Do you see individuals or just couples and families?

I see individuals as well as couples and families. I treat typical mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and adjustment disorders, as well as relationship issues, such as parenting, infidelity, interpersonal conflict, and sexual dysfunctions. I do not specifically provide treatment for personality disorders, bipolar disorder, developmental disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Psychoses, Substance Abuse or Addictions, or Dementia.

What types of counseling do you provide?

I see clients of all ages, including children, teens, adults, and the elderly. My specialty is marital therapy, family therapy, and therapy for professionals in social services and healthcare. I most commonly use a family systems approach, along with cognitive-behavioral, emotion-focused, and experiential techniques. I am a Level 2 Gottman trained marital therapist. I have advanced training or certifications in trauma-informed therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy; Creative Arts therapies, Experiential Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, and Transgenerational Family Therapy.

How long are appointments?

The initial appointment or consultation is typically 60 - 75 minutes for individuals and 75 - 90 minutes long for couples and families. All clients need to complete initial forms and questionnaires electronically prior to the appointment. The next 2 - 3 sessions are about 45 - 55 minutes so I can gather all the information I need to complete a thorough assessment and formulate a treatment plan unique to you and your needs. After that, regular sessions run 45 minutes for individuals and 50 - 55 minutes for couples/families. Longer sessions are available upon request.

How often do I come and how long does therapy take to resolve problems?

Most commonly, clients come to therapy once a week in the beginning to gain the most benefit and gain momentum in progress. As problems or symptoms start to resolve, the time between sessions increases. If cost or time is an issue, sessions may be done biweekly. Total time in treatment varies depending on the type and severity of the problem, the treatment goals, and the client’s motivation and efforts to change. Most clients obtain satisfactory progress within 8 - 12 sessions over 3 - 6 months.

Can I use insurance?

My practice is private-pay. I do not accept insurance as payment. However, I can provide you with a copy of your receipts to submit to your carrier for out-of-network benefits. This will require me to provide a diagnosis and treatment code for at least one individual. While private-pay therapy may initially cost you more out of pocket, there are some important things to consider:

• By submitting your claim to insurance, you will place a mental health diagnosis on your health record and some of your private information may need to be shared with your carrier.

• Insurance companies require personal information to determine your eligibility for treatment, and can influence the length, frequency, and type of treatment you receive.

• High deductible plans will require out of pocket expenses as well.

• The majority of insurance plans do not reimburse for marital or family therapy for relational issues.  

• Insurance providers may reimburse you for a percentage of the cost of therapy using your out of network benefits. You may also be permitted to use a health flex plan or HSA account funds.  It is important to call your carrier and discuss how you can best use my services within your plan.

• Reimbursement for my services by an insurance carrier are never guaranteed.

Will I be surprised by any costs billed to me?

You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost. Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services. 

•  You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees. 

• Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service. 

• If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. •

• Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.

 For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call 716.216.2165

What form of payment do you accept?

Credit/debit cards are accepted for teletherapy. I prefer not to accept cash or personal checks, unless prepayments are made for services. Payment is made at the start of the session for the entire reserved time. Missed appointments and cancellations without 48 hour notice are billed at full price.

When are appointments available?

I see clients on weekdays between 9am - 5pm and offer some evening appointments on a case by case basis. I do not have weekend hours. At this time, I am only offering telehealth visits.

What is your cancellation policy?  

In order to avoid being charged for your appointment, you must contact me 48 hours in advance to cancel a session. You may leave a time stamped message on my voicemail or through the client portal, if I am not available. If you fail to notify me within this time frame, you will be charged the full cost of the session time you scheduled.

What is the best way to contact you?

Please call the phone number I have provided. During office hours, I am likely to be in session, so please leave a message and I will return your call within 48 hours on business days. I do not use email to provide therapy,  discuss confidential health information, or schedule appointments. If you are a current patient, you may also contact me via your patient portal email.  

You state you practice therapy from a Christian worldview. Do you do pastoral or Biblical counseling? Do you only see Christian clients?    

No and no. I am not a pastor or Bible teacher. I have not attended seminary or a professional Christian counseling program. I am, however, a practicing Christian who takes my faith seriously and allows it to infiltrate every area of my life. I believe you have the right to know the values and principles upon which I have built my practice and devised my theory and interventions, so you can make an informed choice about working with me. I base my practice on Biblical foundations and principles and believe in the sanctity of life and marriage. That said, I welcome clients of all faiths and backgrounds. The degree to which we directly integrate Christian theology, teachings, or rituals (such as prayer) in therapy is determined by your preference, request, and comfort level.

IF YOU’RE EXPERIENCING A MENTAL BREAKDOWN OR HEALTH CRISIS, PLEASE CALL 911 OR CRISIS SERVICES 716-834-3131 FOR IMMEDIATE HELP. DO NOT WAIT FOR ME TO CALL BACK.