Frequently Asked Questions

Finding a therapist is a lot like using dating apps: sometimes you have to get through a few not-so-great matches to find someone who is right for you. Yes, it’s annoying… but if you don’t take the first step, you won’t find anyone at all. 

Start by asking yourself what matters most to you- do you prefer certain identities? Approaches? Personalities? Insurance? It’s helpful if you know your preferences upfront, but it’s also totally okay if you figure them out as you meet people (just like dating). 

On websites like Psychology Today or Alma, you can use filters to narrow down your options based on your preferences. But the vibe check matters just as much as the filters do. Even if everything looks good on paper, something may feel off when you talk to them—if so, listen to your gut! A consultation call is often the best way to get a sense of how you actually feel in this person’s presence.

And if you’re here reading this… the fact that you’re exploring your options means you’re already on your way to finding the right fit.

I currently do not accept insurance. However, many clients are able to use their out-of-network benefits to get partial reimbursement for therapy. I’m happy to provide a monthly superbill that you can submit to your insurance company.

A superbill is a receipt for therapy with the specific details your insurance needs to reimburse you for out-of-network services. After you pay for sessions, you can submit the superbill to your insurance for partial reimbursement if you have out-of-network benefits.

Some clients may also prefer out-of-network care for privacy reasons, since no diagnosis is required to be kept on an insurance record.

If you’re not sure whether you have out-of-network benefits, you can call the number on the back of your insurance card and ask:

• Do I have out-of-network benefits for outpatient mental health?

• What percentage of each session is covered?

• Is there a deductible, and how much of it have I already met?

• Do I need to get pre-authorization before starting therapy?

• How do I submit claims for reimbursement?

• How long does reimbursement usually take?

Most people submit superbills online through their insurance portal, and reimbursement often comes as a direct deposit or mailed check.

If you’d like, I can help you understand your benefits or walk you through the process.

My fees reflect my training as a licensed psychologist with specialized experience in evidence-based therapies. At this time, I’m not able to offer a sliding scale. A consistent fee structure helps keep my practice sustainable and allows me to provide the highest quality of care for each client.

I understand therapy is an investment and would be happy to provide referrals that may better fit your needs if financial cost is a barrier.

At this time, I hold all sessions virtually through a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform called Simple Practice. Research suggests that virtual therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy, with the added benefit of flexibility and convenience wherever you are in New York.

The consultation is a free 15-minute call where we talk about what you're looking for, how I can help, and any questions you have. It’s also a quick “vibe check” or a low-pressure way for us to get a sense of each other and see whether it feels like a good fit. And if not, I’ll help you find someone who might be.

Yes, everything we talk about in therapy remains between us. This also means that if someone were to ask whether you are seeing me for therapy, I would not confirm or deny that without your permission.

There are rare exceptions where I am legally required to share certain information, like if there is an imminent risk of harm to you or someone else, suspected abuse of a child or elder, or if records are court-ordered. In these cases, I will make every effort to discuss it with you first. For adolescent clients, we’ll discuss confidentiality and parent involvement clearly at the beginning of treatment.

If you have any questions or concerns about privacy, I’m happy to talk through them with you.

Initial sessions are typically 60 minutes. We’ll talk about what brings you in, a bit about your history and background, and what you’re hoping for. It’s completely okay if you don’t have clear goals yet. I can help you figure those out as we go.

As I get to know you, I’ll share my initial understanding of the themes or patterns I’m noticing and discuss which approaches might be helpful. That understanding will evolve as we work together, and we’ll update it as needed. From there, we’ll build a plan that feels right for you.

I typically meet with clients once a week for 45 minutes. Weekly sessions help us stay connected and make steady progress. Over time, we can talk about what feels right and adjust the frequency based on your needs.

Short answer: it depends.

Therapy with me can be structured or open-ended based on what you want and need. Some sessions will be open and reflective; others may be more structured, especially when we’re building skills or doing targeted work (like exposure for OCD).

If you find concrete tools helpful, I’ll offer things you can try between sessions. If you prefer to keep most of the work inside the session, that’s completely fine. Most clients find that a blend of both works best.

There’s no one-size-fits-all timeline. Some people come in with a specific goal and see meaningful changes within a few months; others stay longer to explore deeper patterns or continue growing.

We’ll check in regularly about your progress and our pace to make sure therapy is actually helping. And if you reach a point where you feel you’ve gotten what you need, we can absolutely plan a supportive and thoughtful ending.

I do not prescribe medication. Medications are typically prescribed by psychiatrists (MD/DO), psychiatric nurse practitioners (NPs), and primary care physicians (PCPs). I am happy to collaborate with your medication prescriber as part of your care.

Medications can be helpful for symptom relief, especially short-term. Therapy often focuses on longer-term change. Research suggests that for many people, combining medications and therapy can be more effective than either alone.