FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Comprehensive Answers

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY INSURANCE POLICY OFFERS OUT-OF-NETWORK BENEFITS?

The simplest way to find out to call the number on the back of your insurance card and ask whether your policy offers out-of-network benefits for outpatient mental health care, and whether you have an out-of-network deductible to meet before the benefit kicks in. They'll tell you whether and how much your policy will reimburse you for sessions with me. As mentioned above, intensive sessions are typically not reimbursement-eligible.

WHAT ARE YOUR CREDENTIALS?

I am a licensed mental health counselor in New York State.

WHAT IS MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING?

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE FOR ME TO FEEL BETTER ONCE I START THERAPY?

WILL ANYONE FIND OUT THAT I’M COMING TO THERAPY?

There are no guaranteed quick fixes in therapy and everyone is different. With that said, most folks in counseling with me see an improvement within months, not years. It’s important to remember that you get a say in the duration of your counseling. Some people decide they want to stay in therapy indefinitely as a tool for self-care. Other folks want to get help with a particular problem and finish counseling in a few months. Still others do a one-time intensive session, and experience enough relief that they may not need a second. I use the level of your satisfaction with our work together to determine our success rate rather than the length of time you spend in therapy.

I CAN’T AFFORD THERAPY AND I REALLY NEED HELP. WHAT DO I DO?

Mental health counseling is a particular psychotherapeutic discipline. Like other mental health professionals, MHCs can identify and treat mental illnesses. However, we tend to focus more on wellness than illness. Simply put, we are experts in helping people use their strengths to overcome life’s challenges, and in talking people through problems. You do not need to have a mental illness to seek counseling, nor does seeking counseling mean you have a mental illness. You can find more information about mental health counseling here.

In general, not unless you tell them. Everything you say in therapy, even the fact that you are a client in the first place, is strictly confidential. Some possible exceptions to this would be if you tell me that you are going to harm yourself or someone else, or if you inform me of ongoing child abuse or elder abuse. These are all situations in which I am required by law to make a report to the relevant authorities. I also have a policy of reporting ongoing animal abuse. In addition, a court of law can compel me to share your treatment information with them by means of a subpoena. Barring these circumstances, no one will ever be privy to what you and I talk about in counseling unless you give me your written permission to share something with them.

First, please be aware that there are resources in Dutchess County and in most counties in New York state that can help. The Dutchess County mental health helpline is 845 485-9700, and they will be able to direct you to low or no-cost services. If you are seeking therapy as the result of a crime and do not have insurance, or your insurance does not cover sessions with me, please be aware that every county in New York State has a crime victims' assistance program that may be able to provide you with several services, including a limited number of free therapy sessions (check out Dutchess County's program here). Also, please know that if you are seeking therapy because of a crime committed against you, you may be able to receive reimbursement for your session fees through the New York State victims’ fund via the Office of Victims Services (OVS). An OVS claim can cover up to 100% of the cost of your therapy.

ARE YOU ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS? HOW ABOUT A WAITLIST?

I am always accepting new clients for Deep Work Intensives. It is rare that I have an opening for ongoing weekly work, and as of Summer 2024 I don't have any openings. I don't offer a waitlist since I don't want to leave folks hanging indefinitely, and would rather they receive care elsewhere than wait on me.

DO YOU DO IN-PERSON SESSIONS?

Generally speaking, no—my practice is completely virtual.

CAN I USE MY INSURANCE FOR THERAPY?

My services are private pay only and I am no longer in-network with any insurance companies. I can provide you with documentation for out-of-network reimbursement, also called a "superbill," if that is an option your health insurance policy offers. Please be aware that intensive sessions are generally not reimbursed by insurance due to their non-traditional format.