What type of psychotherapy do you practice?
There are many models of psychotherapy and I utilize several of the more significant approaches to treatment: psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, family systems, and so forth. With respect to psychotherapy, as with the rest of life, one size does not fit all. I do my best to tailor treatment to the needs of the client rather than try to fit the client to a specific treatment method.
Do you accept medical insurance?
At the present time, I do not accept insurance and do not bill insurance companies directly. I am considered an out-of-network provider. I do provide clients with a statement that includes the information most insurance companies require for reimbursement. Reimbursement rates from insurance carriers vary greatly; some insurance plans may reimburse you well for out-of-network mental health services while others may not. If you plan to seek third party reimbursement, it is advised that you contact your insurance company to inquire what your deductible is and what percentage of your paid bill will be covered. Some of my clients are reimbursed up to 80% of the fee for service.
There are advantages to not using insurance, mainly with regard to confidentiality and privacy. Although I make every effort to protect your confidentiality, your insurance carrier is entitled to certain information about you and the reasons you are seeking psychotherapy. I believe that I work with you and not for your insurance company, but your decision to utilize your insurance means that they are entitled to certain information about you and your treatment.
What about cancellations and rescheduling?
I understand that we all have complex and hectic lives. Some of my clients travel extensively because of work, some live in other states, and some live in other countries. I make every effort to be flexible and to accommodate a client’s schedule. Experience teaches that people derive the most benefit from psychotherapy when they treat it as a priority. I will charge you for therapy appointments missed or cancelled less than 24 hours in advance. There will be no charge if:
- a sudden illness makes it impossible for you to attend your regularly scheduled session,
- you have an emergency,
- travel conditions are genuinely hazardous due to inclement weather, or
- we are able to reschedule you for a mutually agreeable alternative appointment within the same week.
I also provide the option of conducting sessions by phone or skype if you unable to come to my office.
Standard appointments for individual psychotherapy sessions are 50 minutes. Couples/marital counseling sessions last 60 minutes. If a longer session is necessary, I can, with some notice, accommodate you, whether on a one-time or weekly basis.
How often should I attend sessions?
The benefits of individual psychotherapy are best achieved with regular appointments, one to two times per week and the benefits of couples and marital therapy are achieved in sessions held at least once per week. Again, I tailor the treatment to the needs of the client. This means that some individuals may require sessions more frequently in the initial stages and less frequently as their situation improves. Most clients attend sessions once per week. Sometimes when clients are away, they opt for a telephone session, or if they are in town for just a few days or weeks, we have more frequent and longer sessions in the office.
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