FAQ

Starting individual psychotherapy can feel both exciting and nerve-wracking. Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help you prepare:

1. What is psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy is a process where you work with a licensed mental health professional to improve your mental health, process emotions, and overcome challenges. Through the use of validated approaches, including cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, and other types of talk therapy I can help you understand and work through your problems.

2. How do I know you’re the right therapist for me?

Look for a therapist whose expertise aligns with your needs, such as anxiety, depression, or relationship challenges. Consider factors like location, availability, and insurance compatibility. I offer both telehealth and in-person sessions. My office is located in Red Bank, NJ. My areas of focus are depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and perinatal mental health.

3. What happens in the first session(s)?

The first session will involve a comprehensive evaluation of your needs. I will then be able to offer you some initial impressions of what our work might include. Early on in the treatment process, we will discuss your treatment goals and create an initial treatment plan. You should evaluate this information and make your own assessment about whether you feel comfortable working with me. The relationship between the therapist and the individual serves as a conduit for change to take place. As a therapist, I prioritize creating a space where you feel comfortable providing feedback and asking questions. This is an essential part of the therapeutic process, ensuring that our work together is collaborative and tailored to your needs.

4. How long are the sessions and how often do therapy sessions occur?

I offer 45 or 60-minute sessions. The length and frequency of therapy depends on your needs and goals. Some people attend weekly, while others go biweekly or monthly. I typically recommend starting weekly and as we continue to work together, we can change the frequency as needed. Everyone’s situation is different, and so treatment may look different for each person.

5. Can therapy help me?

Therapy can help with depression, anxiety, grief, stress management, communication skills, self-esteem, trauma processing, and navigating life transitions. It is important to approach therapy with openness and honesty and a willingness to learn new skills or to change certain thought patterns that may be influencing your feelings and behaviors.

6. How much do therapy sessions cost?

The standard out-of-pocket fee for the initial intake is $175.00 and each subsequent session is $125.00- $150.00 (depending on length/type of session). 

I believe that therapy should be accessible and affordable for everyone, regardless of financial barriers. I work with a variety of insurance providers to ensure that my services are covered and can help you navigate the process to make therapy as affordable as possible.

I am in-network with: BCBS, Aetna, Cigna, and United HealthCare. Please be advised that copays, deductibles, and coinsurance vary by plan. The amount you are responsible for per session will depend on your plan.

7. Is it normal to feel nervous before starting therapy?

Yes! Many people feel anxious before their first session. Writing down questions, reading success stories, or talking to a friend who has been to therapy can help ease nerves.