Frequently Asked Questions About Anxiety & Trauma Therapy in NYC

Adults across New York State who have built good lives and still don't quite feel it. They're capable, productive, often the person others rely on. They overthink, they replay conversations, their free time fills itself before they notice. They may struggle with people-pleasing, perfectionism, anxiety, or relational patterns they can't seem to change even when they understand them. Some come in after years of feeling this way. Others hit a moment where the usual strategies stopped working. Most just want to feel more like themselves.

Yes. Switching therapists can feel awkward, but it doesn't mean anything went wrong the first time. People change, needs change, and sometimes a different approach fits better at a different point. If you're considering a switch, we can talk it through at your pace during a free consultation.

The first session covers a lot of ground. We start with the practical stuff, how things work, what to expect, any questions you have. Then we get into what's been going on, what you're hoping for, and some history and background so I have a fuller picture. A clear direction usually emerges over the first few sessions as we get to know each other.

I use CBT, IFS, and somatic therapy, not as a menu but as an integrated approach that addresses thoughts, emotions, and the body at the same time. I also draw on Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) depending on what each person needs. Sessions are engaged and collaborative. Most people come in with more self-awareness than they give themselves credit for. A lot of what we do is help you articulate what you already sense, and then figure out what to do with it. I pay close attention and I'll tell you what I'm noticing. The goal isn't just understanding your patterns. It's responding to them differently.

Yes, and it tends to matter for outcomes. The more you engage outside the session, the faster things actually change. What that looks like depends on what we're doing and what works for you. In CBT, it might be thought records, logs, or pattern tracking. In trauma therapy, it's carefully paced. Across all of it, I sometimes ask people to take action toward what actually matters to them, toward whatever anxiety or old patterns have been getting in the way of. Some people want concrete assignments each week. Others prefer to just show up and see what comes. Either works. We'll figure out what fits.

Yes. What you share stays private. I follow HIPAA guidelines, with a few legal exceptions for safety that we'll go over in our first session.

It depends on what you're dealing with and what you want from it. Some people come in with a specific pattern to address and feel done in a few months. Others are working through something more layered and stay longer. There's no standard timeline and it's worth discussing early so you have a realistic picture going in.

Yes. All sessions are held via a HIPAA-compliant, secure video platform, accessible to clients across New York State.

Rates are $325 for a 45-minute session and $400 for a 60-minute intake session.

I am in-network with UMR Top Tier for Mount Sinai employees and their families. For everyone else, many insurance plans include out-of-network benefits that can reimburse psychotherapy fees by 40 to 100% depending on your plan. To find out what you're entitled to, call the Member Services number on your insurance card and ask:

1. Do I have out-of-network benefits for outpatient mental health services, including telehealth?

2. What is my out-of-network deductible and how much has been met?

3. What is my coinsurance percentage for out-of-network mental health services?

4. What is the maximum allowable amount and reimbursement rate for CPT codes 90791-95 and 90834-95?

5. How do I submit claims for reimbursement?

HSA and FSA funds may also be used for payment. Being out-of-network lets me keep caseloads small and tailor treatment length to what you actually need, not what your plan covers. Full payment is due at the time of each session.

Payment is by credit card, including FSA and HSA cards, billed automatically before each session.

If you need to cancel or reschedule, please let me know at least 48 business hours in advance (Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm). I'm happy to reschedule within the same week if we can find a time that works. If we can't reschedule, or if you no-show, you'll be responsible for the full session fee.

Reach out through email, text, phone, or the contact form to schedule a free 15-minute consultation. You can also book directly on my calendar here. I typically respond within one business day. It's a chance to learn more about therapy with me, ask questions, and talk through what's been going on and the kind of support you're looking for. There's no pressure and no obligation to continue, it's simply a conversation to see if it feels like a fit.

Under the federal law called the No Surprises Act, you are entitled to a Good Faith Estimate before beginning services. This document outlines the expected costs of your therapy so you have a clear picture of the financial commitment before we start. I provide this automatically to all new clients.