Frequently Asked Questions

What should you ask a therapist before making an appointment?

Frequently Asked Questions

I recommend asking:

  • What is their experience?
  • What type of therapy do they practice?
  • What is their experience in working with people with your issues?
  • What are their policies on appointments and payment?
  • Do they take insurance, and, if so, what insurances?

If you see someone for a month and don’t feel like you are connecting with them or don’t feel like you are or can get help from them, change therapists. Remember, therapists are people too. You’re not going to become friends with everyone you meet and you won’t like all therapists. It’s better to leave and find someone who can help you.

Below are some answers to questions you may have about my practice:
You can either contact me using my online contact form, or telephone me at 914-282-7123. If you contact me by email, please include your phone number and whether or not you would like me to call or respond by email. Please also let me know the best time to contact you. I don’t pick up the telephone while I’m in a session, so, if you get my voicemail, know it’s confidential and I will be the only person who listens to it. Leave your information and I will call you back.

Sessions are 45 minutes long. It’s better to come in weekly in the beginning of treatment. This will not only help to resolve your issues more quickly but it will also help to develop the therapeutic relationship more quickly. The therapeutic relationship is one that exists between the therapist and client and aids in the resolution of the problems.

I will ask you to tell me what is going on that made you decide to enter therapy. You will have the opportunity to ask me questions, i.e., about me, my experiences, and about the therapeutic process. I may ask you to go home with an assignment to try something different or try to think of things in a different way. We will end the session having decided whether or not you wish to continue, and if you do, we will make another appointment.

Many people are nervous during their first session with a therapist, especially if it’s the first time they are entering therapy. This is perfectly normal and is to be expected. We will discuss as much or as little as makes you comfortable.

I accept cash, check, and paypal.

If you have insurance through an employer or a government program, a good first step is to figure out what kind of mental health coverage you have. Specifically, look for information about Outpatient Psychotherapy or Outpatient Counseling. 

To get this information, look through your insurance paperwork, check out the insurance plan’s website, or call a service representative. I am not on any insurance panels but you may be able to get reimbursed from your out of network mental health benefits. I will provide you with the paperwork.