Making Premium Mental Health Care the Standard: How Octave Is Shaping the Future of Therapy

In the city that never sleeps, mental health challenges never rest either. Between relentless work schedules, dense living conditions, and the sheer pace of life, New Yorkers are increasingly seeking professional support, but often find themselves blocked by cost, access, or stigma. That’s where Octave, a modern therapy platform available in 23 states, is stepping in to change the landscape.

Founded on the principle that “premium, affordable mental health care should be standard practice,” Octave is transforming how individuals engage with therapy by focusing on personalization, accessibility, and measurable outcomes. With its recently released “State of Mind: New York City Edition” report, Octave offers not only a pulse check on urban mental health but also a roadmap for more effective, inclusive care.

From Crisis-Driven to Progress-Focused Care

At the heart of Octave’s mission is a shift in mindset, from therapy as a last resort to therapy as a proactive tool.

“The system of obtaining mental health care can be different from physical health care, and for many, quality care is not affordable or accessible to them,” explains Sandeep Acharya, Octave’s Co-Founder and CEO. “With Octave, we’re making effective therapy the norm to drive actionable progress for our patients.”

Unlike traditional therapy models that can be unstructured or disconnected from outcomes, Octave’s approach is evidence-based and data-informed. Clients are matched with curated, high-quality providers and supported with insurance navigation, symptom tracking, and goal setting.

“Because we believe life-changing therapy doesn’t have to take a lifetime, our focus is on evidence-based and outcome-driven care,” Acharya adds. “This makes it easier to track and measure progress, ensuring patients can meet their goals and ultimately have the tools to manage their own emotional well-being.”

Satisfaction Speaks for Itself

In a city like New York, where time and energy are in short supply, Octave’s model appears to resonate deeply. According to the company, 95% of clients say therapy with Octave has been worth the effort, with significant clinical improvements reported across the board.

“Our measurement-based care model helps our patients see results faster, improves patient retention, and addresses our patients’ diverse needs,” says Acharya. “Through our care model that focuses on outcomes, 74% of Octave clients with clinical anxiety and 76% with clinical depression saw significant improvement within 3 months of care.”

Octave’s goal is to empower individuals to manage their mental health independently, enabling clients to “graduate” from therapy when they’re ready—a decision made collaboratively between therapist and client.

Diversity as a Core Value

One of the standout qualities of Octave is the diversity and cultural competency of its therapist network. More than 50% of providers identify as BIPOC, and therapy is offered in over 40 languages across a range of specialties.

“If you want to serve a community well, you have to reflect it,” says Acharya. “That means having providers who not only look like the people they serve, but who also deeply understand their experiences.”

This commitment to representation has become even more crucial in a city as multicultural as New York, where one-size-fits-all therapy is no longer an option.

Personalized Care Starts from Day One

Octave’s emphasis on personalization begins before a single session starts. New clients complete a brief intake questionnaire, which informs how they are matched with a provider, either by self-selection or with assistance from Octave’s Care Navigation Team.

“Clients will design a unique, personalized care plan that’s tailored to their exact needs and goals and continuously update it throughout the sessions,” explains Acharya.

This structured, personalized approach sets Octave apart in a space that often struggles with continuity and cohesion.

Breaking the Myths Around Therapy

Despite growing awareness, misconceptions around therapy still persist, particularly the idea that it’s only for those in crisis, or that it must last indefinitely.

“Many men and women still think they don’t need therapy unless there’s a crisis and that therapy has to be a lifelong commitment,” says Acharya. “In reality, therapy can be a helpful tool for anyone at all different stages of their life.”

Through transparency, affordability, and user-friendly access, Octave helps reframe therapy as something proactive and empowering, not reactive or shameful.

“When we remove those barriers and make things more accessible for patients, it becomes easier for therapy to feel like an ‘always-there’ option,” he adds.

The Digital Difference

With virtual therapy now a mainstay, many still question whether it can match the depth of in-person care. For Octave, the answer is a confident yes, especially when balanced with in-person options in cities like New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Oakland.

“Meeting clients where they are is crucial,” says Acharya. “We have found that virtual therapy can often be more accessible. It has also allowed some patients to feel more comfortable opening up than they would in real life.”

For busy professionals, parents, or those with mobility or transportation challenges, this flexibility can mean the difference between starting therapy or not.

Insights from the State of Mind Report

Octave’s State of Mind: New York City Edition pulls back the curtain on what urban residents are really facing. Based on anonymous patient intake data from 2023 to 2025, the findings paint a sobering yet hopeful picture:

• Brooklyn: Over 6% of therapy seekers cite burnout as their primary issue.

• Queens: 1 in 5 report depression, a rate higher than other boroughs.

• Citywide: 15% of both men and women reported symptoms of depression.

• NYC Women: 1 in 3 sought therapy for anxiety.

The numbers confirm that mental health struggles are both common and deeply woven into the fabric of urban life.

Connection Is the Cure

In a high-pressure environment like NYC, many believe independence equals strength. But according to Dr. Golee Abrishami, Head of Clinical Care at Octave, that mindset may be part of the problem.

“Strength and independence does not mean you have to do everything alone,” she says. “Connection and community are protective factors against burnout and anxiety.”

Her advice? Don’t wait for a breaking point. Build resilience now through small, consistent practices, such as connection, rest, and setting boundaries, that can coexist with city life.

“Real progress happens when we learn to create balance right in the middle of the noise.”

To learn more or find your ideal therapist, visit www.findoctave.com.