Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
I’ve gathered some of the questions I’m asked most often below. If there’s something on your mind that isn’t answered here, I’m always happy to talk it through directly.
Does psychotherapy really help?
Research (e.g., Schedler, 2010) suggests that psychotherapy usually does help alleviate psychological distress. Psychodynamic (or depth oriented) psychotherapy has been found to be helpful even after treatment is discontinued. I also draw on several other approaches that have been shown to be clinically effective, including EMDR for trauma, mindfulness based therapy (MBCT) for anxiety and depression, and Dialogue Therapy for couples.
However, sometimes therapy does not help, or it doesn’t help that much. Some of that depends on the fit with the therapist and the type of therapy. Sometimes, even when therapy is helpful, it can be activating of difficult emotions, that can make it challenging. Part of my job is to monitor with you how well the therapy is going and whether you are seeing productive gains in your life.
Success in therapy is a shared responsibility. Through our collaboration I am committed to doing everything I can to help you reach your goals and make the most out of our work together. Excellent overall self-care between sessions will significantly improve the chances of a robust response.
Is psychotherapy confidential?
Yes, all licensed mental health providers must follow legal and ethical guidelines that prohibit us from disclosing even the fact that a client is being seen to anyone unless the therapist is given written permission by the client to do so. There are legal exceptions to this, which will be reviewed in intake paperwork. Generally, if a client is threatening to harm someone or themselves with a plan to do so, or if a child or elderly person is being abused by the client, mental health professionals are mandated by law to break confidentiality and seek assistance under these outlying conditions.
What do I do if I'm in a mental health crisis or emergency?
If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, including thoughts of harming yourself or someone else, please don’t wait for a scheduled session. Contact one of the resources below right away:
- Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), available 24/7
- Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room
- Text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line)
What happens after I reach out for a consultation?
I respond within one to two business days. We will start with an initial conversation to see if we are a good fit. If we both feel ready to move forward, I will send paperwork and we will schedule your first session.
Do you offer a free consultation?
Yes. We will start with a free 15-minute consultation, a conversation to see if we are a good fit.
What can I expect from our first session?
Our first session or two is normally focused on discussing what issues are currently a source of concern for you, as well as some of the history behind these concerns (e.g., family and cultural history, and past experiences with therapy, including what has worked and what has not). We will also see how well we work together. Usually after a couple of sessions, we can establish a better sense of what approach will best serve you.
Do you offer phone or video sessions?
Yes, my work is conducted entirely via video conferencing. Research and my own experience have shown me that this way of working is effective, however, it may not be a fit for everyone. I’m glad to discuss whether this would be an optimum modality for you. I use an encrypted video conferencing platform that meets HIPAA (federal privacy) guidelines. My work is available online to residents of California or New York state.
Who do you work with (individuals, couples, and what ages)?
I work with adults across a wide range of backgrounds, identities, and life experiences, including LGBTQ+ individuals and couples, creative professionals in theater, film, and television, adults navigating mid-life transitions, young adults and students, and those living with chronic illness or HIV.
I offer both individual and couples therapy. I work with couples of all kinds, straight and queer intimate partnerships, at any stage of a relationship, and non-couple intimate partnerships (such as throuples) are also welcome.
How long are sessions and how often do we meet?
Normally, individual sessions are 50 minutes and couples sessions are 90 minutes. Sometimes a longer or shorter session may be arranged. For individuals, we would typically meet once a week or every other week. For couples, we would typically meet once a week. Sometimes meeting more often would be suggested. Meeting less often can also be discussed.
How long is the course of therapy?
Psychotherapy can vary in length from shorter treatment focusing on a particular issue to longer term treatment in which more complicated traumatic history, relationship issues, and chronic patterns can be addressed. For couples specifically, our work together typically runs six to nine months, though this can vary depending on what we’re addressing.
Some people prefer to use therapy as a form of mental health maintenance. There is no contractual obligation to remain in therapy and clients may end treatment at any time. Ideally, the ending of therapy is part of an overall discussion and the timing is arrived at collaboratively and intentionally.
How much does it cost to work with you?
My fees are in the moderate range for an independent practice. Individual sessions are $300 for 50 minutes. Couples sessions are $400 for 90 minutes. I also hold a small number of sliding scale spots for students, artists, and others navigating financial constraints. I am happy to discuss fees directly if you have any questions.
Do you accept insurance?
In New York, I am in-network with Aetna. For all other plans in New York and California, I work as an out-of-network provider. I provide a superbill so you can submit for reimbursement through your PPO plan. If you’re unsure how this works with your plan, I’m happy to help you figure it out.
Do psychological services apply toward HSA/FSA?
Yes, if you have a dedicated pre-tax dollar fund set aside for qualified health expenses, I can provide you with a statement to submit to your plan that would normally allow for reimbursement from this account based on your account limits.
How do I pay you?
You can pay using a credit card that is stored on a payment app (IVY) or use Zelle at the time of the session.
What is your approach to working with LGBTQ+ individuals and couples?
I see identities as multi-layered, and what it means to identify as LGBTQ+ will vary so much from person to person and relationship to relationship. So, I do my best to open a space of curiosity that allows for these differences to become better appreciated. That said, as a queer cis male psychologist, who has trained and now teaches affirmative therapy, I recognize that there are histories, cultural realities, and perhaps forgotten legacies that can come with LGBTQ+ lived experiences. And this knowledge informs the curiosity that I bring. (Read more about my approach.)
Is your work helpful for people who don't identify as LGBTQ?
I have worked with both LGBTQ+ and straight, non-LGBTQ+ clients throughout my years in practice, and I look to each client to let me know their particular concerns and objectives for our work together.
I would add that working affirmatively can have benefits for straight-identified people, too. There can be great relief in working in a setting where both normative and less conventional aspects of yourself or your relationship can be respected and allowed to co-exist, opening the possibility for deeper understanding and appreciation.