How much does therapy cost?

All insurance companies consider me an out-of- network provider and can cover much of your expense depending on your contract with them. Contact your HR department or insurer to determine the details of your coverage. I will provide you with a statement each month containing all the necessary information to submit for insurance claims. On a case-by- case basis, I can also offer a flexible sliding scale. Payment is due within 10 days of the statement date. I am also a Medicare provider.

How long will I need to be in therapy?

People often feel relief from the symptoms of depression, anxiety and career or relationship difficulties within the first year. Because knowing more about yourself and your emotional and relational patterns is frequently part of this work, many people continue to explore these areas of their lives and find a richness that was formerly missing.

How often do I need to have appointments?

I reserve 50 minute sessions for you weekly to insure the continuity and meaningfulness of our work together. In the case of an unexpected cancellation, I offer make-up sessions whenever possible.

Is it my mother’s fault that I’m neurotic? She hates that I’m considering therapy.

Therapy is never about fault. It is about understanding how your childhood and adult development brought you to the present day. It usually includes exploration of the influences of your family members, community, education, religious training, love affairs-- you name it.

How can I be sure that my child needs psychotherapy?

Many adolescents have mild depression and increased anxiety over their school and social life that typically subsides. But if your child has become increasingly isolated from friends, is doing more poorly in school or is uncharacteristically withdrawn, agitated or sad, therapy can help. A recent death, a divorce, a marital separation or a change of schools can cause these changes. Teenagers can also become particularly depressed and lonely when they feel different from their peers, if they are confused about their sexual preferences and behavior or gender roles, or when they are unduly worried about college and their future. The advent of social media has changed the landscape of childhood, enabling the increase of bullying and gossip.

​

Within a warm, non-judgmental environment, I work with teens to develop better coping skills, and I am

available to discuss these concerns with other professionals, i.e. teachers, guidance counselors, doctors, tutors -- if and when it is appropriate.

My marriage is problematic. Should I be in individual or couple’s psychotherapy?

During stressful junctures in any partnership, you may benefit from either individual or couple’s therapy or both. After an in-depth consultation, we can decide together which approach is currently preferable. Patients sometimes benefit by a switch to couple’s work for either a brief or an on-going time period.

What about medication? I don’t even take aspirin.

In most comprehensive studies, medication plus psychotherapy has been found to be the most effective treatment for a clinical depression or anxiety. Some of my patients take a medication, some don’t, but it is highly recommended if you suffer from an intractable mood state or have a Bipolar disorder. In these cases, I can refer you to a reliable pharmacologist.

Do you use cognitive behavioral therapy techniques (CBT)?

Sometimes. I always use a pragmatic approach, at times including CBT or meditation, to treat specific problems such as addictions, eating disorders or obsessional thinking. Our behavioral patterns are an enduring part of our human condition, and psychotherapy always addresses these.