Frequently Asked Questions
Do you take insurance?
I am an in-network provider for Cigna and BCBS commercial plans. If you have another insurance, check to see if you have out-of-network coverage.
I don't have the insurance you take. How much will therapy cost?
My regular self-pay fee for 1 hour individual or couples therapy is $200. I am committed to making therapy affordable and am willing to consider a sliding-scale rate based on need. If you plan to use out-of-network benefits, make sure to include your annual deductible and the percentage of the provider's fee that your insurance reimburses when calculating costs.
What forms of payment do you accept?
Cash, personal check, and electronic transfer. I am not currently set-up to accept credit card payments.
Do you meet virtually or in-person?
Both! Although I encourage clients to meet in person whenever possible, some people prefer to meet online.
How is virtual therapy different from in-person therapy?
There are pros and cons to each format. In-person sessions allow for greater immediacy and exchange of information. Virtual therapy can be very effective, however. In addition to convenience and social distancing, some people feel more comfortable doing therapy in their own space. If you do virtual therapy, make sure you are in a private place where you will not be overheard and to protect your space from distractions.
Where are you located?
19 West 34th Street - across the street from the Empire State Building and convenient to many subways.
What should I expect during my first session? What happens after that?
Your first session is a good time to ask about the process, including about my experience and approach, and to see if we are a good fit. I will ask a lot of questions about your concerns and the context in which they appeared, such as your family history and current relationships. After 1-3 sessions, we will work together to define your goals for therapy.
Can I bring my partner/friend/relative to a session with me?
Sometimes this can be very useful ... for individual therapy clients, we would discuss the rationale and the goals of including others in a session. Individual and couples therapy are distinct modalities, however, and are ordinarily not combined.
What is your cancellation policy?
Please give at least 24 hours notice of cancellation. Since I normally cannot rebook appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours notice, my policy is to 1) offer the option to reschedule the missed session any time before the next regularly scheduled session, if I have availability, or 2) ask that you pay for the cancelled session. For clients on insurance, this would be the the full cost of the session (amount that your insurance reimburses plus your co-pay).
How long does it take for therapy to work?
You may experience relief soon after starting therapy; however it is not unusual for substantive changes to begin 6 months or longer after the start of treatment. Keep in mind that the most effective - and hardest - part of therapy is the decision to start.
How do I know if I need therapy?
In my experience, the most powerful motivators are emotional distress, concerns about adverse consequences, and frustration with unproductive patterns. People also come to therapy for support during a life transition. Other people may encourage you to see a therapist - but going to therapy is your personal decision and you should consider what changes you would like to see,