Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do you accept insurance?

Although I do not participate with any insurance companies, the services provided are often reimbursable through your insurance plan's out-of-network benefits. To find out what your plan covers, call the number on your insurance card and inquire about coverage for an out-of-network provider for the specific services you are receiving (i.e. assessment and individual therapy). Be sure to ask if there is a deductible and the maximum allowable reimbursement. All services are billed directly to the client, with full payment expected at the time of the service. After each session, you will receive a superbill with all the necessary information required by insurance companies to process your bill, which you can submit to your insurance for reimbursement through your out-of-network benefits.

Q: Does CBT Work?

The short answer is YES. Research has demonstrated that CBT is an effective treatment for a wide range of issues, including depression, generalized anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic attacks, agoraphobia, post-traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety and other phobias, insomnia, body-focused repetitive behaviors, procrastination, and other stress-related disorders, among others. Most patients who seek CBT find it very helpful, often experiencing it as significantly more problem-focused, organized, and active compared to their previous therapy experiences.

Q: What is the advantage of CBT over other treatment approaches?

  • Proven Effective: Countless research studies have shown that CBT is an effective treatment. For many disorders, CBT has been found to be more effective than other forms of psychotherapy and is comparable to medication.

    Short-term: CBT achieves results in a timely manner, often requiring a shorter duration of treatment compared to traditional psychotherapy approaches.

    Cost-effective: As an active and focused therapeutic approach, CBT is generally less expensive than other forms of therapy due to its shorter duration. The emphasis on skill-building and independent practice reduces the overall length of treatment and the potential for needing to pursue treatment again.

    Lasting Results: CBT equips clients with practical strategies that enable them to become their own therapists, ensuring they can continue to benefit from the skills learned long after therapy has ended.

Q: How long is a typical course of treatment with CBT?

The duration of successful treatment is difficult to predict as it depends on many factors, including the severity of symptoms and impact symptoms have on functioning. A "typical" course of CBT varies: for mild symptoms, treatment may take 2 to 3 months; for moderate symptoms, 4 to 5 months; and for severe symptoms, 4 to 6 months of weekly sessions, but it can take longer depending on the complexity of the issue.

Generally, the more specific and mild the problem, the shorter the treatment duration. Issues that are more generalized and long-standing usually require more time to address, as treatment involves changing deeply ingrained behavioral patterns. Regardless of the treatment length, you should expect to see some noticeable improvement within the first month of sessions and continued progress thereafter.

Q: How do I decide if I should begin treatment with you or with another therapist?

When choosing a therapist, it's important to evaluate their credentials to determine their expertise in the treatment being provided. This is an investment in your time and finances. As a consumer, I would encourage you to reach out a handful of therapists and ask them questions to ensure they are a good match for you. The following could be helpful resources when talking to therapists about their treatment approach:

https://www.abct.org/fact-sheets/guidelines-for-choosing-a-therapist/

https://adaa.org/sites/default/files/Finding%20the%20Right%20Therapist.pdf

https://iocdf.org/ocd-finding-help/how-to-find-the-right-therapist/

I specialize in cognitive behavioral therapy and have received specialized training from nationally and internationally recognized organizations. You can find detailed information about my credentials in the About section of my website.

Once you've reviewed my credentials, feel free to reach out for a free 10-15 minute phone call to discuss the assessment process and address any questions you may have. Establishing a comfortable working relationship is crucial for effective treatment.