faqs

 
 

How can therapy help?

Engaging in therapy is an act of self-compassion, and with a willingness to participate fully in the process it can offer transformative outcomes. Some of the benefits you may experience from therapy include more insight into and skills for addressing painful patterns of thinking and behavior, reduced emotional suffering, more fulfilling relationships, and increased engagement in what matters most to you.

How do we begin?

Therapy can represent a substantial investment of your resources, so finding a therapist you connect with is vitally important. I offer a free 20-minute consultation by phone or video for us to explore what you hope to address in therapy, and to help us determine whether we would be a good fit. If we decide to work together, we can proceed to schedule the first appointment.

Click here to schedule a free consultation.

What happens during the first appointments?

The first 1-2 appointments are generally evaluative sessions to inform decisions about treatment options, provide diagnostic formulation, and to collaboratively discuss the goals and anticipated length of treatment. These sessions will be more structured than other sessions, and I will ask you detailed questions about your primary concerns, your history, and what in your life is most distressing to you at this time. Prior to and during this evaluative phase, I will ask you to complete electronic intake forms and assessments so that I can gather meaningful information about you that will help me individualize your care. We will discuss expectations for our work together, including your rights to confidentiality, and I will answer any initial questions you may have.

When and how often does therapy take place?

Typically I provide weekly 45-50 minute sessions during regular business hours. If preferred and depending on availability and clinical appropriateness, I may be able to accommodate evening or early morning hours, or sessions that are more or less frequent.

Do you take health insurance?

I am an out-of-network provider with the exception of The Headstrong Project. The Headstrong Project provides free trauma-focused treatment for eligible military-connected individuals and Veterans.

If you pay out-of-pocket or use your out-of-network benefits, fees are due after each session. I do not take insurance directly.

If you have health insurance, it may provide some coverage for mental health treatment. If you wish to be reimbursed by your insurance company, I recommend you find out what mental health services your insurance policy covers prior to scheduling a consultation. When you call your insurance provider, they may ask you for one or more of the following codes to be able to give you information about coverage: 90791 (diagnostic evaluation), 90834 (individual therapy), 90847 (couples therapy). I will provide you with a Superbill that contains all required information to submit for reimbursement through out-of-network benefits if requested.

What are your out-of-pocket fees?

The fee for a 45-minute individual therapy session is $250.

The fee for a 55-minute couples or conjoint therapy session is $275.

The fee for a 80-minute couples or conjoint therapy session is $320.

If a longer session is preferred, then the additional time will be prorated.

Payments can be made via credit card through the Simple Practice electronic health record platform. I also accept cash or checks.

You have a right to a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) which outlines the estimated cost of services before we begin our work together.

Is therapy conducted in person or via Telehealth?

I am currently offering to see clients via a secure HIPAA-compliant video telehealth platform. I also provide in-person therapy in Dobbs Ferry, NY at an office that is a short walk from the Metro North train station.

Do you prescribe medication?

I am a doctor of psychology, not a medical doctor; I do not prescribe medication. If you have a need for a medication evaluation, I will assist you with connecting with a psychiatrist or prescriber. As I value a team-based approach to mental health care, I welcome the opportunity to collaborate with your prescriber.

What is your cancellation policy?

Appointments should be cancelled at least 24 hours in advance. If an appointment is cancelled with less than 24 hours notice, you will be charged the full session fee.

How will I know when I’m done with therapy?

The therapeutic process has no set time frame. Some people may benefit from only a few sessions to meet their goals, whereas others may benefit from or prefer months or even years of psychotherapy. Your course of treatment will be individualized depending on the intensity, duration, and the specific nature of your presenting concerns, your level of engagement and active participation in the treatment plan, and your preferences. While we will discuss the anticipated length of treatment during our first sessions, determining the optimal length of therapy and transitioning from therapy is a continuing process we will work on collaboratively, at your own pace.