Questions and answers

What happens in our first session?

When we first meet, you will have the opportunity to tell me what brings you to therapy. I will ask questions to learn more about you, what you would like help with, what your strengths are, and which areas of your life challenge you. You will also be able to ask questions about the therapy process and my clinical approach. I will then provide an assessment and recommendations on how best to approach your situation.

Together, we will develop a plan to guide our work. We will also talk about the types of interventions that we may use. This initial process normally takes 1 to 3 sessions.

How long will I be in therapy?

It's ultimately up to you. If you would like to achieve certain time-limited goals, then you and I will collaborate on a specific set of objectives and tailor our work to find solutions to your present concerns. If you seek deeper levels of change and recovery from issues such as a difficult early childhood, the challenge of connecting with others in healthy ways, or how to develop a healthier self-concept, then our work together may last longer.

Is our work confidential?

It is my professional responsibility to provide the utmost in privacy and confidentiality. Per New York State law, confidentiality will be protected unless there is indication that a child, elder or disabled person is being abused.

Do you take insurance?

Not directly, but once you pay me you can submit your statement to your insurance company. I am what's known as an out-of-network provider, so if your insurance has out-of-network mental health benefits, you may be reimbursed for some percentage of the fee. At the end of each month, I will provide you with a statement that you can submit to your insurance company for a claim. To find out about your specific mental health coverage, you may want to ask the following:

Do I have out-of-network mental health benefits?
What is my deductible and has it been met?
How many sessions per calendar year does my plan cover?
How much does my plan cover for an out-of-network provider?
What is the reimbursement amount per therapy session for individual psychotherapy (CPT code 90834)?
Is approval/pre-certification required?

What are fees and forms of payment?

Please call my office for current rates. Payment is at the time of service and made by cash or check.

What is the rescheduling and cancellation policy?

At least 24-hour notification is required to reschedule or cancel appointments. Without this notification, you will be expected to pay for the full session.