Online CBT Therapist in Port Jefferson, NY

Frequently Asked Questions

Rates, Insurance, and Policies

$250 for a 50-minute therapy session.

I accept AETNA.

I am an out-of-network provider for other insurance companies.

It’s advisable to contact your insurance provider to understand the specifics of your out-of-network benefits. This can help you make informed decisions about the financial aspects of therapy and manage expectations regarding out-of-pocket costs.

With out-of-network benefits, you need to submit claims for reimbursement. After paying the therapist’s fee, you would submit a claim to the insurance company, including necessary documentation such as receipts or invoices. The insurance company will then process the claim and reimburse you for the covered portion.

To determine if you have mental health coverage through your insurance carrier, the first thing you should do is call them. Check your coverage carefully and make sure you understand their answers. Some helpful questions you can ask them:

  • What are my mental health benefits?
  • What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
  • How many therapy sessions does my plan cover?
  • How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?
  • Is approval required from my primary care physician?

Yes.

As for what a superbill is … a superbill is something you send your insurance company when seeking reimbursement for out-of-network therapy services. It contains essential details about your therapy sessions, such as dates, services received, diagnosis codes, and associated costs.

While I do offer superbills, it’s important to check your insurance policy for coverage details, as the extent of reimbursement can vary based on your specific provider and policy.

Yes. For more on what that means, keep reading.

A Good Faith Estimate is a document provided by healthcare providers to patients, offering a transparent estimate of the expected costs associated with a specific course of treatment. It is designed to help patients understand and anticipate the financial aspects of their healthcare services.

Why is a GFE Important for Therapy Services?

For individuals seeking therapy services and planning to use health insurance coverage, a GFE is crucial for understanding the potential out-of-pocket costs associated with therapy sessions. It outlines key details such as the estimated cost of each session, the insurance coverage, and the patient’s potential financial responsibility.

What Information is Included in a GFE for Therapy?

  • Estimated Session Costs: The GFE provides an estimate of the cost for each therapy session. This includes the therapist’s fees, facility fees (if applicable), and any other associated costs.
  • Insurance Coverage: The document outlines the portion of the therapy costs that is expected to be covered by the patient’s health insurance. This information helps individuals understand the extent of their coverage.
  • Patient Responsibility: The GFE specifies the amount that the patient is anticipated to pay out of pocket for each therapy session. This includes deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.
  • Total Estimated Costs: The GFE provides a summary of the total estimated costs for the entire course of therapy. This is beneficial for patients to plan their budget and be aware of the financial commitment involved.

How to Use the GFE:

  • Review with Your Insurance Provider: Patients are encouraged to review the GFE with their health insurance provider to ensure accuracy and to clarify any questions regarding coverage.
  • Informed Decision-Making: Armed with the GFE, individuals can make informed decisions about their therapy options, considering both the quality of care and the financial aspects.
  • Budgeting: The GFE helps patients budget for their healthcare expenses, allowing them to plan for potential out-of-pocket costs associated with therapy.

My Commitment to Transparency:

We are committed to transparency in our billing practices. We provide Good Faith Estimates to all our patients seeking therapy services, ensuring that you have the information you need to make informed decisions about your mental health and well-being. For further details or to request a personalized Good Faith Estimate for your therapy sessions, please contact me directly.

Questions About Therapy

While there’s no universal answer to how long therapy takes, the duration depends on several factors like your goals, the type of therapy chosen, your progress and commitment, and individual circumstances. 

Generally, short-term therapy (6-12 weeks) is ideal for specific concerns, medium-term (3-6 months) addresses broader issues, and long-term (9 months+) explores deeper patterns or personality traits for personal growth. 

Remember, the pace is yours, and open communication with your therapist is key to determining and adjusting the timeframe that works best for you. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and focus on the positive changes you experience along the way. We offer various therapy options to cater to different needs and durations, so let’s discuss your unique situation to find the best fit for you!

In therapy, you’ll gain insights into your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, equipping you with effective coping strategies for life’s challenges. It’s an opportunity to improve relationships, develop conflict resolution skills, and work towards personal goals. 

Whether overcoming trauma, managing emotions, or improving self-confidence, therapy provides valuable tools for positive change. It’s a collaborative path towards positive change, offering a safe space for personal growth and well-being. The benefits from therapy are directly related to your ability to actively engage in the process and apply the insights gained to your life.

No I do not. I am happy to collaborate with your psychiatrist given that you sign the appropriate release of information. If you are looking for a team of providers and want your psychiatrist or nurse practitioner to work together with your psychologist – I have a professional relationship with: You would need to sign a release of information and give your permission to share information about your treatment.

Deciding whether you truly need therapy is a personal choice, and the answer varies for each individual. Therapy can be beneficial for anyone seeking support, coping strategies, self-discovery, or navigating life’s challenges. 

If you’re experiencing difficulties, considering therapy is a proactive step towards enhancing your mental and emotional well-being. It provides a confidential and supportive space to explore, learn, and grow. Ultimately, the decision to pursue therapy depends on your goals, needs, and the desire for positive personal development.

People seek therapy for various reasons, including but not limited to:

  • Difficulties managing emotions: Individuals often go to therapy to address issues related to stress, anxiety, depression, among other negative emotions.
  • Relationship Issues: Therapy can help navigate relationship difficulties, whether it’s with a partner, family member, or friend, fostering healthier connections.
  • Life Transitions: Major life changes, such as career shifts, loss, or relocation, may prompt people to seek therapy for support and guidance.
  • Self-Discovery: Therapy offers a space for self-reflection and exploration, aiding in personal growth and a deeper understanding of oneself.feelings of inadequacy.
  • Trauma and Grief: Individuals coping with trauma or grief find therapy instrumental in processing emotions and moving towards healing.

To determine if therapy is right for you, consider:

  • Feelings of Distress: If you’re consistently experiencing emotional distress or struggling to cope with life’s challenges, therapy can provide valuable support.
  • Impact on Daily Life: Assess whether your mental or emotional state is affecting your daily functioning, relationships, or overall well-being.
  • Desire for Change: If you have a desire for personal growth, improved relationships, or overcoming specific challenges, therapy can be a proactive step.
  • Openness to Exploration: If you’re open to self-exploration and committed to making positive changes in your life, therapy may be a fitting choice.


Ultimately, the decision to pursue therapy is personal, and seeking professional guidance can be a powerful and proactive way to enhance your mental health and overall quality of life.

Therapy will be different depending on the individual, because each person has different issues and goals for therapy.

You get to decide the agenda and topic for the sessions, but I like to ask you feedback and to report progress (or any new insights gained) from the previous therapy session. Depending on your specific needs, therapy can be short-term, for a specific issue, or longer-term, to deal with more difficult situations. Either way, it is most common to schedule regular sessions with your therapist (usually weekly).

It is important to understand that you will get more results from therapy if you actively participate in the process.

The ultimate goal of therapy is to help generalize skills learned in sessions to your everyday life. Therefore, beyond the work you do in therapy sessions, your therapist may suggest some things you can do outside of therapy to support your process – such as reading therapy notes, journaling on specific topics, or noticing emotions or behaviors.

Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and psychotherapist. Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust with highly sensitive subject matter that is usually not discussed anywhere but the therapist’s office. However, state law and professional ethics require therapists to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations:

  • Suspected past or present abuse or neglect of children, adults, and elders requires therapists to report to the authorities, including Child Protection and law enforcement, based on information provided by the client or collateral sources.
  • If the therapist has reason to suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming him/herself or has threatened to harm another person.

Here are links to my full privacy policy and HIPAA policy.

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