How do I get started?

Contact me by phone or email me. We can schedule an initial appointment or have a brief complimentary phone consultation. It is important that you feel comfortable with any therapist you work with. The first few meetings are an opportunity for us to get to know one another. If either of us feels that it is not a good fit, I will be happy to provide you with referrals to other providers.

Do you accept insurance?

I am currently an out-of-network provider for all insurance plans. I am a licensed psychologist in NJ and NY and my services may be covered in full or in part by your health insurance or employee benefit plan. To find out what coverage your plan offers, call the customer service number on the back of your insurance card and inquire about “outpatient mental health benefits.” You will want to inquire about both your in-network and out-of-network benefits. Specifically, you’ll want to ask:

1. Do I need pre-authorization before seeing a clinician? Is a referral required from my primary care physician?
2. Do I have a deductible? Has it been met?
3. What amount do you cover per therapy session?
4. How many sessions do I get per year?
5. How do I submit a claim form for reimbursement?

Zelle (secure bank-to-bank transfer) is the preferred form of payment. I also accept cash, check, or credit card for payment. I can provide you with a receipt to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement, and I may be able to submit claims electronically on your behalf.

Please note that coaching services are not typically covered by health insurance plans.

Is therapy confidential?

In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and psychotherapist. No information is disclosed without prior written permission from the client. However, there are some exceptions, as required by law, to this rule.

Exceptions include:

• Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse. The therapist is required to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
• If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person. The therapist is required to notify the police, and to warn the other person if possible.
• If a client intends to harm himself or herself. The therapist will make every effort to work with the person to ensure their safety. However, if the client is at imminent risk, additional measures may need to be taken.

How long does therapy take?

Sessions are usually held once weekly, for 45-50 minutes, although at times a different schedule may be appropriate. The length of treatment varies depending upon the individual’s needs and concerns, and may vary from a few months to longer.

What is coaching, and how does it differ from therapy?

I typically provide coaching services for those seeking help with sustainable weight loss and other healthy behavior change.

Coaching can be conducted in person or by phone, which makes it convenient and flexible. No diagnoses are given in coaching, and it is not conceptualized as part of the medical model; as such, it is typically not a reimbursable service by health insurance.

Please feel free to contact me with any other questions you may have.