If you’re searching for therapy in New York and have questions, you’re in the right place. Below you’ll find answers to the questions I hear most often about getting started with trauma and couples therapy — from what to expect in the first session to how out-of-network insurance works.
Our first meeting is about getting to know you, your goals, and what brings you to therapy. I’ll ask some questions to understand your history, but there’s no pressure to share more than you’re ready for. We’ll also discuss what therapy might look like for you moving forward.
It depends on your needs, goals, and pace. Some people see meaningful shifts in a few months, while others choose to work together for a year or longer. We’ll check in regularly to make sure we’re moving in the direction you want.
I mainly utilize Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), which are gentle, evidence-based methods enhanced by somatic and psychodynamic techniques. These approaches facilitate connection with your inner resources, promote healing of emotional wounds, and foster lasting change.
Self pay fees: Individual sessions are $250. Couples sessions are $275. Payment is due at the time of service.
I’m a private pay practice, which means I don’t bill insurance directly. Many clients use their out-of-network benefits to offset the cost. See below for how that works.
Choosing to pay out of pocket offers more flexibility, privacy, and control over your care than going through insurance.
Complete privacy. Your records stay between us. No diagnosis is required to access care, and nothing is shared with your insurance company.
Freedom to choose. You’re not limited to in-network providers. You work with the therapist who’s actually the right fit, not whoever your plan happens to cover.
No session limits or treatment restrictions. Insurance often dictates how many sessions are covered or what treatment approaches qualify. Here, your care is shaped by your needs, not your policy.
Financial clarity. You know exactly what you’re paying. No surprise bills, denied claims, or paperwork.
Many insurance plans include out-of-network (OON) benefits, which allow you to see a provider who is not contracted with your insurance company and still receive partial reimbursement for the cost. The amount covered varies depending on your specific plan, deductible, and coinsurance rate.
Call the member services number on the back of your insurance card and ask specifically about outpatient behavioral health benefits. Here’s what to ask:
- Do I have out-of-network benefits for outpatient mental health services?
- What is my out-of-network deductible, and how much of it have I met?
- What is my coinsurance rate? (This is the percentage of the fee your insurance will cover after your deductible is met.)
If anything is unclear after that call, I’m happy to go over it with you during our consultation.
A superbill is a detailed receipt I provide after sessions that you can submit to your insurance company to request reimbursement for out-of-network services. It is not a bill from me and it does not guarantee reimbursement, but many clients find it helps reduce their out-of-pocket costs.
It includes your name and date of birth, session dates and length, service and diagnosis codes, my credentials and NPI number, and the fee paid per session. Once you submit it, your insurance company will determine what they’ll cover based on your out-of-network benefits, deductible, and plan policies.
Yes. I reserve a limited number of sliding scale spots for clients with financial need. If cost is a concern, please let me know, and we can explore whether one of these spots is available or discuss other options that might work for you.
Yes. I offer a complimentary 15-20 minute phone consultation. It’s a chance for you to share what’s been going on for you, hear about my approach, and ask any questions you may have before deciding if we’re a good fit.
Therapy thrives through consistency and continuity, so I encourage and offer the option of having a designated weekly time slot.
I offer both. In-person sessions are available in Brooklyn, and secure virtual therapy is available for clients anywhere in New York State.
I ask for at least 24 hours’ notice to avoid a late cancellation fee.
It’s completely normal! Therapy can bring up vulnerable feelings, and we’ll move at a pace that feels safe for you. My role is to create a space where you feel seen, heard, and never judged.
You have an important role in making therapy effective. When you share openly about how you’re experiencing our work, what’s helping, what feels challenging, and what you’d like more or less of, we can fine-tune our approach together. Therapy works best when it’s a true partnership, with both of us actively shaping the process toward the outcomes you most want.
Ready to Get Started? Have more questions?
Feel free to reach out to schedule a free consultation call to explore your needs and hopes for therapy and determine whether this is a good fit.

