Dr. Jess Kovler
Dr. Jess Kovler is an award-winning psychologist and educator and is considered one of New York’s experts in cognitive, behavioral, and dialectic therapies, in addition to psychodiagnostic assessment. Using a scholar-practitioner model, Dr Kovler’s treatment philosophy is rooted in two principles: decrease suffering and improve functioning. She is well versed and adept at treating a variety of conditions and particularly enjoys health-wellness psychology and relationship-enhancing work.
Academic Background
Faculty Appointment, The City University of New York
Post-Doctoral Fellowship of Psychology in Psychiatry, Weill-Cornell Medicine, The New York Presbyterian Hospital
Doctoral Degree from The Derner Institute
Master’s Degree from Harvard University
Master’s Degree from Columbia University
Undergraduate degree from Yale University
Professional Memberships
American Association of Clinical Endocrinology,
American Psychological Association
New York State Psychological Association
Co-Chair, Covid-19 Disaster Relief Network
Trauma Special Interest Group - Board member
NYC-CBT Association
Pituitary Network Association - Board of Directors
Westchester County Psychological Association - Board Member
Get to Know Dr. Jess Kovler
Why Did You Become a Psychologist?
As a former medical journalist and historian of psychology, I am invested in people’s stories--what makes someone unique, what troubles, what soothes.
While working towards a doctorate in the history and philosophy of science at Harvard, I made the decision to pivot to present-day clinical practice. I needed to know where we came from, in order to inform where to go next on the road towards mental wellbeing. By knowing where we come from, we can shape the future.
As a psychologist, I am invested in using clinically-proven methods to assist my patients in changing their stories, their narratives, and navigating life on their terms. Mental illness is invisible but still deserves our undivided attention.
What Made You Focus on Health Psychology?
I chose to focus on the cognitive therapies because I am of the belief that if we change the way we look at things, the things we look at similarly change. By shifting awareness and building skills, we have the power to make change in our lives.
My practice emphasizes health psychology because the health of our bodies and our mental health functioning are intertwined. By examining this relationship, using a medical model, and by working in conjunction with all members of a patient’s medical team, we can optimize health outcomes.
What Is Your Approach to Therapy?
The aims of my goal-driven treatment to reduce suffering, increase functioning, and to empower patients through motivation and accountability.
My work with patients begins with a comprehensive psychodiagnostic assessment involving use of empirically-validated instruments. Each patient is presented with a customized treatment plan outlining individual aims and goals. Each patient’s story is unique, and a therapy treatment plan must use established, proven, empirically-supported protocols but also one that is unique because each patient is unique.
Throughout treatment, we periodically assess your progress to make sure we are reaching your goals. Periodic check-ins with your other providers ensures that you have a comprehensive approach to your care.
Do you Do Any Philanthropic Work?
I am co-chair of the New York State Psychological Association’s Disaster Relief Network, where I coordinate and provide pro-bono care for New Yorkers affected by Covid-19. I am also on the board of the Pituitary Network Association, the NYSPA Trauma Special Interest Group, and the Westchester County Psychological Association. In addition, I volunteer and coordinate with the New York State Chaplain Task Force.
Selected Publications
Kovler, Jessica Diller, and Daniel Prevedello. “Trauma symptomatology in patients successfully treated for pituitary adenoma.” Journal of the Endocrine Society, vol. 5, no. Supplement 1, 2021, https://doi.org/10.1210/jendso/bvab048.1297.
Kovler, J. “How Your Favorite Radio Personality Confronted Acromegaly…and Won.” Pituitary Network Association Highlights, January 2015.
Kovler, J. “When the Brain Grabs a Tune and Won’t Let Go.” The New York Times, August 12, 2003.
Kovler, J. “Pituitary Tumor a Culprit in Delayed Puberty.” The New York Times, April 23, 2002.
Kovler, J. “A Silent Killer Strikes the Hearts of the Young.” The New York Times, July 16, 2002.
Medical Talks & Presentations
“Trauma-Informed Care in Perinatal Loss.” Mt. Sinai Perinatal Loss Symposium held at the New York Academy of Medicine, November 13, 2023.
“The Outbreak Narrative and Psychological Sequelae of Pandemic,” presented to the Weill-Cornell Working Group of Culture & Psychoanalysis, January 13, 2021.
“The Relationship Between Poor Body Image and Psychopathology in Patients Treated for Tumors of the Pituitary Gland: Implications for Team-Based Practitioners,” poster presentation for ENDO Society, March 17, 2018.
“The Vicissitudes of Life: The Conceptualization of PTSD,” talk delivered at the Annual Conference of the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, October 22, 2016.
“Cushing’s Disease: Patient Empowerment and Mental Health,” keynote talk delivered for Corcept Education Day, January 23, 2016.
“Long-term Psychological Impact of Pituitary Disease and Trauma—A Meta-Review and Suggested Steps,” Ohio State University/PNA CME Conference, April 18, 2015.
“Psychosocial Aspects of the Pituitary Patient: What the Literature Tells Us,” Pituitary Patient Network Conference, January 30, 2015.
“A Dangerous Island, a Dangerous People: New York’s North Brother Island and Ethics in Heroin Addiction.” Talk presented at the AAHM meeting. February 2011.
Awards & Recognitions
New York State Psychological Association, Winner, Distinguished Service Award, 2021
Fellow, New York State Psychological Association, 2021
City University of New York, Nominee, Distinguished Teaching Award, 2021
Faculty-Student Engagement Fund recipient, The City University of New York, 2013
Teaching Fellowship, Department of the History of Science, Harvard University, 2011
Distinguished Service to Students Award, City University of New York, John Jay College, 2010
Yale University Maimonides Fellowship, 2006
Named to the Top 10 List of America’s Best College Professors by BVC
Medical Specialties
Cognitive and Dialectical Behavioral Therapies
Psychological Evaluation & Assessment
Programs for Behavioral Weight Management, Mood and anxiety disorders, ADHD, PMDD, and OCD with exposure & response prevention
Patient Reviews
