Frequently Asked Questions
Are you accepting new clients?
Yes.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes, but not all. I work through my partner at Alma to connect with certain health insurances in New York State. Please note I do not accept BlueCross BlueShield Excellus Plans.
Choosing not to use your insurance may help ensure your privacy and prevent insurance companies from defining how much therapy you’re allowed to have. Additionally, it may actually benefit you to seek out-of-network services. For more information, click here for "8 Reasons to See an Out-of-Network Therapist."
You are also welcome to pay my private pay rate without worrying about insurance complications or limitations.
Will you call me back?
Absolutely, I will return your calls and respond to emails typically within two business days.
What age do you work with?
I work with adults age 23 and older.
How fast can you see me?
I’m frequently able to see new clients within 2-3 weeks.
Do you see people in-person or online?
I see clients all over New York State, both via telehealth video and in-person in Pittsford, NY.
Do I need Medications?
That’s a deeply personal decision. I am not a prescriber. However, if you’re debating whether medications may help you, I’d watch Taylor Tomlinson's PSA on Arm Floaties here and then speak with your doctor.
As someone who has taken prescribed medication for bipolar depression for over 20 years, I can say unequivocally that my medication has saved my life.
Do I need an addiction to work with you?
Absolutely not! My clients are diverse, encompassing individuals grappling with mental health issues, those battling drug/alcohol addictions and addictive behaviors, or a combination of both. I urge you to examine if there are actions or thought patterns in your current life that you recognize as unhealthy, yet continue to engage in.
Our collaborative efforts will aim to liberate you from these concerns and facilitate the embrace of a transformative change - one that is thrilling, purposeful, and aligned with your true self.
If I do have an addiction, do you require sobriety/clean time?
Yes. I work with clients in individual therapy that have earned a minimum of six months of sobriety. This provides a relatively stable starting point for the challenging journey in therapy. If you’re drinking or using a drug to avoid experiencing psychological pain, how can you possibly expect therapy to address that psychological pain to be effective?
Relapses can happen, and I know (personally!) that recovery is a challenging journey. This private practice is focused on providing the best support possible, though it's not an outpatient facility. If you relapse and sustaining long-term sobriety becomes difficult, we will work together to find the most appropriate level of care for you.
What are your credentials and areas of expertise?
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, a Nationally Certified Counselor, and a New York State Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor under a 5-year “T” status. I’ve worked in behavioral healthcare since 2011.
How much is private pay?
Services are provided for $150 per 50 minute session for individual therapy. Group therapy is currently $50 per week.
What is your background with group therapy?
I’ve dedicated over 1,000 hours to facilitating, co-facilitating, and engaging in hands-on learning with psychoeducational and relationship-focused groups. I am a member of the American Group Psychotherapy Association and actively participate in trainings provided by the Rochester Area Group Psychotherapy Association. I regularly participate with trainings and workshops run by faculty of The Center for Group Studies in New York City.
What are your prerequisites for group therapy?
Group therapy is an intensive and unique form of therapy. It is not for the faint of heart or for those inexperienced with psychotherapy. Please consult with your current therapist to determine if group therapy is right for you.
I do not include clients who have engaged in suicidal behavior within the past five years, nor do I accept new group members with less than one year of sobriety. Group therapy can be exceptionally rewarding, but it also poses significant demands. Members may find themselves triggered by topics or interactions.
Therefore, only those with a firm grasp of self-care strategies and, preferably, an individual therapist or similar support network in place will be selected for group therapy. For more information, please reach out to me directly or have your individual therapist send a referral for consideration.
What does “Therapy in Action” mean?
Great question! Do you how hard it is to create a tagline for a therapy website? It’s a challenge! “Therapy in Action” means our sessions will be active and engaging. While I'll be actively listening, I'll also be engaging in meaningful dialogue with you. I'll challenge any unhealthy thinking patterns, encourage you to be honest with your feelings, and support you in adhering to your values to create a more meaningful life. This is far from passive work. We'll also incorporate mindfulness exercises when appropriate, and I'll recommend shared reading, podcasts, videos, smartphone apps, and other media to help propel our therapy forward.
Who built your website?
I did! Sort of! But let’s give credit where credit is due. I crafted my own content drawing from my expertise and personal experiences, and utilized AI assistance for refining grammar. I created my website using a SquareSpace platform, images from Pexels, and my logo was created by the awesome staff at Diamondback Advertising.