COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What happens in Therapy?

Therapy typically takes place every week for 45-minute sessions. People sometimes associate therapy with the idea of telling all personal problems to a silent psychologist or compare therapy sessions to talking to a friend. This is not the case. Therapy is not the same as chatting with a trusted friend. Communication between the psychologist and the individual in therapy is designed to achieve specific objectives. No subject is off topic and all exchanges are used to gain a deeper understanding of your struggles. Communication is based on your personal life, your feelings and what you consider most important to you. It often takes into account your past, and your childhood. The psychologist’s non-judgmental listening is an integral part of the therapy, but I also actively participate, intervene, ask questions, comment on what you have said, seek to clarify feelings and words, and help you freely express your feelings, emotions, and events.

Will I be alone?

Usually, psychotherapy takes place between you and the psychologist. Therapy occasionally also includes other individuals, such as family members when there are specific issues within a family that are best addressed with all present. This is always discussed in advance.

Is therapy confidential?

Confidentiality is a cornerstone of the client-psychologist relationship. It is important that you feel secure and safe when discussing information that you want to to keep confidential. I treat all information shared with the greatest respect. Moreover, the confidentiality of your conversations and my records are protected by standards for professional practice established by the American Psychological Association and by specific Maryland state law governing privilege and confidentiality. There are specific cases in which the rules of confidentiality do not apply (these are rare and unusual in my practice) and include the following:

1. If I have reasonable cause to suspect child abuse or neglect, the law requires that I file a report with Child Protective Services.

2. If you communicate a threat of physical violence against a reasonably identifiable third person and you intend to carry out that threat in the foreseeable future, I may have to disclose information in order to take protective action.

3. If you disclose suicidal thoughts with a specific plan and immediate intent to carry out that plan. Your safety is my utmost priority and I will need to seek assistance on your behalf.

How long can I expect to be in therapy?

Therapy varies greatly according to your objectives, your personality, the difficulties you are facing, and the treatment approach used to best address your concerns. Some therapies can last only for a few sessions while others may last several years. 

How much does it cost?

The first consultation of 60 minutes is $350. After that initial meeting, my professional fees are $250 for each meeting of 45 minutes. I require payment at the end of each session (cash, credit card, or checks are accepted). 

 Do you accept insurance?

Because I am a licensed clinical psychologist, my professional services qualify for reimbursement as an “out-of-network” provider under most insurance plans. As an “out-of-network” provider, I collect fees directly from you and provide you with a statement to file with your insurance claim for your personal reimbursement. Fees are generally considered to be within the acceptable range (UCR) by most insurance companies and many health insurers provide very similar mental health reimbursement for in- and out-of-network providers. In the event that you decide to file for reimbursement, click here for a list of questions to guide you when speaking with your insurance company.

What happens if I am late for my appointment?

Barring exceptional and emergency circumstances, meetings are scheduled for 45 minutes. I greatly appreciate your collaboration in arriving on time to your appointment so that we may start and end your appointment as scheduled. If you are late for an appointment, it will end at the scheduled time and the fee is due in full.

What if I miss an appointment?

In the event that you are not able to honor your appointment, I request 48 hours advance notice. Without advance notice, the full fee is due as the appointment was reserved for you. In the event that I am late to your appointment, your session will still last the full 45 minutes and you will not be penalized.

How does therapy end?

If I determine that I am not the best person to help you or you no longer benefit from therapy, we can decide together to terminate therapy. If appropriate, I am happy to refer you to another professional who might be a better match for your particular needs. In addition, if you choose to end therapy for any reason, I encourage you to discuss it with me as soon as you can so that we may end our time together under the best possible conditions.