FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
01
What should I expect if this is my first time in therapy? What if I work during the day? How long are sessions? What do I bring?
Therapy does not mean you are weak. I like to view therapy as an unbiased alliance between two people; a co-creation. Therapy is a time for the client to talk about concerns, issues, feelings, fears, and wishes. Therapy should be a forum where the client can speak their mind without feeling judged or shameful. Therapy is beneficial in that it allows one to speak about intimate and often painful life experiences, recieve guidance, and gain insight into their thought processes/behavior patterns. Different treatment modalities are used for different clients depending on their presenting concerns. Treatment is tailored to the individual/circumstance. Therapy is reflective and helps individuals gain self-awareness, develop healthy coping skills, learn how to manage stressors, and balance life roles more effectively. The ultimate goal of therapy is to allow individuals to overcome barriers, reach their goals and live a productive, meaningful and happy life.
During the initial session, the client should come prepared with the Intake Form, Informed Consent Form, and Disclosure Form (or arrive early for the appointment to complete them). The Intake Form helps the therapist gain a deeper understanding about your life experiences, development, relationships, etc. This is helpful in viewing the client as a whole and getting a "bigger picture". Most importantly on the Intake Form, is the question of why the client is seeking services and what the client wishes to derive from therapy. This ultimately becomes the client's immediate treatment goal and sets the foundation for the work that needs to be done.
Sessions usually run 45-50 minutes and most clients attend weekly sessions. It is important to note that if you are arriving late for your appointment, you will not be receive additional time after your normal end time. Information regarding cancellation policies and emergency procedures can be found in the Forms section.
For your convenience, I have evening, late night and weekend office hours for appointment.
02
What are my payment options? What are your rates and are there any circumstances in which you lower your rates?
I currently accept the following insurance plans:
-
Aetna
-
Beacon/Value Options
-
Cigna
-
Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield
-
Fidelis
-
Healthfirst
-
Magnacare
If your insurance plan is not listed here, please contact me to verify whether or not I accept your plan. Cash or checks are accepted for the fee and/or copayment and is due at the time of the session. If I do not accept your insurance, I always encourage clients to contact their insurance carrier to inquire if they have out of network benefits as I am then considered an "out of network provider". Many times, clients can pay for the session and then submit for partial or full reimbursement for the fees. Speaking to a member advocate is often helpful as well. Important questions to ask your insurance company are:
-
Is this counselor in-network or out-of-network for my plan? Do I have out of network benefits? If so, what are they? And how do I submit for reimbursement?
-
Do I have outpatient mental health services (in an office setting) covered in my plan?
-
How many sessions do I have per year?
-
Do I need prior authorization or a referral from my Primary Care Physician to go to therapy?
-
Do I have a deductible? How much is it? And have I met it yet?
-
Do I have a Flex Spending Account that I could put towards psychotherapy sessions/mental health treatment?
-
If you need assistance, please reach out and I would be happy to help along in the process or contact your insurance for you.
For those whose insurance I do not accept or who prefer not to go through their insurance, I also have a limited number of "sliding scale" fee spaces available in my practice. I find that many times financial concerns, unemployment, and lay-off are the reasons some seek therapy and I do not wish for my fee to be a deterrent to getting treatment. I encourage clients to contact me for further information as I would be happy to work something out, offering a fee that is mutually agreed upon, or provide a referral to another provider that better suits your needs.
03
Is what I tell you confidential?
Generally speaking, the law protects information shared between the client and psychotherpist. That being said, information cannot be diclosed to other parties without written permission from the client. Clients may choose to sign a consent/release if they wish to have others involved in their treatment or if they wish for me to coordinate their care with another professional, such as a primary care physican or psychiatrist. Signing consents for other providers can be beneficial to the client as it allows professionals to collaborate to provide holistic treatment.
It is important to note that some exclusions do apply and in these instances, the psychotherapist is considered to be a "mandated reporter" by law. For instance, if a client shares intent to harm themselves or another individual, this information must be reported by the therapist. Please see the "FORMS" section of the website for a detailed list.
04
05
What if I had a negative experience in therapy in the past?
Connection is the key to therapy. Respect and trust is vital to building a therapeutic alliance and working together. I take care to provide a supportive, nonjudgmental, and unbiased environment for my clients to explore their concerns. Having an open dialogue about things that are helpful and unhelpful is important to ensure that your concerns are being adressed and progress is being made toward your goal.
What type of career services do you offer for adults? For adolescents?
For adults, it is often difficult juggling our various roles and finding a balance between work, family, personal time, etc. I assist clients with achieving career satisfaction, exploring options, and adjusting to new demands at work. For instance, asking for a raise can be a daunting idea if ill prepared. It can also be challenging to manage workplace conflicts and it feel anxiety-provoking to tackle how to communicate your ideas and needs in a work setting. I assist clients with building strong communication and interpersonal skills through role playing and I help clients develop alternate ways to handle different situations. I also provide resume-writing services and review interviewing skills during my sessions.
For adolescents, I work with clients to help them make decisions about major life transitions, such as going to college. I facilitate exploration of their options and the advantages/disadvantages associated with each. Together, we build strong and positive decision making skills while also promoting autonomy. I have had a great deal of experience assisting high school students with admissions essays, navigating the process of applying to college, as well as exceling at admission interviews and job interviews. In addition, I provide resume building worksheets and encourage them to utilize their time productively and meaningfully to build on the positive attributes and strengthen their applications. I provide a safe space where they can discuss their concerns and tackle important decisions effectively.
06
What if I have a question that is not listed here?
Reach out to me. I would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have. Call/text me at (516) 531-7790 or email me using the link below. I do my best to respond to inquiries within 24 hours.