Frequently Asked Questions
Expectations of Therapy
What can I expect from therapy?
Therapy is often an intense, powerful, and sometimes disruptive life experience. You may feel uncomfortable as feelings surface, or when altering your (eating, addictive, etc.) behaviors. There is an expression 'the cure is worse than the disease'. In other words, it usually feels worse before it gets better. You may make many changes, such as changing jobs, ending a relationship or seeking shelter. These are opportunities to replace unhealthy habits, reduce negative symptoms and improve your well-being and your relationship with yourself and others.
Number of Sessions
How long does therapy last?
Therapy should end when treatment goals are met, or if some situation warrants a referral to another clinician. We may determine that more time is needed to complete treatment goals. Ideally, therapy should end once you are able to apply the techniques learned in therapy to various problems that surface. We may elect to schedule a booster session several months after we end our work together to evaluate your progress. We will also discuss what circumstances would warrant you choosing to re-enter therapy.
Issues Related to Individual and Groups in Sessions
Will others be involved in my therapy?
In most cases, I know initially if I will be working with an individual, a couple, or a family. Sometimes, during the course of therapy, we may agree to allow other family members or significant others to attend a limited number of sessions. Confidentiality, as defined below, will be maintained, however, if engaged in couples or family therapy, there will be no secrets between a member and myself. If initially engaged in couples therapy, I will not generally see a member of the couple alone. If you are a minor, you, your parent(s)/guardian(s), and I will contract a confidentiality agreement. Generally, parents have a right to information about their children. My stance is that caregivers should actively be involved in their children’s treatment. In circumstances where a child may be engaging in harmful behavior, the minor and I will discuss how to inform the parent/s/guardian/s to encourage the minor to trust and take accountability.
Contact Outside of Therapy
Are you accessible outside of my scheduled sessions?
Our relationship is professional, and our contact will be limited to therapeutic sessions. In the event of an emergency, such as wanting to hurt yourself, call 988 or 911, unless other arrangements have been contractually agreed upon. I frequently check my messages and email, and I will return your calls as soon as possible. If I am away for an extended period of time, I will leave the number of a trusted colleague.
Confidentiality
Is therapy confidential?
Confidentiality is generally protected by law, and I can only release information about you with your written consent. However, there are exceptions, including you being a danger to yourself or others. If you are considering harming yourself, I may be required to seek hospitalization for you or contact a family member to help keep you safe. I may also have to seek hospitalization if your weight or health status makes you a danger to yourself. If you are threatening to harm another, I may have to contact the potential victim or the authorities or seek appropriate hospitalization. I am obligated by law to report all cases of children, elderly or disabled persons being abused.
There may also be instances where I am court ordered to provide information about our work together, although you have the right to prevent me from doing so. However, if you are involved in a court proceeding where your emotional condition is an important element (ex: insanity defense, custody proceedings, suing your psychologist) confidentiality can and likely will be broken.
Some insurance companies require treatment plans, clinical diagnosis, progress notes, or an entire record, which becomes part of your permanent record. You must sign a consent form before I can release such information.
There may be times when I consult with other professionals about your case, and confidentiality binds these consultations. Basically, I shield your identity when discussing your case with other professionals. Except for consultations, I will first discuss with you any intention to provide information to a third party about our work together.
There may be times where we may have spontaneous contact in the community, such as the grocery store, or the mall. To protect your confidentiality and our therapeutic relationship, I will not initiate contact, and I will not be able to engage in any type of social activity with you. However, you may choose to initiate contact. Therefore, we will not be able to be friends, date, or work as co-workers, ever. This is to protect you, and I will be happy to discuss this in more detail with you.
Payment
Fees
I offer a sliding scale fee for individuals who do not have the financial means to afford full fee payment. Fees are discussed and agreed upon during the initial consultation. Payment can be made by check, cash or electronic payment methods.
Insurance
I accept the following insurance carriers; Blue Cross Blue Shield, Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Health, Cigna, Oxford and Oscar Health. For the insurance not covered, some clients have had success getting reimbursed by their insurance carriers for my services as an out-of-network provider. Upon request, I will provide you with a statement at the end of the month that includes the necessary information for submitting a claim to your insurance carrier.
Billing
Payment is due at the time of each visit. If there is difficulty in paying, please discuss this with me and I will set up a payment schedule for you. Monthly bills will be provided upon request.
Missed/Cancelled Appointments
I will be as flexible as possible regarding changing appointments. However, I request a minimum of 24hr notice for cancellation of regularly scheduled, standing appointments with the exception of unforeseen emergencies. Any regularly scheduled, standing appointments canceled less than 24hrs in advance will be charged for the time reserved.