Frequently Asked Questions

I work from my home office in northern Westchester, but sessions take place online using a secure virtual platform. I had offices in Manhattan and southern Westchester for many years, so I have plenty of experience working in person. At this time I am only licensed to work with clients who reside in New York State.

Studies show that meeting virtually is just as effective as meeting in person. Like many things in life, there are pros and cons to each modality. The most important ingredients for your success with online therapy are a stable internet connection, privacy, and as with any therapy, consistency.

I work from a psychodynamic perspective which helps you find freedom from unconscious emotional patterns by bringing them into awareness. This approach is evidence based and foundational to all techniques. It is also the approach I’ve found leads to robust, long term change. EMDR, ACT, CBT and IFS are also effective techniques.

In the first session you’ll have a chance to tell me in detail about what’s bringing you to therapy right now. I’ll also take a thorough history of your background, and share my preliminary ideas about the core issues underlying your struggles. We’ll go over expectations for therapy, including logistics and our joint responsibilities. I make every effort to make getting started simple and transparent.

Ideally you’ll stay in therapy until you feel better at anticipating emotional challenges and coping effectively on your own. This looks different for everyone depending on the extent of your difficulties, changes in your life during treatment, and how our unique relationship progresses. Most of my patients spend at least one year in weekly therapy.

I will give you ample notice of my planned time away and I ask the same from patients. If illness or emergency prevent us from meeting I will try my best to reschedule our appointment within the same week. Appointments cancelled without at least 24 hours notice are subject to a $50 cancellation fee if they cannot be rescheduled.

Sessions are billed at the end of the week. Most clients keep a credit, debit, FSA or HRA card on file for automatic payments. I use a single integrated platform for sessions and billing. A superbill is automatically emailed at the end of each month so you can submit it for insurance reimbursement.

My rate is $200 per fifty minute session, prorated for shortened or extended sessions.

If you have out of network coverage you can get partially reimbursed for sessions. Most patients receive about 70% back once their deductibles are met. The average deductible I see is about $1000. For a quick estimate of your coverage you can use this reimbursement calculator. I recommend confirming the details directly with your insurer.

If you have Aetna or Optum, you can join my waitlist. I hold a few slots for clients who see me on an in network basis. Headway can connect you with other in-network providers, and Open Path Collective can refer you to clinicians with reduced fees.