I've never been in CBT treatment. How is this different from 'talk therapy'?

That's a great question. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is based on the idea that our thoughts and thought patterns affect our moods and actions. When these thoughts are inaccurate or overly negative,  they can begin to alter other parts of your life. CBT is a more structured approach to therapy and is often time-limited. It is a collaborative process that focuses on the present, and is goal-oriented and problem-focused.  The goal is for you to learn skills to continue building awareness and making effective changes for yourself in the long-term.

Other orientations to therapy may take a different approach to discussing thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. There is no 'right way' to do therapy, and what type of therapy you engage in may differ depending on the issue at hand, or the particular stage in your life, or a number of other reasons. What's most important is that you find a treatment that fits with you. Because CBT does not fit every person’s presenting issues, the initial consultation helps me to know whether to begin treatment with you, or to refer you to someone who will better be able to help you.

How often will we meet?

Treatment is tailored to each individual and the presenting problem(s). Typically, I like to see individuals once a week. Each session is 45-50 minutes long. Consistency in our sessions is important in being able to establish a positive and strong rapport, as well as to experience the greatest gains out of treatment. For some individuals, I will offer to meet twice a week as necessary. The length of the therapy process will again depend on the complexity of the presenting issues and set treatment goals, but in my experience most people start to benefit from therapy within the first few weeks, and will often be in therapy for months to years. The duration of therapy varies greatly from person to person.

Do you offer phone or video sessions?

Occasionally I will offer a phone or video session for ongoing patients who are out of town, or for an emergency session. However, my preference is in-person meetings.* I am licensed in both California and New York and can provide video sessions for patients residing in New York who are a good fit for this medium of therapy.

*Until further notice, I am only seeing patients via telehealth for safety and health concerns.

What is your fee? Do you take insurance?

For some people, therapy can be a significant financial expense. However, I believe that it is a worthy investment of finances and time into your emotional health and overall well-being. My fee is comparable to the rate of other licensed clinical psychologists with my level of experience and expertise in the area. As of now I do not directly take insurance, but most insurance companies provide some form of reimbursement for mental health services. I am happy to provide the appropriate codes and superbill for reimbursement should you choose to utilize your insurance plan.

Do you coordinate with other health professionals?

Absolutely. I believe in holistic care, and being in contact with other health providers who are in charge of your care is an important part of treatment. With your agreement, I will gladly contact your primary care doctor, psychiatrist, or other clinical care professionals to best inform your mental health treatment. 

What is a “Good Faith Estimate”?

Per the No Surprises Act put into effect by law on January 1, 2022, patients have a right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” for services rendered by me as a clinical psychologist. All fees are agreed upon before treatment begins to prevent any surprises in billing.

Disclaimer: This Good Faith Estimate shows the costs of items and services that are reasonably expected for your health care needs for an item or service. The estimate is based on information known at the time the estimate was created. The Good Faith Estimate does not include any unknown or unexpected costs that may arise during treatment. You could be charged more if complications or special circumstances occur. If this happens, federal law allows you to dispute (appeal) the bill.  

If you are billed for more than this Good Faith Estimate, you have the right to dispute the bill.

You may contact the health care provider or facility listed to let them know the billed charges are higher than the Good Faith Estimate. You can ask them to update the bill to match the Good Faith Estimate, ask to negotiate the bill, or ask if there is financial assistance available.

You may also start a dispute resolution process with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). If you choose to use the dispute resolution process, you must start the dispute process within 120 calendar days (about 4 months) of the date on the original bill.

There is a $25 fee to use the dispute process. If the agency reviewing your dispute agrees with you, you will have to pay the price on this Good Faith Estimate. If the agency disagrees with you and agrees with the health care provider or facility, you will have to pay the higher amount.

To learn more and get a form to start the dispute process, go to www.cms.gov/nosurprises.