FAQ
Where is your office located?
The location of our in-person office is between 1st and 2nd Avenues.
314 East 79th Street New York, NY 10075
We all have virtual offices using a HIPPA-approved platform called Simple Practice.
What is telehealth?
Since the pandemic, telehealth services have become available for therapy sessions online in the comfort of your home. Sessions occur virtually through a secure online platform called “Simple Practice,” which adheres to HIPAA confidentiality requirements. Virtual sessions allow real-time conversations with your psychotherapist, like a video call.
You can view sessions via a laptop, computer, iPad, or phone. You will need a strong internet connection, headphones, a quiet place for your sessions, and a working camera on your electronic device.
Telehealth is also a convenient and safe way to connect for psychotherapy sessions. You will receive email or text reminders sharing your session’s URL electronic link into the virtual session room.
What are your fees?
Individual therapy is $150 – $400, depending on the clinician, service type, and service length.
We provide a sliding scale for those in need.
Do you accept insurance?
Do you provide out-of-network benefits?
Yes, we are considered out-of-network providers. Check with your out-of-network benefits. People are often surprised at how much their insurance will reimburse for our services. We require upfront payment from you but will provide you with a superbill that you can submit for reimbursement from your insurance provider.
What should I ask my insurance company?
Here are some questions to ask your insurance company.
Do I have a deductible? How much? If yes, how much of the deductible have I met? You are responsible for paying for the full services until you meet your deductible. We will submit claims on your behalf, letting your insurance know how much you have paid toward your deductible.
Does my plan offer any out-of-network benefits for mental health? If so, how much reimbursement will I receive per session? Do I need a referral or prior approval to obtain out-of-network benefits?
Are there any limitations on how many sessions my plan covers for mental health?
What forms of payment do you accept?
Is therapy confidential?
Your privacy is a serious priority. Feel free to share with whomever you choose about your work with your therapist. Everything your therapist and you discuss in your sessions will be confidential, with a few exceptions. If you are using your insurance, your insurance company will have access to your diagnosis, dates, and types of services and can request notes of your sessions for insurance purposes.
Sometimes it may be helpful for your therapist to speak with outside providers for continuity of care; in these cases, we will obtain verbal and/or written consent from you. Clinicians on The Empowerment Opportunity Team may discuss aspects of your therapy with each other only for your treatment planning, educational and supervisory purposes. Mandated by New York State law, exceptions to confidentiality are as follows:
– If your therapist learns of any alleged child/elder abuse or neglect, they are required by law, as mental health professionals, to report this to the State Child Abuse Registry or State Adult Protective Services.
– If your therapist deems you to be a danger to yourself or others, they may need to break confidentiality to assure your safety or the safety of others.
– If they are court-ordered to disclose your therapy.
What is your cancellation policy?
We require at least 24-hour notice; otherwise, we will charge you the total billable amount unless you can arrange a makeup time for the same week with your therapist.
How often do I need to come to therapy?
What if I don't feel a connection with my therapist?
Therapy is a very personal matter. For therapy to be successful, you need to feel safe and comfortable with your therapist. Sometimes this takes a few weeks to determine. We recommend giving it at least four weeks to decide.
Suppose you are not comfortable or would prefer a different style. In that case, we can refer you to someone else in our practice, or we can refer you to our large network of mental health professionals outside of our organization. We aim to help you find the right person to meet your needs.
With whom do you work?
Do you prescribe medication?
We do not prescribe medication; however, if needed, we can connect you to one of the psychiatrists or nurse practitioners with whom we have relationships. With your consent, we are happy to collaborate with them
Your website discusses different approaches. How do you decide what kind of therapy to use?
First, we do a comprehensive assessment of your needs. We will ask you about your struggles, symptoms, and goals. Then, we take a complete history and learn as much about you as possible based on your strengths, style, and preferences.
We will collaborate on which interventions make the most sense for you, as we explain the different approaches and give you options. Our ultimate goal is to empower you to find the healing process that best suits you.