Frequently Asked Questions

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. I work hard to keep my practice sustainable so I can provide high quality care for each client, and keeping a consistent fee structure helps me do that.

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

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.

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.

At this time, all sessions are being held virtually through a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform. Research shows 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.

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.

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.

If you’ve ever wondered what all these therapy terms actually mean, you’re not alone. Here’s my brief, simplified take on each one, along with a few links if you want to learn more.

• Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) = THOUGHTS

  The basic idea behind CBT is that our brains are storytellers, not truth-tellers. CBT helps us to notice the unhelpful thoughts in our minds, question whether they’re actually true, and challenge them so they have less power over our emotions and actions.

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) = BEHAVIORS

  DBT offers a practical toolkit for managing tough emotions, getting through crises without making things worse, and communicating more effectively without blowing up or shutting down. DBT can also help us see things less in black-and-white so we can think and act more flexibly.

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) = VALUES

  Instead of fighting or trying to control our thoughts, ACT helps us build a different relationship with them. We learn to notice what comes up in our minds without being pulled into every thought or emotion, and to take actions that align with what matters most to us—our values. Less wrestling with our minds = more energy and time for living.

• Psychodynamic therapy = INSIGHT

  Psychodynamic therapy is all about understanding the roots of our deeper patterns—our past experiences with families, partners, friends, and communities. As we start to understand where these patterns come from, we gain the freedom to choose how we want to live in the present. Insight naturally creates room for change.

• Mindfulness = AWARENESS

  Mindfulness gets thrown around a lot and can feel abstract or woo-woo. But at it’s core, I see it as just noticing things without reacting on autopilot. We learn to pay attention to what’s happening inside us (thoughts, emotions, physical sensations) and around us. Mindfulness is baked into all the therapies above — this awareness helps us catch unhelpful thoughts (CBT), use skills (DBT), connect with our values (ACT), and understand our patterns (psychodynamic).

• Believe it or not…

  There’s more overlap among these approaches than you’d expect, and all of us can learn a lot from each. I’m well-trained in all of them and can help you figure out which approach or combination best fits your needs.

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.