What is your therapeutic style?
I tailor my treatment to each individual. However, depending on the needs and desires of my patient, I employ a combination of rational emotive behavioral therapy and a solution-focused approach. While each individual has different needs to help them thrive, I have found that a few common factors have generally been universal in forging the therapeutic relationship (which has been shown to be the greatest element in clinical outcomes). Those factors tend to be the utilization of evidence-based techniques, unconditional positive regard and compassion, and humor (there are few things like a good laugh while celebrating small victories, or when identifying self-defeating thoughts and behaviors).
What can I expect from therapy?
Therapy is a shared journey; one that we go through together. Although you and I will travel together, it is ultimately your journey and you will make your own decisions. I will not tell you what to do and will not have all the answers to all of your concerns. I am not, and cannot be, the expert of you. That being said, you can expect that I will listen carefully and ask questions that will spark insight and allow you to begin to view yourself, your relationships, and your life in new and different ways. You will always be at the wheel, deciding where we end up going and how fast. My role is as the GPS, suggesting efficient routes.
Who do you work with?
I provide therapy for individuals, specifically adults and adolescents. I specialize in emotional disturbances, such as depression and anxiety, as well as troubles with self-esteem. Further experience includes working with mood disorders, peer relationships, loss, life transitions, stress, and issues specific to men, as well as those of the Jewish faith/identity.
In addition to the above, I am also one of the relatively few clinicians in NYS with expertise in treating self-harm and suicidal thoughts. This expertise comes from my years treating them in inpatient and outpatient settings, my experience as a former crisis counselor, training from the American Association of Suicidology, as well as the copious research constantly coming out on the topic that I make sure to keep up to date on.
Are there any types of patients you do not work with?
I do not treat anyone under the age of 12. Additionally, I do not conduct child custody evaluations nor do I provide custody recommendations. I also don’t provide treatment for behavioral or developmental disorders (ADHD, oppositional defiant disorder, autism spectrum disorder, etc), psychotic disorders (schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, etc), or couples/families. Due to state licensing laws, I can only provide therapy and counseling to individuals residing in the states of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Florida.
Can I use insurance or should I pay out of pocket?
There are pros and cons to both. By paying through insurance, you will not be responsible for paying the full fee, as the insurance will pay for most or all of it depending on your plan. However, if psychotherapy sessions count toward your deductible, then you will be required to pay out-of-pocket until the deductible is met. Additionally, your insurance company will have access to my notes and I will be required to document a diagnosis in order to receive reimbursement. Once this information has been given to the insurance company, I can no longer control the dissemination of that information and it will become part of your medical record as a pre-existing condition. Unfortunately, this has the potential to negatively impact your ability to purchase your own medical or life insurance, get security clearance for work, or join the military. A documented psychiatric diagnosis may even be used against you in Workman’s Comp cases and in divorce proceedings.
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By paying out-of-pocket, you will avoid the above negative aspects of using insurance. Instead, you will enjoy greater security of your personal and private health information. However, you will be responsible to cover the full fee per session, which will be discussed in our initial 15-minute phone consultation.
What insurance(s) do you accept?
Currently, I am an in-network provider with Aetna, Oscar, Oxford, and United Healthcare.
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Out-of-network services are also provided for those with such benefits from other insurance carriers. Out-of-network works as follows: you are responsible for paying the full fee out-of-pocket at each appointment. Then, a superbill (an itemized form detailing services provided) will be provided to you. Upon your submission of the supervill to your insurance carrier, they will reimburse you up to 80% of the fee, depending on your out-of-network benefits.
What is a Good Faith Estimate?
If you are uninsured or paying out of pocket for your sessions, you have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your session will cost. Under the No Surprises Act, health care providers offering any non-emergency service (including psychotherapy) must provide an estimate of the charges for the service(s) you are receiving.
If you receive a bill that is $400+ more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. For more information, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.