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frequently asked questions

  • What are your fees?
    15 Minute Phone Consultation = Free ​ Fees for the CPT (billing/treatment) codes most commonly used in our practice: 90791 (Intake Assessment/Psych Diagnostic Evaluation) = $250 90834 (45 minute Individual Therapy Session) = $200 90837 (53-60 minute Individual Therapy Session) = $225 90847 (50 minute Couples Therapy Session) = $225 Upon booking confirmation for an Intake Assessment, a "Good Faith Estimate" is provided according to The No Surprises Act, which will outline more of what clients can generally expect for the total cost of treatment and the cost of other ancillary services we may provide over the course of a full calendar year. ​ Payment Methods: Most Major Credit Cards, Flexible Spending Accounts, or Health Savings Accounts.
  • Do you accept insurance?
    All of our services are billed as either Private Pay or Out-Of-Network (OON; this means that we do accept clients who want to use their insurance to claim potential OON reimbursement for therapy depending on their OON benefits, but we are not in-network with any insurance companies). Either way, we strongly believe in providing exceptional services at a fair fee that’s consistent with the usual and customary market rates according to the states that we serve, our level of education and professional license, and our level of expertise gained over the past decade of our career. Private Pay clients are billed for the type of treatment that they are provided through our Jane Client Portal system with the card on file at the time of service. That's that! The entire therapeutic process for Private Pay clients (including any diagnosis codes, clinical documentation, and financial transactions and/or CPT (billing) codes for services and treatment provided) all remains private from any insurance company, which helps increase the confidentiality of Private Pay clients' protected health information. An Insurance Opt Out Form is required for all Private Pay clients, and all services and treatment provided from it's activation date cannot be used to submit Superbills to claim OON reimbursement from an insurance company. OON clients are billed for the type of treatment that they are provided through our Jane Client Portal system with the card on file at the time of service. A Superbill for each completed session is provided, upon request, to clients via HIPAA-compliant email on a monthly basis. OON clients can submit Superbills to their insurance company to claim potential reimbursement depending on the OON benefits covered by their plan. Insurance companies typically process claims for OON reimbursement within 30-60 days. Superbills and/or any other estimate is not a guarantee of coverage and financial cost; you are responsible for verifying your coverage; your benefits are an agreement between you and your insurance company, and you are financially responsible for what your insurance does not cover. If you have concerns about your coverage, then you need to contact your insurance provider directly. Here are some questions that you may ask your insurance company when calling the number on the back of your insurance card to verify the level of coverage for your plan's OON benefits: "Does my plan include out-of-network benefits for outpatient behavioral and mental healthcare services?" "What is my annual deductible for out-of-network mental health benefits? How much of this deductible have I already met?" "When does my deductible reset each year?" "Is there a limit on the number of sessions that my plan will cover annually?" "Are the following CPT (billing) codes for psychotherapy sessions covered?": 90791 (Intake Assessment/Psych Diagnostic Evaluation) 90834 (45 minute Individual Therapy session) 90837 (53-60 minute Individual Therapy session) 90847 (50 minute Couples Therapy session) "Is there a limit on out-of-pocket expenses per year? How much?" (This is the maximum amount you would pay in a plan year; once you exceed this amount, your insurance would pay 100% of all healthcare expenses. This amount resets each year.) "What is the coinsurance percentage for mental health services that my plan will cover?" (This is the percentage that your insurance would cover once you meet your deductible.) "Do I need a referral or pre-authorization to receive services?" "What is the Usual, Customary, and Reasonable fee (UCR) or the “allowed amount” for psychotherapy?" (They may tell you that this information is proprietary. This is not true. You are entitled to know what your plan sets as the allowed amount. Explain that you need this rate in order to know how much you can expect to be reimbursed after meeting your deductible. For reference, the UCR rate in NYC for 45 minute psychotherapy sessions is typically between $200 – $300). "How do I submit Superbills for reimbursement?" (Most insurance companies allow for Superbills to be submitted via their website; you may also consider using a service like Reimbursify). Please be advised that using health insurance to cover the cost of treatment carries some inherent and potential risk to your confidentiality, privacy, and/or future eligibility to obtain health or life insurance. Most insurance companies require that clients meet criteria for a psychiatric diagnosis and medical necessity in order to authorize payment for the cost of treatment/reimbursement if it is covered. Therefore, we are required to evaluate you for a mental health diagnosis and medical necessity, and disclose protected health information (PHI) about you to your insurance company through the Superbill and any other clinical documentation they require when you utilize health insurance to cover the cost of your therapy and/or claim OON reimbursement even if the challenges you are going through are common, relational issues, everyday stress, or transitions that occur as people move through natural life cycles. The information your insurance provider may typically request is limited to diagnoses, CPT (billing) codes, and dates of service. However, they would have a right to audit your records as a third party payer at any time which may include additional PHI such as progress notes and treatment plans. When you do not use your insurance, this information remains private and ensures you greater confidentiality. Please ask us any questions you have about billing and fees during your free phone consultation. Also, you can read about The No Surprises Act to learn more about your rights and protections against surprise billing.
