Frequently Asked Questions
Honest answers to the questions most people have before starting therapy
The first session is about getting to know each other. I'll ask about what brought you here, what you're hoping to work on, and some background about your life and history. You'll also have the chance to ask me anything — about my approach, my experience, how I work. There's no pressure to dive deep right away. Think of it as a conversation, not an evaluation.
Absolutely. Most of my clients were nervous before their first session. That's completely normal. You don't need to have a diagnosis, a crisis, or even the "right words" to describe what you're feeling. Therapy is a space to figure things out, not a place where you need to arrive with answers.
We meet via a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform — similar to a Zoom call, but built for healthcare privacy. You'll need a device with a camera and microphone, a stable internet connection, and a private space where you feel comfortable talking. Research consistently shows that online therapy is as effective as in-person therapy for most conditions, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance use disorders. Many of my clients actually prefer it — no commute, more flexibility, and the comfort of being in your own space.
I'm in-network with Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Oxford, Oscar, Carelon Behavioral Health, Point32 Healthcare, and Quest Behavioral Health. If you have a different insurance plan, I can provide a superbill for out-of-network reimbursement. I believe therapy should be accessible, so please reach out if cost is a concern — I'm happy to discuss options.
That depends entirely on you and what you're working on. Some people come for a few months to work through a specific issue. Others stay longer for deeper, ongoing work. There's no minimum commitment, and we'll check in regularly about how things are going and what you want to keep focusing on. I'll never keep you in therapy longer than you want to be here.
Life happens. I ask for 24 hours' notice when possible, so I can offer your time slot to someone else on my waitlist. If you need to cancel with less notice due to an emergency, we'll work it out. The details of my cancellation policy will be provided when we start working together.
Yes, with a few important exceptions required by law. I'm ethically and legally bound to keep what you share in therapy confidential. The exceptions are situations involving imminent danger to yourself or others, suspected abuse of a child or vulnerable adult, or a court order. I'll explain all of this in detail during our first session so you know exactly where you stand.
That's exactly what the free 15-minute consultation is for. We'll talk, and I'll give you my honest assessment of whether therapy might help with what you're going through. There's zero pressure. If therapy isn't the right fit, I'll tell you — and if I think someone else would be a better match, I'll help you find them.
No. I'm a psychoanalyst and counselor, not a psychiatrist. If I believe medication could be helpful as part of your treatment, I'll recommend you speak with a psychiatrist or your primary care physician, and I'll coordinate with them (with your permission) to make sure your care is aligned.
These terms overlap a lot, and it can be confusing. A psychoanalyst (what I am) has specialized training in psychoanalytic and psychodynamic therapy — approaches that focus on unconscious patterns, early experiences, and the deeper roots of emotional suffering. A psychologist typically holds a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) and may do testing, research, and therapy. "Therapist" is a broader term that encompasses many types of licensed practitioners. What matters most is finding someone whose approach and personality feel right for you.