What is therapy?

Psychotherapy is part science, part craft. Although there are many different disciplines and specialties, they all depend on a solid, trusting, and respectful relationship between you and the therapist. Actually, this "good match" is the best predictor of successful therapy!. So I encourage you to take your time, ask for personal recommendations from family and friends, and most importantly, trust your gut when it comes time to picking a therapist.

How does therapy help?

Psychotherapy, at its core, is a collaborative conversation. I bring the science and professional experience, you bring the expertise in you. Together, we discuss and explore areas that have been troubling or difficult for you, and find new ways to help you move through them. 

Therapy, at its core, helps you examine your past and how it contributes to your current and future life. This means looking at both the positive, resilient and growth-fostering experiences, as well as the more negative and limiting experiences which may have blocked you in specific areas. It’s about editing and challenging beliefs, dynamics, and behavior patterns while gaining the capacity for curious, compassionate self-exploration, which will allow you to grow, evolve and reach your fullest you.

Therapy can help you...

• Examine and release or replace old patterns, habits, and behaviors that interfere with your current life and future goals
• By teaching you new coping mechanisms and stress management techniques, it can help reduce the painful experience of depression and/or anxiety
• Reduce fear and anger
• Increase, or develop a sense of self-worth and self-esteem
• Reexamine and establish healthy boundaries with others, both at work and in your personal life
• Develop and practice healthy self-care
• Increase assertiveness and effective communication strategies
• Increase mindfulness, which allows you to be more fully present in the moment and in your life
• Examine relationships and dynamics, helping you determine which are life and growth affirming, and which may be more stagnant or toxic
• Feel more authentically you, connected to your inner source of wisdom, intuition, and strength. Feel at home with yourself!
• Engage in work that is fulfilling, creative, and rewarding

I’ve never done this before, how does it work?

We usually start with a consultation, which can be an hour and a half initial meeting, or two 50-minute appointments. We will use this time to get to know each other and determine your needs, goals, and concerns. We will also use this session to determine if we are a good match.

At this end of this evaluation, we will collaboratively set up a treatment plan to help you reach your goals. This will include both the actual goals of therapy, as well as a conversation about frequency and anticipated length of treatment.

How often will I need to come?

At the start, I usually recommend once or twice weekly sessions. The faster we get to know each other and develop the therapeutic relationship, the faster you can start working and getting better! Later on in treatment, we can decreases frequency, sometimes every other week, sometimes monthly. Once we have completed work, “check-ins” are always welcome and scheduled at your request.

How long does therapy take?

This depends very much on why you are coming. Sometimes therapy can be a quick and intense process, while others, it can move more slowly and delicately over time. The goal is to find a pace that feels comfortable and doable, yet also productive.

It’s also important to remember that it may have taken you a lifetime to develop the habits and patterns which may be causing you some pain right now, so unlearning them and replacing them with new ones will take a little patience and a bit of persistence!

Do you take insurance?

Like many providers in NYC, I am considered an “out-of-network provider,” meaning I do not accept insurance directly. However, your plan may have out-of-network benefits. If you utilize these, I will provide you with a monthly “superbill” (receipt) which you can then submit to your insurance plan for partial reimbursement of my fee. Most people with out of network mental health benefits are reimbursed between 50% and 100% of the cost of their sessions.

It is helpful to call your insurance provider in advance to determine your level of coverage. When you call them, ask the following questions:

• Do I have out-of-network benefits to see a licensed psychologist?
• If so, what percentage of the session fee do you cover?
• What is my deductible, and how much of it have I met?
• Is there a limit on the number of sessions I can have each year?
• Other than a superbill, is there any other form I need to submit in order to be reimbursed? 

Fees:

Fees are due at the time of each session. I accept cash, personal checks, and credit cards.

• Individual Therapy: $300
• Couples Therapy: $375
• Psychological and Neuropsychological Assessments: varies by type of test and evaluation. 

I reserve a limited number of slots at reduced rates for those in financial need.  Generally, these are provided to patients who join Open Path Psychotherapy Collective. 

Cancellation Policy:

I have a strict 24-hour cancellation policy, as your appointment hour is reserved exclusively for you.  If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please let me know with as much anticipation as possible.  If you miss your appointment or cancel with less than 24 hours notice, you will be billed for the full amount of your session.  Emergency exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis.