FAQ
What is therapy?
Each and every inpidual can benefit from therapy. Therapy is a unique place where a person can go to explore their present, past, and future, set
Do you accept insurance?
I am a participating Aetna provider and out-of-network provider with all other insurance carriers. I f you participate with another insurance company, you may be eligible for out-of-network benefits and should contact your insurance provider to see if you can be reimbursed for outpatient mental health counseling. Clients may be able to use their medical flexible spending account (FSA) to get reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses. You should check with your insurance and FSA provider to confirm.
What are your rates/How much do you charge per session?
If you are concerned about being able to afford my services, please contact me to discuss a possible reduced rate based on financial necessity. I am only able to offer reduced rates to a small portion of my clients based on financial hardship with proof of income.
Is therapy confidential?
In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and psychotherapist. No information is disclosed without prior written permission from the client.
However, there are some exceptions required by law to this rule. Exceptions include:
- Suspected child abuse/maltreatment, dependent adult abuse/maltreatment or elder abuse/maltreatment. All therapists are required to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately as part of our "mandated reporter" status under NY State Law
- If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person. All therapists are required to notify the police.
- If a client intends to harm himself or herself. The therapist will make every effort to work with the individual to ensure their safety. However, if safety cannot be ensured, additional measures may need to be taken, including notifying a crisis team, contacting 911, or an emergency contact. Safety is always of the utmost concern.
Is therapy right for me/my child?
Finding a good fit between therapist and client is essential. If you have tried therapy before and were not satisfied, it is worth giving it another chance. How much you get out of therapy will depend on how much you put into it, but also depends on having a supportive therapeutic relationship.
What is therapy like?
Every therapy session is unique and caters to each individual and their specific concerns, and treatment goals. It is standard for therapists to discuss the primary issues and concerns in your life during therapy sessions. It is common to schedule a series of weekly or biweekly sessions. Therapy can be short-term, focusing on a specific issue, or longer-term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth. There may be times when you are asked to take certain actions outside of the therapy sessions, such as reading a relevant book or keeping records to track certain behaviors. It is important to process what has been discussed and integrate it into your life between sessions. For therapy to be most effective you must be an active participant, both during and between the sessions. People seeking psychotherapy must be willing to collaborate with their therapist, actively work towards change and create greater awareness in their lives. Here are some things you can expect out of therapy:
- Compassion, empathy, respect and understanding
- Perspectives to illuminate persistent patterns and negative feelings, thoughts and behavior patterns
- Nonjudgmental support
- Strategies for enacting positive change
- Effective and evidenced-based techniques
Is medication a substitute for therapy?
In some cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action. Working with your psychiatrist/medical doctor you can determine what's best for you or your child. It is well established that the long-term solution to mental and emotional problems and the pain they cause cannot be solved solely by medication. Instead of just treating the symptom, therapy addresses the cause of our distress and the behavior patterns that impede our progress. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach that includes therapy.
How do I make a payment?
Cash or check at the time of the appointment.
What is your cancellation policy?
If you cancel an appointment or do not show without providing 24 hours notice, you will be charged the full cost of the session. To avoid such situations, give ample notice to avoid being charged. There is no fee for appointments cancelled with more than 24 hours notice.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Contact me to request an appointment either online through my website or you can send me an email at [email protected]
What is the best way to contact you?
If you have any further questions, the best way to reach me in through my website or by emailing me. See above "How do I schedule an appointment?" I am unable to answer phone calls while in appointments so that is not the best way to reach me.