FAQ

Before COVID, I occasionally held phone sessions as a backup plan. However, when in-person sessions were no longer an option, I had no choice but to try video sessions. I was surprisingly pleased with how effective these sessions can be.

I did notice that many clients seem to prefer it, as it allows people to eliminate travel time, finding babysitters, or have therapy at home while a baby is napping. I also hope that this will eliminate inclement weather cancellations.

Even once things open up in New Jersey, I will be able to move my furniture to accommodate proper social distancing. However, we must all recognize that, at any time, we could be shut down, and all clients need to be willing to continue via telehealth.

While we are in the midst of facing unprecedented times and nothing feels normal, it’s totally okay to feel overwhelmed and frustrated in this new phase of the pandemic and the current political situation.

As a therapist, I have learned to adapt to our current situation. I am interested in supporting you through any trauma or anxiety you may be experiencing due to COVID-19.

While this is hitting us in many ways, we’re all going through this together.

Whereas no one can claim to be an expert on this new phenomenon, I certainly can draw from my experience in 9/11, as well as my training in trauma and anxiety to provide both emotional and practical support and keep you grounded in a world that feels unsettling at the moment.

You can find my office at the following address:

602 Franklin Avenue; Nutley, NJ 07110  (right in between a Dunkin Donuts & a Starbucks- fun for all coffee lovers)

I am also able to work remotely with anyone in the entire State of New Jersey, New York and Florida. All you need is a cell phone, computer, or tablet along with a strong and secure internet connection, and we are good to go!

 

I offer in-person Mondays daytime hours, and Tuesdays from 11am- 9pm. 

Tele- heath hours are offered Monday evenings; Wed and Thursdays regular business hours.

** Now offering in-person sessions for those who are vaccinated in the Nutley office from 10-8 pm.

Occasionally, I may be available outside these hours – on a case-by-case basis.

I totally get how hard it was for you to make that initial call, so I will usually get you in within a week for your initial session. It all depends on both of our current schedules.

The initial session is typically 75 minutes because I will be doing an in-depth assessment and asking questions about your background and situation to help you the best I can.

After that, individual sessions are typically 50 minutes. Initially, we will meet weekly.

Many couples will opt for 90-minute sessions.

However, if you have a specific request and want longer sessions or want something more intense, ask me. Let’s see if we can work something out!

I do have a 24-hour cancellation policy.

I am setting aside that time just for YOU, and I am asking for the same courtesy, as that time could also be used for someone else I could be helping.

Of course, I understand emergencies and that things happen outside our control.

To ensure full confidentiality and have the ability to practice in an individualized fashion, I work as an out-of-network provider with most insurance companies.

The majority of the plans will allow me to provide electronic billing directly to your insurance provider. This process will make it easier and faster for you to receive your reimbursement. If not, I will provide you with a superbill to submit for reimbursement.

If you participate in Flexible Spending Accounts or Medical Savings Plans through your employer, you may likely be reimbursed for any amount paid toward your mental health services.

Please check with your Human Resource Department for more details.

I have prepared a list of questions to ask. Please call your insurance carrier or speak with the benefits manager at your place of employment.

• Does your plan allow for out-of-network mental health benefits?
• Do you have an annual deductible, and has it been met?
• What is your percent of reimbursement per session after the deductible is met?
• The insurance providers will reimburse you based on the usual and customary rate or sometimes referred to as coverage amount per psychotherapy session. They will reimburse a percentage of this amount. Please note that amount may differ for individuals, marriages, or groups.
• Does your plan have an “out-of-pocket maximum” of which you will be reimbursed at 100% when met?
• If applicable, I would ask if you are covered for family and or group therapy sessions.

You are responsible for payment at the time of the session. You are required to complete the forms that include financial information 24 hours before our first session.

If you have questions, reach out to me.

My goal is for you to gain the skills to conquer life’s challenges on your own and not become dependent on me! Everyone comes in with a completely different situation. Sometimes, clients come in with initial goals, and then something unexpected happens – and they require additional support. Unfortunately, I do not have a crystal ball.

In that case, I will melt into the floor like the witch from Oz. No, just kidding. I will always follow your lead. I will not go out of my way to approach you; however, if you choose to say hello or want me to meet one of the people you have spoken about in session, I will be happy to do so.

I always find it’s more normal just to act normal. I do not have the word therapist written on my forehead, so no one will ever have to know about our professional relationship.

It may comfort you to know that running into clients happens way less frequently than you might think.