What is your approach to therapy?

Therapy can have lasting rewards for your emotional well-being. It also represents an investment of time, energy, and money, so it’s important to understand what therapy entails and to find the right treatment style for your needs. Types of therapy vary in focus, length, and philosophy. My approach is relational and psychodynamic. However, during my assessment, I will work with you to understand your goals and preferences and may incorporate aspects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Family Systems, and other modalities suited to your unique personality.

 

Where will we meet?

I have an office in the Rittenhouse neighborhood in Center City, Philadelphia. Upon request, I am happy to schedule a virtual visit over a secure telehealth platform.

 

Do you accept insurance?

I do not accept insurance and am considered an “out-of-network” provider. This means that you may use your out-of-network benefits for reimbursement for my services. As a client, you pay directly for services and are provided with a receipt called a superbill that can be submitted to your insurance company for reimbursement.

 

To determine if you have out-of-network benefits, call your insurance company directly. You will want to ask the following questions:

• Do I have mental health out-of-network benefits?

• Do I have a deductible and do out of network payments count towards it?

• What is your reimbursement rate (percentage) for medical billing CPT codes 90834 and 90837 (individual therapy)? If you are coming in for family therapy you will want to ask about codes 90846 and 90847.

 

Why don’t you accept insurance?

Insurance companies limit which therapists you can see and how many sessions you can see them. They also pay clinicians at rates that are often incommensurate with their training and experience. Insurance companies require treatments to be “medically necessary”. In other words, a person needs both to get a diagnosis and to demonstrate that it is interfering with daily functioning. I find that this insurance standard does not always apply to caregivers or older adults seeking help for physical, cognitive, or other changes, including grief and loss. I also find that some people prefer not to use insurance in order to better protect their privacy. To read more about why providers opt out of insurance, visit https://projects.propublica.org/why-i-left-the-network/

 

Which geographic regions do you serve?

As a therapist, I am licensed in the states of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Virginia. I am willing to practice psychotherapy in person or via telehealth with anyone in these states. As a consultant, I am not required to hold a license to help, so I am able to work with anyone in the United States.

 

What is your referral and onboarding process?

People can self-refer, or may be referred by another health care provider. I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation so that I can understand your needs, answer any questions you may have, and determine if we are a good fit. If so, we’ll go ahead and schedule our initial visit. I will provide you with an intake packet consisting of a consent form, practice policies, and questionnaires to assess your presenting concerns and goals for our work together.

 

What is your cancellation policy?

Cancellations made in less than two business days will require full payment.

 

How do you ensure confidentiality?

Confidentiality in the therapeutic setting is the foundation of our working relationship. Because I do not work with insurance companies, your health records are secured and not disclosed to third-party payors. There are three exceptions to confidentiality: If at any point I become aware that a minor or senior citizen is being abused, neglected, or is in danger; If I have reason to believe that you are in danger of harming yourself; And/or if you have a plan to harm another identifiable person. We will discuss this in more detail at our first meeting.

 

What methods of payment do you accept?

I accept Health Savings Account (HSA) cards, Flexible Spending Account (FSA) cards, all major credit cards, cash, and checks.