Frequently Asked Questions About Starting Therapy
Starting therapy can bring up a lot of questions—and that’s completely normal. Whether you're beginning therapy for anxiety, working through a major life transition, or exploring healing from religious trauma, this page answers many of the most common questions I receive.
You'll find helpful information about what to expect in therapy, how long therapy typically lasts, how private pay therapy works, and how out-of-network reimbursement may apply. My practice offers both in-person therapy in Summit, NJ and virtual therapy in PSYPACT-participating states.
What happens during the initial therapy consultation?
The initial therapy consultation is a brief phone call (typically 10–15 minutes) where we can explore whether therapy might be a good fit for your needs. During this call, I’ll ask a few questions to better understand what’s bringing you to therapy — whether that’s anxiety, overthinking, a major life change or life transition, or religious trauma — and explain how I approach therapy. You’ll also have an opportunity to ask any questions about the therapy process, fees, scheduling, or working together. If it feels like a good match, we’ll schedule your first full session, either in person at my Summit, NJ office or virtually through secure telehealth for clients in PSYPACT states. You can contact me here to schedule a consultation.
How do I know if I need therapy, even if things aren’t “that bad”?
It’s very common to wonder whether your challenges are “big enough” to justify starting therapy. The reality is that therapy can be helpful at any stage — whether you're navigating anxiety, perfectionism, people-pleasing, chronic overthinking, or going through a major life transition. You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit. Many people begin therapy simply because they’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure of how to move forward in work, relationships, or personal growth. Starting therapy early can help you build tools to manage anxiety, gain confidence in decision-making, and create meaningful change before challenges escalate.
What can I expect for the first session?
The first therapy session is focused on helping us get to know each other and ensuring you feel comfortable. We’ll talk about what’s bringing you to therapy — whether that’s anxiety, religious trauma, a life transition, or something else you’re navigating — and discuss your goals for therapy. I’ll ask questions to better understand your experiences, thought patterns, and the challenges you’ve been facing. You don’t need to have all the answers or a clear plan before starting — therapy is a process we’ll shape together, at your pace, with space for flexibility as your needs evolve.
How long will I need therapy for anxiety, life transitions, or trauma?
The length of therapy is different for everyone, depending on your goals and the challenges you’re facing. Some people engage in therapy for a few months to work through a specific issue, while others continue for longer to address anxiety, life transitions, perfectionism, or religious trauma more deeply. Most clients begin with weekly 55-minute sessions. As progress is made, we may shift to biweekly or occasional check-ins. Together, we’ll regularly review your needs and adjust the frequency and focus of sessions based on what feels most helpful for your growth.
How do I know when it’s time to end therapy?
Ending therapy is part of the process, and it’s something we’ll decide together. As you begin to feel more confident, less anxious, and more equipped to handle life’s challenges, we’ll discuss whether spacing out sessions or wrapping up makes sense. Many clients choose to return for occasional “booster” sessions in the future when new transitions or stressors arise. You don’t need to wait for a perfect moment to end therapy — we’ll work together to ensure you feel supported in making that decision when the time feels right.
Do you offer virtual therapy for people outside New Jersey?
​Yes! I am licensed in 43/50 states. I can provide telehealth services if you are located in one of these states or jurisdictions:
Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
It is best to take these calls in a quiet and secure location, where you feel you are able to speak freely. You will receive a link to a secure, virtual conference room prior to our appointment. You can request to receive this link via text message or email.
How much does therapy cost?
The rate is for $250 per session for each session. Sessions generally last 55 minutes.
Please do not feel dissuaded from therapy if cost is a concern for you. Most insurance plans offer some coverage for mental health benefits.
To check your mental health benefits, please call your insurance carrier and ask:
--How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?
--What is the coverage amount per 55-minute therapy session from a licensed clinical psychologist (CPT code 90837)?
--How much of a $250 fee can I expect to be covered?
--How do I submit superbills?
--How will I receive my reimbursement, and how long does it take for the claims to be processed?
While payment is due at the time of service, I can provide an itemized monthly billing statement that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement if you have out of network benefits. Clients are also often able to use their HSA or FSA accounts.
Why do you offer private pay therapy instead of taking insurance?
I choose to work out-of-network so I can provide the best care without the restrictions that insurance companies often impose. Insurance providers sometimes limit the number of sessions, require a mental health diagnosis, or dictate the type of treatment used. By working independently, I can tailor therapy to your needs—not to insurance guidelines.
That said, I understand that therapy is an investment. If cost is a concern, we can explore ways to make therapy more accessible, including submitting superbills for potential reimbursement.
How does out-of-network therapy reimbursement work with a superbill?
A superbill is a detailed receipt I provide that you submit to your insurance company. It includes everything your insurer needs to process out-of-network claims for therapy services. Reimbursement amounts vary by plan.
What is a Good Faith Estimate?
Effective January 1, 2022, the No Surprises Act protects uninsured or self-pay individuals from unexpectedly high medical bills. Individuals choosing private pay (or without health insurance) will receive a “good faith estimate” of what they may be charged upon request or after scheduling an appointment.
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If you receive a bill that is greater than $400 in excess of the GFE, you may be eligible for payment through the patient-provider dispute resolution (PPDR) process.
What resources are available if I’m in a mental health crisis?
​If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please seek immediate support by calling or texting 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), contacting 911, or going to your nearest emergency room. While therapy can provide long-term support for anxiety, religious trauma, or life transitions, crisis situations require immediate intervention from emergency services or crisis hotlines available 24/7.