  • Do you offer a Sliding Scale?
    Yes! We believe it’s important to keep therapy accessible; therefore, we may offer a Sliding Scale / Reduced Fee Agreement on a limited basis. Access to our Sliding Scale is generally available on a first-come, first-served basis and it's based on household income + financial hardship(s) + availability in our schedule for the reserved Sliding Scale spots. The Sliding Scale rates cannot be combined with insurance (including potential reimbursement from out-of-network benefits). Sliding Scale / Reduced Fee Agreements are subject to change at our sole discretion (though we will give ample notice). If you are in need of a Sliding Scale rate, then send us an email or mention it during your free phone consultation.
  • What's your cancellation policy?
    Our Financial Policy requires at least 24 hours advance notice to avoid fees for late cancellations and/or missed appointments. We value your time AND we value our time. Late cancellations and/or missed appointments ("No Call, No Show") are subject to a fee up to 100% of the fee for each appointment type.
  • Do I need a phone consultation to get started?
    Spending 15 minutes on the phone up front can help us ask and clarify any questions, check to see if we could be a good fit to work with each other, and figure out the best next steps. Read these tips before your free phone consultation However, it's not required, and you may book an appointment online if you prefer.
  • Why teletherapy? Can't we just see each other in the office?
    We live in a digital world. Teletherapy (a.k.a., telehealth, telemental health, telepsychology, online therapy, etc.) has been on the rise for many years. Research shows that internet-based interventions were equally effective when compared to more traditional face to face interventions even before the COVID-19 pandemic. Teletherapy offers many benefits for clients, therapists, and the greater community in general. We have a Business Associate Agreement with our preferred teletherapy platform(s) which ensures that the delivery of our teletherapy services are HIPAA compliant/secure. ​ The COVID-19 pandemic changed a lot about life as we knew it for many people. Teletherapy can help keep us all connected with greater flexibility. Our practice is exclusively online, remote, and virtual. Read more about our teletherapy services here. View our COVID-19 Statement and Action Plan here.
  • I'm curious about therapy with you. What's it like?
    Each and every person will have their own experiences from therapy. Clients who give us feedback tend to let us know that they appreciate having an outlet, a calm & clear sounding board, and "a fellow traveler" on their journey through life. Clients often tell us that they're able to relate and connect with us, and that this helps them experience a type of therapeutic accountability that they just can't really find anywhere else. Clients have shared that our approach provided them with useful insight, feedback, and resources. They shared that our support helped them manage acute stress, navigate difficult "bumps in the road", and resolve ongoing issues in their life. Clients frequently mention how they learn to feel more empowered and confident to be more direct with us during therapy sessions, and how these experiences ripple into and improve their relationships with other people. Clients have commented how working with us in therapy had taught them why it's important to embrace the power of vulnerability and work with their emotions & thoughts instead of avoiding them. Clients have reflected on how they looked forward to our therapy sessions, and that they were excited to share updates with us because they gained new coping tools for their toolbox.
  • I'm ready to get started. How do I book an appointment?
    You're welcome to call us at (212) 287 - 4027 to request an appointment - OR - you can... Send us an email. Complete our Online Contact Form. Book a free 15 minute phone consultation online. Book an appointment online*. *Accurate and verifiable credit card information is required in order to book an appointment online; you will not be charged until the time of service.
  • I can't login to the Client Portal. What do I do?
    You can access the help guide here.
  • What happens during the initial intake appointment?
    We connect with each other online using our HIPAA compliant/secure teletherapy platform. The First Stage and Phase of Treatment is all about Learning. The Second Stage and Phase of Treatment is all about Getting to the Heart of It. The Third Stage and Phase of Treatment is all about Getting Your Return on Investment in Therapy. We set a brief agenda for the appointment and we encourage you to ask questions along the way. We discuss some of the reasons for why you're starting therapy, your goals for therapy, and what you need as a return on your investment in therapy. ​ Most importantly, we hold space for you to show up and get to know us and how we can support you in a safe, therapeutic relationship focused on helping you feel seen, heard, and understood. We guide you through each Stage and Phase of Treatment to empower your verve. ​ Read more about what to expect in the first few sessions here.
  • What about privacy and confidentiality?
