FAQS

WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM THERAPY?

Once you have made the decision to see a therapist, you might still feel ambivalent about the process. Many people feel uncertain leading up to their first appointment. Therapy is a shared journey and a process. Therapy is not like coaching or advice from friends, and I do not have all of the answers for your life. I do however provide a safe space to listen carefully, and I have training in a variety of evidence based techniques to help guide your progress. We go at your own pace and what you practice between sessions will help shape the direction of our work.

If my client is over 18, sessions can be conducted without anyone's knowledge or consent (please see insurance question for an important confidentiality exception). Minors are required to have a parent or legal guardian consent to their treatment. That being said, I firmly believe the foundation of therapy begins with a trusting relationship and I aim to achieve that with all of my clients, regardless of parental involvement.

HOW MUCH DO SESSIONS COST? CAN I USE MY INSURANCE?

I am paneled with the following commercial insurance plans: Aetna, Oxford, Oscar, BCBS, United Healthcare, Optum, and Northwell Direct. If your insurance is not listed, the self-pay rate is $250 for intake, and $180 per 50-minute session following.

If you have another insurance PPO plan, you may contact your insurance company to find out about your out-of-network benefits. I can provide a superbill to help facilitate reimbursement you may be entitled to. Please note that submitting an insurance claim means I will need to give you a mental health diagnosis and insurance companies can limit the length and frequency of our sessions. Additionally, if you are a dependent on someone's insurance plan and utilizing their policy for your sessions, the policy holder could have access to insurance statements even if you are over 18, which may be a privacy consideration for you.

HOW LONG IS EACH THERAPY SESSION?

After you contact me with an interest in therapy, we will schedule a 20 minute phone screening to get an understanding of what you are seeking care for.

We then schedule an initial session, called an intake. The purpose of this first appointment is to gather more information about my client, and to ensure we are a good fit for treatment based on the type of therapy I provide. This session can be over one hour long and includes my client as well as their parents/guardians (for minors).

Each follow-up session is 50 minutes in length with my client individually, once per week, scheduled at the same time and day of the week.

ARE THERE ANY SERVICES YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO PROVIDE?

I am unable to prescribe medication, although I can coordinate with your doctor if you are already taking medication. If you would like to be evaluated for psychiatric medication, you may contact your primary care physician or a psychiatrist.

I do not conduct child custody evaluations nor do I provide custody recommendations. I also do not have the expertise necessary to treat substance dependence, severe eating disorders, or psychosis.