
  • Postdoctoral fellowship at New York University specializing in trauma and PTSD
  • Served as Chief Clinical Psychologist of the Mood and Anxiety Disorders Program at Mount Sinai Medical Center in NYC
  • Certified in Prolonged Exposure Therapy for PTSD

Languages

English, Spanish, Italian, Ancient Greek, learning Hebrew

Education

Bachelor of Arts (Stanford University), PhD (California School of Professional Psychology), pre-doctoral internship at Columbia University, postdoctoral fellowship at New York University

Works With

Young Adults, Adults, Couples, Professional Athletes, CEOs, Elite Performers in the Arts

Licenses and Certifications

Licensed clinical psychologist in NY and CA, trained and certified diagnostician (National Institute of Mental Health), certified SCID diagnostician (Structured Clinical Interview for DSM Disorders), certified Prolonged Exposure Therapist

Specialties

Mood and anxiety disorders, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Prolonged Exposure (PE), Written Exposure Therapy (WET), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for PTSD

Style

Interested in working with Nicole Cooper?

Experience and Accolades

  • Clinical psychology pre-doc internship at Columbia University Medical Center in 2002 (worked with USP co-founders Drs. Fader and Dulchin!)
  • Postdoctoral fellowship at New York University specializing in trauma and PTSD
  • Served as Chief Clinical Psychologist of the Mood and Anxiety Disorders Program at Mount Sinai Medical Center in NYC
  • Certified in Prolonged Exposure Therapy for PTSD

Get in touch

We provide personalized, hands-on care

Reach out to us using any of the contacts below or our general contact form.