Question 1

Do you offer a free consultation?

Accepted Answer

Yes! It is important to me that you find the right therapist for you. This is why I offer a free 15-minute consultation so we can both determine if we are a good fit. Please email me to set something up.

Question 2

What ages do you work with?

Accepted Answer

I work with ALL ages: children, teens, and adults.

Under 5 years old: If your child is under 5, I typically do not meet with your child individually, but instead meet with parents to develop a plan to help their child.

6-17 years old: I work with the child/teen and the family individually and together to create and implement a plan. The amount of family vs. individual work will depend on several factors: what you are looking for; your child’s therapeutic needs; and your child’s willingness to include parents. Parents tend to be more involved if their child is under 10. The success of therapy depends on the strength of the therapeutic relationship. For this reason, for many of my young clients, we will meet weekly individually. I will occasionally recommend parents to work with a different parent coach or therapist in order to protect the therapeutic bond.

18 years old and older: Although adults tend to enjoy meeting individually, it is sometimes important to involve family members. We will involve your family members if we determine together that it would be beneficial to your treatment — and if you are comfortable with this.

I see each child, teen, and adult as a unique individual and every treatment plan will be personalized to meet your specific needs. I value your feedback and your ideas, so will always encourage you to share with me if something is or is not working for you in therapy.

Question 3

What are some situations where the parents will definitely be involved in their child’s treatment?

Accepted Answer

If your child is neurodivergent and you are looking for support, we will probably work together frequently.

If you or your child has experienced trauma and it is determined that Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is the best fit, the child’s safe parent(s) are an integral part of the treatment process.

Question 4

What happens in the first session?

Accepted Answer

Our first session gives us an opportunity to get to know each other and determine whether we both feel that we are a good fit. All clients complete paperwork prior to scheduling the first session, which we will then review together.

If at the end of the session, I think that you would benefit from a different type of therapy or approach than I can provide, I will let you know. I always tell clients during the first session to take some time to reflect on our meeting before deciding if they would like to move forward.

After we both determine we are a good fit, we will discuss an initial treatment plan and collaborate on how best to meet your goals and your needs.

Question 5

How long are sessions?

Accepted Answer

Sessions are typically 45 minutes once a week, although I may recommend shorter, longer, or more frequent sessions if appropriate. These sessions may be needed for some types of exposure therapy, couples therapy, or family therapy.

Question 6

How often are sessions?

Accepted Answer

I ask all clients to initially meet at least once per week unless there are significant reasons you feel like this is not possible for you. Research says that meeting less than weekly at the beginning of therapeutic treatment is not effective. It is important for us to get to know each other. Furthermore, especially for OCD and PTSD treatment, you will be working on solidifying skills learned during weekly sessions as homework in between sessions, so we will most likely communicate in some way (whether by text, email, etc.) more than once per week initially. As you progress through treatment, I may recommend decreasing sessions if we mutually feel that this is appropriate.

Question 7

How long will I be in therapy?

Accepted Answer

Length of treatment is depends on many factors, including, but not limited to, your level of motivation and readiness for change, how often you are able to meet for sessions, your willingness to practice and engage with the therapeutic work outside sessions, the severity of symptoms and how long you have had them, etc. Even after meeting most of their treatment goals, clients often return to review skills or check in.

Question 8

What if I can’t meet during the day?

Accepted Answer

My evening appointments are first-come, first-served; at this time, these slots are unfortunately full. Many of my clients have found ways to make weekly appointments work. Here are some ways my clients meet with me:
During their lunch break. 
In a designated private room during study hall (for students) 
Some clients work an hour late so they can arrive at work an hour later.
Some clients start work an hour early so they can leave an hour early.
I can also provide a letter to present to work if that is helpful.

Question 9

Do you offer in-person sessions?

Accepted Answer

Yes! On a limited basis, I offer in-person sessions in my Fairfield, Conn. office. We can discuss what makes most sense for your situation. In-person appointments depend on your needs and preferences as well as our mutual availability. I have more in-person availability on the weekends or during the week (8:00 am-4:00 pm) and at this time do not have any openings in the evenings. The comprehensive psychological assessments are often conducted in person.

Question 10

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

If you need to reschedule or cancel an appointment, please do so within 48 hours of your scheduled appointment. You will be charged a full fee for any missed appointments that are not cancelled at least 48 hours in advance.

Question 11

What are your fees?

Accepted Answer

Initial sessions are $200. All follow-up sessions are $180. I do charge for parent and collateral communication/phone calls. Please reach out to inquire about comprehensive evaluation fees.

I charge a higher fee for those involved in the legal process who require me to become involved in any way. Please contact me for this information.

Question 12

What if I’m too embarrassed about my symptoms or there are things I’m not ready to talk about?

Accepted Answer

You’ve come to the right place! This is a common worry, especially for individuals experiencing intrusive, repetitive thoughts.  I have had clients share the following common (yes, common!) OCD themes: pedophilia obsessions; incest obsessions; suicidal obsessions; harm obsessions; sexuality and gender obsessions, and many more. I can assure you that I will listen, normalize your thoughts, and meet you with the compassion you deserve.

Regarding other things you’re not ready to talk about: Therapy will not work if I do not meet you where you are. It is important to me that you share at your own pace and comfort level.

Question 13

What is the No Surprises Act?

Accepted Answer

The No Surprises Act and Your Rights as a Client
The No Surprises Act, which took effect on January 1, 2022, is designed to protect clients from unexpected medical bills. I strive to be transparent and collaborative in my practice. During our initial intake session and throughout treatment, I’ll discuss therapy goals, the expected length of treatment, and associated costs to ensure everything is clear.

Under this law, health care providers, including myself, are required to give clients who are uninsured or not using insurance a Good Faith Estimate of expected costs for services.
	•	You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your intake appointment.
	•	The Good Faith Estimate will include the total expected cost of non-emergency services, like weekly therapy sessions.
	•	If you receive a bill that is $400 or more above your Good Faith Estimate, you have the right to dispute the charges.

For questions or more information about your rights under the No Surprises Act, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.

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