What are the benefits of Counseling?
Seeking counseling with a therapist can be incredibly valuable to your mental well being and daily decision making. We know when things are not right and going to seek a counselor is an opportunity to learn about these issues and utilizing them to grow. There are bad things that happen to all of us and we often make poor decisions. That’s ok. As long as we learn from them. I always say, you can make 100 mistakes just don’t make the same mistake 100 times. Counseling provides a safe space to be able to explore those choices, learn and make better ones in the future.
What is your Counseling Style?
My counseling style always leans towards positivity and honesty. I bring the truth with me and expect clients to be honest with themselves about their situations. I utilize humor and encouragement to help uncover the greatest strengths in each individual. My belief in collaboration and working together to tailor to your unique treatment goals is consistently at the focus. That’s not to say you will not be challenged. If we don’t push outside our comfort zones we never grow so I let clients know that you get out of counseling what you put into it. But we’re in it together!
What do we do in a counseling session?
Talk. Think. Learn. Grow. Heal. Listen. Laugh. Get organized.
This is my first time seeking therapy and I’m feeling very nervous about talking to someone. Is this normal?
OF COURSE!! Seeking a therapist for the first time can be very nerve wracking and downright scary! You’re going in to speak to a stranger about issues that are very personal to you. Know that we go at your own pace and work together to address your personal goals. in your first session we will discuss ideas of what you’d like to work on or address and by the end you will have a good idea whether or not it’s a “good fit” for you. If it’s not a good fit or you have specific needs that I may not be equipped to properly manage, I offer professional referrals or advice on next best steps to lead you in the right direction. Much like any other professional or service you have to find the one that you feel most comfortable with so don’t get discouraged with the process of seeking your counselor.
What happens during my first appointment?
For your first appointment, we will go over your intake paperwork and try to identify goals to work towards. We will also discuss confidentiality details and I’ll ask questions about what brings you in and what you hope to gain from our time together.
How much do you charge for each session?
Individual therapy sessions (45 minutes) - $110
Individual therapy sessions (60 Minutes) - $130
Family or Couples therapy sessions (60 Minutes) - $165
** Additional time for sessions can be discussed after initial session if needed **
How do I pay for my session?
A valid credit card is REQUIRED to keep on file in order to secure your initial session. After completing the session, payment will be charged to the credit card on file by end of the day. Autopay options can be set up through the online management system for convenience. All Payments must be paid via credit card through our online system at this time and the following cards are accepted Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover.
Do I need insurance?
Although I do accept Aetna, Cigna, Optum and some other insurances, I also provide out of network services for direct pay. Superbills will be provided for clients who wish to submit for reimbursement through their insurance providers. All payments must be made through credit card in our secure online payment management system.
How do you provide services?
I currently provide only telehealth services to people residing in New York and Florida. There are no in office visits at this time. All sessions will be conducted via video with phone session exceptions being made only in cases of emergencies. All clients will be invited to a HIPPA compliant site and create an online account with a secure password. This will allow you to proceed in a paperless intake process, view, book and cancel appointments, make online payments, communicate in secure messaging directly with your therapist, and receive invoices or monthly statements all from the convenience of your phone or laptop.
What is Telehealth?
Telehealth allows us to meet through a HIPAA-compliant video conferencing software. Instead of traveling to an office, you hop on your computer/tablet or smartphone and receive a HIPAA-secure link to your email to gain access to the video chat.
Who do you provide services for?
I am currently licensed in the state of NY and FL to provide counseling services to individuals, couples, and families who reside within those states via telehealth.
What do I need for Telehealth services?
You can attend a telehealth session on Zoom via desktop, laptop, tablet, or mobile device (iOS or Android). For best service and connection, It is recommended that you have a reliable Wi-fi connection. I also request that sessions be conducted in a quiet and private place where you will feel comfortable speaking freely. All sessions will be conducted via video with the exception of phone sessions made in emergency situations.
How long will I need therapy?
Therapeutic needs are as unique as each clients individual and group goals which means that duration in therapy will vary. I lean towards a practice called solution focused brief therapy which is present centered and future focused. Meaning that we will look at where are we at today, where do we want to be, and how do we get there. Once we start making progress and positive changes in achieving your goals then we can discuss any new goals that you may wish to address or, if we mutually agree, simply terminate until you wish to return.
I have had several clients reach their goals and end sessions for a period of time and then an unexpected life event has them reach out again. I like to maintain an open door policy with all my clients to feel welcome to return when they feel the need. You may also discover in our work on the future goals that you may wish to focus more time on previous life events to help heal and move on. I am here to help facilitate to the best of my ability for as long as therapy is desired
Are your sessions confidential?
All sessions are confidential. Any information that you share with me from paperwork to anything discussed within sessions cannot be shared with others without your prior written permission or as required by law. As a licensed therapist I am legally a mandated reporter so exceptions to confidentiality in which I would need to report what is discussed are as follows: If you present an imminent threat of harm to yourself or others, or when there is an indication of abuse of a child, dependent adult, or elderly adult.
Do you provide court-mandated evaluations or testify in court?
Not at this time.
Do you provide Immigration Evaluations?
Not at this time.
Do you provide Emotional Support Animal documentation?
Not at this time.
What is your cancellation policy?
Appointments must be cancelled or rescheduled 24 hours prior to the day of the appointment. Cancellations can be done through your online account, via text/ phone call to 321-800-8443 or via email to mybestselftherapy@gmail.com. If a client does not show up or make contact within 15 minutes of session time beginning they will be charged a late fee.
All late cancellations/no shows will be charged the full fee! In the event of an emergency where there is a last minute cancellation or reschedule the amount can be credited towards the next session but this is at my discretion.
How do I make an appointment?
Click on the link below to schedule your initial free 15 minute phone consultation and we can see if I fit your current needs. I look forward to meeting you and working together on discovering ways to be your best self!