FAQ
Where is your office?
Do you have evening appointments?
Yes! I know it can be hard to get away during the day, so I offer evening appointments.
If you have a flexible schedule and can come during the day, we can find a weekday, Monday through Friday, at a mutually convenient time.
If you have classes, are working during the day, or are coming with a partner for couples therapy, we can select an evening hour.
How much do you charge?
I offer different types of services with different fee structures. You can find more specific information when you call me directly on my business line at (516) 621-1898. Payment is due at the time of service. I accept cash, checks, HSA, FSA, and HIPAA-compliant direct deposit.
Do you take Insurance?
I am a private pay, “out-of-network” provider. This means that I do not work directly with insurance companies. I am happy to provide you with a monthly receipt that documents our sessions, the fee, and the services provided.
By design, insurance companies place considerable restrictions on the work we do. They require a mental health diagnosis to justify treatment, calculate the number of sessions allowed, and the type of treatment indicated. While this is entirely appropriate, it is not appropriate for everyone. Many of life’s challenges are not mental health disorders.
How long are the appointments?
Sessions are 50 minutes. Typically, we meet weekly, though many of my patients choose to come more frequently. We can discuss your needs, and I can make a recommendation based on your situation.
How do I schedule an initial appointment?
I offer a free 15-minute telephone consultation. At the end of the phone consultation, we can schedule your initial appointment.
The easiest way to reach me is to call my office number at (516) 621-1898. If I am in session, don’t hang up! Please leave a message with your name and phone number. I will call you back within 24 hours.
What should I expect in the first appointment?
The first appointment will be 50 minutes.
Prior to your first appointment, I will send you a brief online Intake Form. It is encrypted, and your information is secure. However, if you prefer, you can print out the form and bring it to your first appointment.
During the appointment, I will ask you questions about problems you are experiencing and your goals for therapy. We will work collaboratively to set goals and answer any questions you may have.
What is your cancellation policy?
I believe therapy is a commitment for both of us. This commitment is important for your progress. If you are unable to attend your appointment, please make every effort to cancel at least 24 hours in advance. If we’re unable to find a rescheduled time within the same week, you will be charged your full session fee.
Emergencies occur and life happens. If extenuating experiences prevent you from attending your regularly scheduled appointment, let’s discuss.
How long will I have to be in therapy?
This is a reasonable question and difficult to predict. Research shows that the duration of therapy is variable and can be influenced by the therapeutic approach, the strength of the relationship, and factors specific to you.
These other factors may include your goals; personal characteristics; and the nature, severity, and complexity of the problems you experience. These problems can be related to external factors happening in your life, available social support, the extent to which you actively engage in the treatment, and how comfortable you are with making changes.
Depending on a specific need and goal, therapy can be short-term. Long-term may be needed to deal with recurrent life patterns and more in-depth personal growth. Therapy is a collaborative process, and your progress and goals will be discussed throughout the course of treatment.
What about privacy and confidentiality?
Your privacy is my utmost concern. I cannot share your information with anyone without your written consent.
There are a couple of exceptions to confidentiality. In the case of child abuse, elder abuse, or significant risk of self-harm or harm to others, then I am required by law to report and refer out to a third party.
What kinds of people do you work with?
For individual psychotherapy, I work with people of all ages including adolescents and adults. Additionally, I work with adults seeking couples therapy or parenting consultation. I usually refer out to other specialists for children under the age of 14 years old.
I work with people of different backgrounds, cultures, and sexual orientations. I am LGBTQ Affirmative and help to not only heal LGBTQ specific traumas, but help to explore attractions, the steps of coming out, sexual identity, gender identity, and the acceptance of your authentic self.
What if I don’t click with you?
Choosing your therapist is a very personal decision. Research shows that your relationship with your therapist is the most important factor in making good progress on your therapeutic goals.
If for any reason you find that we are not a good fit, I’ll be happy to find a colleague for you.
I recommend that you meet with me several times before making the decision as to whether you do or do not want to continue working together. I respect and honor your time and your decision.
What is your training?
When I received a B.Ed. from McGill University, Canada, my career was launched. I received an M.Ed. in Special Education from the University of British Columbia, Canada (UBC). For 10 years, I was an elementary and high school public school teacher and special education teacher.
Marriage and child rearing inspired me to return to graduate school at Yeshiva University, NYC, where I received a Masters in Social Work in 1992.
Providing psychotherapy and psychoanalysis requires extensive in-depth post-graduate learning and education. I received a Certificate in Psychotherapy & Psychoanalysis from NYCPT, the New York Center for Psychoanalytic Training. And Certificates in Object Relations, Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, Psychoanalytic Couples Therapy from the International Psychotherapy Institute (IPI, Washington, DC)
Memberships and Associations I belong to include:
New York State Society of Clinical Social Workers: http://www.nysscsw.org/
National Association of Social Workers: http://socialworkers.org/
International Psychotherapy Association: http://www.theipi.org/
National Association for the Advancement of Psychoanalysis: http://www.naap.org/
American Psychological Association: https://www.apa.org/
Have you ever been in therapy yourself?
Yes. Being a psychoanalyst requires me to have my own analysis. It is essential to be able to clarify my issues from yours and to understand you as separate from me.