    Your privacy is very important to us. We ensure that all clients who enter into a therapeutic relationship with us receive informed consent for treatment and a notice of our privacy practices. Long story short, you have confidentiality rights and they are governed by federal and state laws including HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). We follow strict legal and ethical guidelines to collect, maintain, and protect your protected health information (PHI). We break confidentiality when any of the following occur: (1) If a client may be an immediate danger to themselves or others, (2) If a client is endangering a population that cannot protect itself, such as the case of child or elder abuse, (3) To share diagnostic information as necessary to obtain payment for services, (4) As required by federal or state laws, and (5) When a client authorizes us in writing to release PHI (e.g., if a client would like us to collaborate with an alternate service provider or someone involved in their care like a psychiatrist, a primary care physician, a family member, a spouse or significant other, a friend, or an emergency contact). ​ While we are an out-of-network provider, clients may submit "Superbills" to their insurance company for potential reimbursement through out-of-network benefits. Please be advised that using health insurance carries some risk to confidentiality, privacy, or future eligibility to obtain health or life insurance. Most insurance providers require a mental health diagnosis in order to authorize coverage for the cost of treatment/reimbursement. Therefore, we are required to evaluate you for a mental health diagnosis and disclose PHI about you to your insurance company through the "Superbill" when you utilize health insurance to cover the cost of your therapy and/or claim OON reimbursement even if the challenges you are going through are common, relational issues, everyday stress, or transitions that occur as people move through natural life cycles. The information your insurance provider may typically request is limited to diagnoses and session dates. However, if we were an in-network provider, then they would have a right to audit your records as a third party payer at any time which may include additional PHI such as progress notes and treatment plans. When you do not use your insurance, this information remains private and ensures you greater confidentiality.
  • Do you prescribe medication?
    No. We do not prescribe medication. However, if you would like to consider medication therapy as a part of your treatment plan for symptom management, then we will provide you with appropriate referrals to trusted psychiatrists who may prescribe medication.
  • A quick note on the beginning, the middle, and the end of therapy.
    We believe that good therapy starts with a mindful plan for the end of therapy. Many cultural attitudes and social norms tend to avoid "endings" until they actually happen. We guide you through each stage and phase of therapy. First, it's all about Learning. Second, it's all about Getting to the Heart of It. Finally, it's all about Getting Your Return On Investment in Therapy. We hope you can experience each of these three stages and phases of therapy during each and every session along the way and over the course of treatment. The beginning - how we get started - impacts the middle and it shapes the future - just as it happens in life. We move forward together with attention to intention and the pace of therapy. "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." - Ferris Bueller. ​ Some people may only complete one intake appointment. Some people may get started with brief therapy for a few weeks or months. Many people may value a longer-term, stable therapeutic relationship. Everything depends on you and what you need. ​ Read more about Individual Therapy here and Couples Therapy here.
  • What are some examples of self-care?
    There's no universal way to practice self-care, and there are many possibilities. Here are some tips from Therapist Aid. Check out these tips from Very Well Mind. And, a few more tips from Tiny Buddha.
  • How do you take care of your self?
    We really do try our best to practice what we preach AND to preach what we practice. We try to manage our time because the clock doesn't stop for anyone. We value consistent daily AM/PM routines, and we try to eat well & get good sleep. We try to break those routines every once in a while in different, responsible ways because we value variety, spontaneity, and mixing things up every now and then. We enjoy staying connected with people in our support system. We love watching and playing soccer. Our favorite club is Manchester United! We also love learning languages like Spanish, French, Italian, Portugese, German, and Farsi. We wish we had more time to learn more languages! We try to watch some good TV series & movies here and there AND we try to keep some healthy boundaries with screens and technology. We try to read, listen to music, listen to podcasts, unplug and write in our journal, and go for walks and be outside. We try to pay attention to fung shui, lighting, temperature, ambiance, and aroma in our own personal spaces. We try to be intentional in most of the things that we do. Sometimes, we also try to let go. We try to always make new mistakes. We try to feel our feelings and better understand them instead of avoiding them. We try to let ourselves cry whenever our tears show up. We try to live with an attitude of gratitude. Sometimes, we might need an attitude adjustment just like the next person. We try to make life fun and we love to laugh. We try to save and spend money according to a realistic and goal-oriented budget. We try to slow down, pump the brakes, and take it easy. We try to ABC, NBC: "Always Be Curious, Never Be Complacent". We try to keep our power and privilege top of mind so that we can use it with integrity. We try to use many of the same coping strategies, problem solving skills, social skills, and self-care activities that we typically discuss with our clients. We're human too. We try to keep our Miracle Morning routines. We try to use The Bullet Journal Method to "track the past, order the present, and design the future". We try to take things seriously without taking ourself too seriously.
  • What are some mental health & wellness apps?
    12 Best Mental Health Apps of 2023 Calm Headspace A Happy Mind Daylio The Gottman Institute's Cards Deck App Please note: Verve Psychotherapy LCSW, PLLC is not responsible for the content of or service(s) provided by any of these resources.
