FAQ

The sessions will last 45-55 minutes to provide me enough time to transition from our session and prepare to meet with the next client after you.

When you and I complete the initial consultation and determine that we are, in fact, a good fit for one another, then I will schedule our first session (and subsequent ones) together while we’re on the phone and go from there.

I require an initial consultation with all my new clients because it allows us both the opportunity to see if we’re a good fit for one another.

As a therapist, I want to make sure I’m the right fit to meet your goals and needs. This time also allows you the opportunity to determine whether you feel I’m the best fit to help you.

I don’t take being part of your journey for granted, as I consider this a privilege and want to make sure that your journey gets off to a good, solid start.

 

Aetna (Meritain, Nippon, Allied Benefit Systems, and GEHA – United Healthcare Shared Services (UHSS))

Cigna

Optum (UnitedHealthcare, UnitedHealthcare Shared Services (UHSS), GEHA – UnitedHealthcare Shared Services (UHSS), UnitedHealthcare Global, UnitedHealthCare Exchange Plans (ONEX), Oscar, Harvard Pilgrim, Oxford, UHC Student Resources, UMR, All Savers (UHC), Health Plans Inc, and Surest (Formerly Bind)*

Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield of New York

It should be noted, insurance companies require a “medical necessity” to pay for a session. This means that if you don’t meet any of the criteria that fit “neatly” into the DSM-V (the criterion guidelines used by mental health professionals to diagnose our clients), then they won’t cover our sessions.

Don’t get me wrong – sometimes, a diagnosis is necessary and even beneficial for the client; however, those dealing with life transitions, personal development, self-improvement, relationships issues, etc., don’t always fit neatly in a box.

I do offer clients who have out of network insurance providers the option of paying for their sessions out of pocket, in which a superbill is provided to you to submit to your insurance company for a possible reimbursement.

I also partner with Reimbursify and submit the claims on your behalf that can be used towards meeting your out of network deductible. Check out this website for more information: https://reimbursify.com/individual-page  If this is an option you’d like to explore, feel free to reach out for a consult. 

Yes. If you don’t attend your session or must cancel with less than 24 hours’ notice, you will be billed the normal rate for your session.

With teletherapy, you can expect the same quality of service as you would if you were meeting in an office setting.

We’ll establish a relationship and customize your treatment plan. We’ll have open conversations, and I’ll make specific recommendations for you.

During your first few sessions, you might find yourself nervous, but no worries! Check out this link on being prepared and ready to go.

It honestly varies from person to person.

However, previous clients report feeling better after our first session because they leave feeling validated, hopeful, supported, and encouraged. I often tell them that, sometimes, the hardest part is taking that first step.

Therapy does require a lot of hard work on your part, so you really get out what you put in.

Most clients began to see a difference in themselves by month two or three. I ALWAYS (see the emphasis there???) recommend that you journal during the therapeutic process so you can see the changes and improvements you’re making in terms of your thoughts and actions.

Sometimes, it can be difficult to see when you’re living your day-to-day life; however, when you go back and read old or previous journal entries and compare them to the present, you begin to see the transformation unfolding.

You’ll need to ensure you have a cell phone, laptop/desktop, or tablet, reliable Internet connection (preferably Wi-Fi), and the ability to download the Simple Practice app.

For more information on preparing for the first session, check out the Getting Started Guide.

Yes, I am deaf.

I lost my hearing as a result of a childhood illness and learned to communicate orally and with the assistance of a hearing aid.

I’m the only deaf person in my family; however, I learned ASL/PSE during my pre-teen years.

Since then, I have successfully navigated between both hearing and deaf worlds – both personally and professionally – and have been grateful for the experience, as it’s made me the individual and therapist I am today.