We were lucky to catch up with Dr. Jaime Coffino recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Dr. Jaime thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
My academic and professional journey has been shaped by a series of pivotal risks that brought me to where I am today. One of the most defining moments came when I graduated with my PhD in clinical psychology during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, I was working under the supervision of a highly respected OCD and anxiety specialist in New York City. Her group practice was thriving, and she was able to offer me stellar supervision and a steady stream of patients. It was a comfortable and secure role and many people in my life were encouraging me to stay in this role.
However, I felt a strong pull to do more—to create something of my own where I could realize my vision for providing personalized, high-quality mental health care to patients with eating, anxiety, and mood disorders. I knew leaving the established group practice to start my own business was risky. I had never run a business before and was unfamiliar with the legal and financial complexities involved. It was a leap into the unknown, but I reminded myself of the challenges I had overcome in the past and trusted my ability to figure it out.
I took the plunge. I began by reaching out to my network to find the right lawyer and accountant to guide me through the process. I developed a plan for attracting clients and marketing my practice, learning how to build a website and create a professional Instagram page from scratch. It was overwhelming at first, but I was determined to see it through.
Today, I am the Founder and Director of the Coffino Center for Eating, Anxiety, and Mood Disorders. I am fortunate enough to lead a team of five exceptional doctoral-level clinical psychologists who share my passion for delivering compassionate, evidence-based care. This journey—defined by taking risks, trusting my instincts, and pushing beyond conventional expectations—has been deeply fulfilling, and it continues to inspire me to do the best I can to create meaningful impact in the lives of my patients.
Dr. Jaime, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
As a first-generation college student, I didn’t prioritize academic achievements during high school. It wasn’t until I entered college that I realized I had a blank slate. For the first time, I was learning out of curiosity, and I understood that my success or failure rested solely on me. This shift in mindset motivated me to apply myself fully, and within two years, I worked hard to transfer to a top university. I was admitted to Vanderbilt University, where I discovered my passion for psychology and graduated summa c*m laude. This experience gave me the confidence to embrace more challenges.
After a few years of work experience, I applied to graduate school and earned a Master of Public Health degree from Columbia University and a doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University at Albany, SUNY. During my PhD training, I completed a predoctoral fellowship specializing in eating disorder treatment at Yale School of Medicine and a clinical psychology internship in the behavioral medicine track at the Alpert Medical School of Brown University.
After graduate school, I completed a postdoctoral research fellowship at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and, while many of my peers continued to pursue academic careers, I chose a different path—opening my own group practice to focus on my passion: providing evidence-based care to patients with eating, anxiety, and mood disorders.
I am currently the Founder and Director of the Coffino Center for Eating, Anxiety, and Mood Disorders in New York City. What sets the Coffino Center apart is our team of doctoral-level psychologists, many of whom are affiliated with leading universities and engaged in cutting-edge psychological research. This unique combination allows us to bridge academic insights with exceptional clinical care.
My therapy approach is empathetic, direct, and skills-based. I use flexible, evidence-based methods, including cognitive-behavioral therapies such as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), to help patients achieve their treatment goals.
I am passionate about my work and proud of the positive outcomes we achieve for our patients at the Coffino Center. Whether someone is new to therapy, seeking a fresh perspective, or looking for help after challenges with previous therapists, my goal is to make patients feel supported and empowered throughout their journey.
Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?
When you’re passionate about your work, it can be difficult to know when to step away. However, with experience, I’ve learned that prioritizing self-care and creating space for my mind and body to stay healthy and balanced are essential to providing the highest level of care for my patients. Practicing what you preach in this way can also set a powerful example for patients.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
The most effective strategies for growing my clientele have been twofold:
1. Networking with Other Health Professionals: Building strong professional relationships with psychologists, psychiatrists, dietitians, pediatricians, adolescent medicine specialists, and other healthcare providers has been invaluable. Collaborating with these professionals not only broadens the referral network but also fosters a multidisciplinary approach to care that benefits patients.
2. Word-of-Mouth Referrals: Satisfied patients who experience meaningful progress and that trust in the care they receive often become my biggest referral source. Their recommendations to family, friends, and within their communities have been a key driver in building a robust and trusted practice, and I am grateful to them for that.
These strategies complement each other, creating a strong foundation for sustainable growth while prioritizing high-quality care.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.coffinocenter.com
- Instagram: @dr.jaimecoffino
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaime-coffino-phd-mph-85932283/
- Other: https://publichealth.nyu.edu/faculty/jaime-coffino
