Overview

I'm a clinical psychologist in private practice in New York City.  My clients are improving the quality of their lives in one way or another: learning to manage their stress, moods, relationships, and the challenges of life and work; they want to let go of regrets and resentments; they have issues related to attention and productivity, addictive tendencies, traumatic histories, and self-sabotaging compulsions; they are alienated from themselves and want to know who they are, what they want from life, and how to make it happen; many are healthy and functional and want work toward peak performance in business, the arts, and sports.

My Style

My philosophy is pragmatic and active. We start where you are, get to know you, identify where you want to go and get to work. We build on your strengths while we work on the things that hold you back. All goals share the basic aim of improving the quality of your life, whether you are lost and in crisis or functioning well and seeking optimal health or peak performance. The context is loving and compassionate, and it is active and pragmatic. I see you holistically, understanding the interplay of your psychology, physical health, neurology, habits and routines, relationships, spiritual life.

My style is inseparable from my personality. I'm grounded, kind, warm, and lighthearted; I'm professional and proficient; I'm attentive, active, and engaged. I place a high priority on attuning to where you are emotionally, in every moment; wherever you go, I'm there with you. I join you in thinking through your issues as we gain insight on the underlying issues and develop new skills to manage them. This kind of therapy is a creative process where every word and moment is important in building shared meanings that help you.

My training is extensive. I am a discerning consumer of the science, theory, and research relevant to mental health care, and of a wide range of alternative modalities. I have spent my life studying and practicing a variety of complementary methods and developing a deep understanding of what they have to offer. We will find what works for you and tailor a plan to improve your quality of life.

Background

I received my doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Columbia University. My training includes an APA-accredited internship and extensive experience in hospitals and university settings throughout New York City, including Lenox Hill, Mt. Sinai, Beth Israel, New York State Psychiatric Institute/Columbia University Medical Center, and Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine. I have completed specialized training in the treatment of trauma, mindfulness practices, meditation techniques, forgiveness and self-forgiveness, divorce mediation, neurofeedback/biofeedback, stages of change, cognitive therapy of depression and anxiety, and performance and sport psychology.

In addition to practicing psychotherapy: I have since 2004 supervised the clinical work of doctoral candidates in the Department of Counseling and Clinical Psychology at my alma mater, Teachers College, Columbia University; I have served on the advisory board of a number of charitable and non-profit organizations; I have been an instructor and adjunct faculty member, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses on human development and comparative psychotherapies.

Education

  • Doctor of Philosophy, 2003, Teachers College - Columbia University, Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology

  • Master of Philosophy, 2001, Teachers College - Columbia University, Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology

  • Master of Science, 2000, Teachers College - Columbia University, Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology

  • Master of Science, 1997, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Department of Human Development and Family Studies

  • Bachelor of Arts, 1990, The Colorado College, Colorado Springs, CO

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Psychotherapy Sessions

Psychotherapy sessions are 45 minutes in length. I typically meet with clients on a weekly basis, although other arrangements are sometimes made based on your individual needs.

Rates

My rates are available upon request. If you require a reduced fee we will try to arrive at a manageable monthly cost. If I cannot accommodate you I will try my best to provide you with alternative treatment options that work within your budget.

Insurance

If you plan to seek reimbursement from your insurance plan it is important to fully understand your mental health coverage. I will regularly provide you with the necessary paperwork to submit for reimbursement but I do not directly participate in any insurance plans and will be considered by all plans to be an "out-of-network provider". However, most plans do reimburse for out-of-network providers and you should inquire about the extent of coverage from your insurance carrier:

  • Does my plan include mental health benefits?

  • How many sessions per calendar year does my plan cover (and when does the session count reset)?

  • How much does my plan cover for an out-of-network provider?

  • What is the coverage amount for individual therapy sessions?

  • What is my deductible for mental health services?

  • Do I need a referral from my primary care physician?

Payment

I provide you with an invoice at the end of every month, at which time payment is expected. I accept cash, personal check, credit cards, and various financial transaction apps.

Cancellation Policy

Your scheduled appointment time is reserved for you. I require at least 24 hours notice to cancel an appointment. If you do not attend an appointment and have not notified me at least 24 hours in advance, you are responsible to pay the full session cost. Please be aware that most insurance companies will not cover missed or cancelled appointments. I do my best to offer opportunities to reschedule missed appointments in order to avoid charging for missed sessions.

Confidentiality

Your information is kept in the strictest confidence, as mandated by the legal and ethical provisions of the profession of psychology. I will not disclose your information without your written consent, with the following exceptions:

  • If I suspect child abuse or dependent adult/elder abuse, I am required by law to make an immediate report to the appropriate authorities.

  • If a client threatens serious harm to another person, I am required by law to notify the police and the intended victim.

  • If a client threatens to cause imminent harm to himself/herself, I will make every effort to enlist the cooperation of the client in ensuring his/her safety. If an individual does not cooperate I will take further measures without his/her consent that are afforded to me by the law to ensure the client’s safety.

Initial Evaluation

I offer prospective clients a brief phone consultation free of charge. During this conversation, I will ask you some questions about yourself and the reasons you are seeking therapy at this time. We will also discuss some practical matters, such as scheduling and insurance coverage. The first few in-person meetings serve as an evaluation period. I will want to hear in more detail what brought you into therapy, what troubles you have been experiencing, and how you have been coping so far. I will encourage you to ask me questions during this time. As this period progresses I will provide you my initial impressions about what would help you make meaningful improvements to the quality of your life and what you would need to to achieve your goals in the short- and long-term. Also, we will mutually decide if I am the best person to provide the services that you need, or if I can make an appropriate referral for an adjunctive or alternative provider.