  • Do I need therapy?
    We believe that everyone deserves meaningful and effective therapy. Perhaps people you know have encouraged you to seek therapy. Consider taking this quiz from Psych Central to help sort out if you could benefit from therapy. Book a free consultation to chat with us and let's see if we're a good fit to get started. Please note: Verve Psychotherapy LCSW, PLLC is not responsible for the content of or service(s) provided by any of these resources.
  • What are some resources for men?
    The Good Men Project The Mindful Masculinity Workbook: A Practical Guide to Healthy Masculinity The Will To Change: Men, Masculinity, and Love I Don't Want To Talk About It: Overcoming the Secret Legacy of Male Depression For the Love of Men: A New Vision for Mindful Masculinity Real Dads Network All Pro Dad Postpartum Support International A Call to Men National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse Men's Health Network 15 Real Talk Blogs for Men and New Dads Please note: Verve Psychotherapy LCSW, PLLC is not responsible for the content of or service(s) provided by any of these resources.
  • What are some resources for women?
    Women's Health & Mental Health Healthy Women Postpartum Support International NYS DOH Women's Health The EveryGirl's Self-Care Check-In Journal 50 Positive Affirmations for Women A Guide for Women Seeking Mental Health Assistance Women's Mental Health Constortium of NYC Hello Seven Women on the Remake 9 Standout Podcasts by Women for Women 5 (New) Books Written by Women That Get Real About Mental Health 3 Things to Do if You Want Your Husband to Join You in Starting Couples Therapy Please note: Verve Psychotherapy LCSW, PLLC is not responsible for the content of or service(s) provided by any of these resources.
  • What are some resources for LGBQIA & Trans/NB Folx?
    PRIDE Health Research Consortium: Mental Health & Wellness Resources NYC Health + Hospitals' LGBTQ Health Care Resources NYC Health + Hospitals' LGBTQ Community Resources NYS DOH: Appointing a Health Care Proxy LGBTQ Coronavirus Resources - NYC Unity Project PFLAG NYC Gay Pride - LGBT & Queer Voices NYC Pride NAMI LGBTQI Resources Association of LGBTQ+ Psychiatrists Online Referral System Gender Justice Please note: Verve Psychotherapy LCSW, PLLC is not responsible for the content of or service(s) provided by any of these resources.
  • What are some resources for couples?
    An Emotionally Focused Workbook for Couples Jourdan Virginia's Best Resources for Couples The Gottman Institute's Blog The Gottman Institute's Cards Deck App The Gottman Institute's Marriage Minute Email Subscription 4 Resources for Couples Who Can't Afford Therapy Esther Perel's Resources for Couples The New Rules of Marriage: What You Need to Know to Make Love Work Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents: How to Heal From Distant, Rejecting, or Self-Involved Parents Please note: Verve Psychotherapy LCSW, PLLC is not responsible for the content of or service(s) provided by any of these resources.
  • What are some resources for anti-racism?
    Organizations: Anti-Racism Project's Resources Page Dismantling Racism Showing Up for Racial Justice Resources Page The BIPOC Project NASW Racial Equity Resources Page BLM Resources Page Stop AAPI Hate Act Now Page Stop AAPI Hate Resources Page League of United Latin Citizens NAACP Take Action Page NAACP Resources Page Hello7 Town Hall on Small Business Reimagined and the Anti-Racist Small Business Pledge Available Courses on Anti-Racism through Coursera BIPOC-Focused Books & Articles: Ijeoma Oluo's Book "So You Want to Talk About Race" Ibram X. Kendi's Book "How To Be An Antiracist" Ibram X. Kendi's Article in The Atlantic: "Opponents of Critical Race Theory Are Arguing with Themselves (There is No Debate Over Critical Race Theory)" Resmaa Menakem's Book "My Grandmother's Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts" The New York Times Magazine: The 1619 Project Podcasts: Be Antiracist Podcast with Ibram X. Kendi Antiracist Parenting Podcast Becoming An Antiracist - The Podcast BIPOC-Focused Mental Health: Sunshine Behavioral Health: Mental Health Issues Facing the Black Community Mental Health America: Black and African American Communities and Mental Health Anxiety & Depression Association of America: Mental Health Resources for the Black Community Whiteness & Anti-Racism Resources: Frank Baird, LMFT, LPCC Whiteness & Anti-Racism Resources Page The Private Practice Startup: Anti-Racism Resources for White People Jonathan Metzl's Book "Dying of Whiteness: How the Politics of Racial Resentment is Killing America's Heartland" Tim Weiss' Book "White Like Me" Robin DiAngelo's Book "White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism" Talking About Race: Resources for Parents and Kids Please note: Verve Psychotherapy LCSW, PLLC is not responsible for the content of or service(s) provided by any of these resources.
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