Frequently Asked Questions

We start with a free 15-minute phone or video consultation to talk about what you are looking for and whether we are a good fit. If we decide to move forward, the next step is an intake session by secure video. The intake differs from later sessions: it is a time for me to gather your personal and medical history, and to discuss why you have decided to pursue therapy and what goals you would like to achieve. It is also an opportunity for you to get to know me and ask any questions you may have. At the end of the session, we can decide together if it feels right to continue. Please note that the intake session is not complimentary; it is a fully paid session.

Therapy sessions are 45 to 53 minutes in length, depending on your individual needs.

Choosing a therapist is a very personal decision. Therapy is only as effective as the relationship between therapist and client. The best way to find out if a therapist is a good fit is to meet them and see how you feel. Ask yourself: “Can I see myself feeling safe and comfortable with this person? Does it seem like they get me?” The free 15-minute consultation is a good way to find out. If you do not think we can work well together after we meet, I can help you figure out who might be a better fit and provide some references.

This practice is not an emergency service, and messages sent through the website or email may not be seen right away. If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) at any time. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Yes. If you are using insurance, you can book directly through Headway, which checks your coverage and lets you choose a session time. You can also request a free 15-minute consultation through the contact page. The link to my Headway profile is on the Insurance & Fees page and on the booking buttons throughout the site.

Headway is a service that works with insurance plans. For plans available through Headway, it verifies your benefits, handles billing with your insurer, and lets you book sessions online with me. You pay only your plan's cost-sharing, such as a copay, coinsurance or deductible. To see whether your plan is included, check your coverage on Headway.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based therapy that helps people process distressing experiences and reduce their emotional impact. It is especially well supported for PTSD and trauma, and research also shows benefits for related anxiety and depression symptoms. EMDR can help reduce emotional triggers, distressing memories, negative beliefs, and the feeling of being stuck in the past. Learn more on the EMDR therapy page.

EMDR tends to fit well when past experiences keep affecting your present: vivid or intrusive memories, triggers that feel bigger than the moment, or beliefs about yourself that feel stuck. It is not the right starting point for everyone, and it can be combined with talk therapy. We can talk about whether it fits your situation during the free consultation. See also EMDR vs. talk therapy.

Yes. EMDR can be done through secure video sessions, using on-screen eye movements or self-administered taps in place of in-office methods. Preparation and calming skills work the same way by video. Read what an EMDR session is actually like.

Yes. I offer sessions by secure, HIPAA-compliant video (or phone if needed) for adults anywhere in New York and New Jersey, where I am licensed. You need to be physically located in New York or New Jersey during each virtual session. Learn more about therapy in New York and therapy in New Jersey.

Yes. I offer therapy in both English and Polish, by secure video for clients anywhere in New York or New Jersey. Więcej informacji po polsku: Terapia po polsku.

In-person sessions in Montclair, NJ are available on request. There is no New York office.

Self-pay sessions are $175–$225, depending on the type and length of the session. With in-network insurance, your cost depends on the rate negotiated with your plan. Details are on the Insurance & Fees page. A sliding scale is available based on an eligibility application. Accepted payment methods are Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and cash. Payment is due at the time of the appointment.

Yes. I am in-network with the following plans:

• Aetna
• Cigna and Evernorth
• Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield (formerly Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield)
• Fidelis
• Optum
• Oxford
• United Medical Resources (UMR)
• UnitedHealthcare (UHC | UBH)

Coverage depends on your specific plan and state, so reach out before your first session and I will help you verify your benefits. For other plans, I am considered an out-of-network provider. Many people with out-of-network coverage can receive partial reimbursement, and I provide superbills and help with the reimbursement process. See Fees & Insurance.

You can call your insurance company to ask about your specific coverage and reimbursement. Here are some helpful questions to ask:

• Do I have out-of-network coverage?
• If so, is there an annual deductible? Have I met it? If not, how much has been met?
• What percentage do you cover for out-of-network mental health providers?
• Is there a maximum amount you reimburse per visit or per year?
• Is there a claim form that I must use to submit for reimbursement?
• How much time do I have to submit a claim after my session?
• Do I need a pre-authorization? If so, how do I obtain it?

For a step-by-step guide, read how to use out-of-network benefits for therapy.

You might be asked for CPT codes (Current Procedural Terminology). The most common CPT codes used in my practice are:

• 90791 (initial consultation)
• 90837 (53-minute session)
• 90834 (45-minute session)
• 90847 (family therapy with patient present)

I will provide you with a superbill upon request. You can submit the superbill to your insurance company to see how much reimbursement you will receive, and I can help with the reimbursement process.

Yes. A sliding scale is available based on an eligibility application. Ask about it during your free consultation or through the contact form.

I accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and cash. Payment is due at the time of the appointment.

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in understanding how medications for mood disorders interact with the body and other medications you may be taking. Some psychiatrists may provide occasional therapy, but they primarily provide medication. Mental health counselors (sometimes called psychotherapists or licensed counselors) are master's-level professionals who specialize in understanding mental health. We provide counseling and do not prescribe medication.

Having a good support system of friends and family can certainly help when we are going through a difficult time. What makes professional therapists different is years of training and advanced degrees in human behavior, relationship dynamics, and effective interventions, which make them uniquely qualified to understand their clients, encourage self-reflection, and highlight the blind spots we all have. Therapy is also confidential and comes with clear boundaries, where the focus is solely on you and not the therapist.

Yes. What you share with me in our sessions is confidential, except in the case of 1) an immediate threat of harm to self or others, 2) suspicion of child or dependent elder abuse, or 3) a court subpoena. We will discuss this and my other office policies during your intake session.

Not at all. Deciding to seek therapy is much like deciding to see a doctor when you have the flu or a broken bone. Your mental and emotional health is no different. Reaching out for professional support is an act of self-care to address the challenges you are facing.

When you start therapy, you commit not only your time but also financial resources. Therapy is an investment in yourself: you become aware of self-sabotaging patterns and make changes that lead to more effective thoughts and behaviors. We already spend a lot of time, energy, and money on our education, career, home, and physical health. Therapy can be a continued investment in your overall well-being and success in life.