New Patient Guide
What to Expect
The first few sessions are spent getting to know you and understanding what brings you in. We talk about your symptoms, the situations that shape them, and what you hope will change. From there, we think together about what kind of help makes the most sense — whether that’s psychoanalytic psychotherapy, medication, a combination of both, or, at times, a different form of treatment altogether. As a doctor, my goal is to help you find the treatment that will genuinely be most beneficial for you.
Initial Consultation (Optional)
Before starting treatment, I offer a complimentary 20-minute phone or video consultation. This conversation is optional, but many people find it helpful as a first step. The consultation is a chance to briefly talk about what’s bringing you in, ask questions, and get a sense of how I work. We can also think together about what type of treatment may be most helpful. There’s no preparation required, and no commitment to begin treatment. Some people prefer to start here; others choose to schedule an appointment directly. Both are completely fine. You can book a complimentary consultation here or contact me to schedule an appointment or ask any questions you may have.
The First Session
Your initial appointment lasts 45 to 75 minutes. We’ll talk in more depth about your current concerns, relevant history, and what you’re hoping will change. There’s no need to prepare anything advance, but if you have previous records on relevant laboratory/imaging results, feel free to bring them. This first session helps lay the groundwork for our work together and allows us to begin thinking more carefully about the most appropriate treatment approach.
Ongoing Sessions
Once we begin working together, we meet at a pace that supports the kind of treatment we’ve chosen, usually 45 minutes per session. If we decide to work together, we typically meet once or several times per week depending on your needs and the depth of work you want to do. If we decide that medication alone is the right approach, sessions can be less frequent, focused on how you’re feeling, how symptoms are changing, and whether any adjustments are needed. Virtual sessions are available for established patients who primarily meet with me in person but occasionally cannot make it to the office.
Confidentiality
Confidentiality is essential for this work. What you share remains private. Insurers may require a diagnosis for reimbursement, but no further details are shared without your permission.
Payment and Insurance
I am an out-of-network provider, and many patients are surprised to learn that their insurance reimburses a large portion of the fee — sometimes most of it. I will provide the documentation you need each month to submit to your insurer. Payment can be made via Zelle, Venmo, check, or cash. I am currently not able to see patients with Aetna.
Sliding Scale / Financial Assistance
If you are concerned about whether you can afford treatment, we can submit your first session to your insurance without requiring payment upfront. This will help determine how much your insurance reimburses. I also offer a sliding scale, individually determined based on your ability to pay and the frequency of treatment.
If You’re Not Sure I’m the Right Doctor
If at any point you feel another clinician might be a better fit, I will help you find someone appropriate. The goal is for you to receive the care that best suits your needs.