Frequently Asked Questions
It is completely normal to have questions before starting psychiatric care. Whether you are wondering what to expect from your first appointment, how medication decisions are made, or whether virtual sessions might work for you, we hope you will find helpful answers here. If your question is not listed, please reach out. We are happy to talk through anything on your mind.
Perinatal & Postpartum Support Resources
Pregnancy and the postpartum period can bring significant emotional and mental health changes. The following trusted organizations offer education, guidance, and support for individuals navigating perinatal and postpartum mental health concerns.
Helpful Resources:
- Postpartum Support International (PSI): Education, referrals, and support for pregnancy and postpartum mental health.
- MotherToBaby: Evidence-based information on medication use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- March of Dimes: Resources focused on pregnancy, postpartum well-being, and infant health.
- The Blue Dot Project: Advocacy and awareness around postpartum depression and anxiety.
- Maternal Mental Health NOW: Tools and community resources to support maternal mental health.
These resources are provided for informational purposes and do not replace professional medical or mental health care.
These tools are provided for informational purposes and do not replace professional medical or mental health care.
Tools for Self-Care & Emotional Wellness
These tools can support mindfulness, emotional awareness, and daily self-care between sessions.
Helpful Tools:
- Headspace: Guided meditation and mindfulness exercises.
- Calm: Sleep support, relaxation, and stress reduction tools.
- Insight Timer: Free meditation app with a wide variety of mindfulness practices.
- Shine: Daily self-care strategies and affirmations.
- Therapist Aid: Free worksheets and tools for emotional health and personal growth.
- MindDoc: Mental health tracking app to help identify patterns and symptoms.
Crisis Support
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need immediate support, help is available 24/7.
Support Lines:
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for confidential support.
- Crisis Text Line:
Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
This page is not monitored for emergencies. If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a mental health crisis, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
Getting Started Questions
How do I know if psychiatric care is right for me?
If you have been struggling with your mood, anxiety, focus, or overall sense of wellbeing, and it is affecting your daily life, psychiatric care may help. You do not need to have a diagnosis or be in crisis to reach out. Many clients come in simply because something feels off and they want to understand what is happening. If you are unsure, we can start with a consultation to talk through whether this is the right fit.
What happens in the first appointment?
Your first appointment is a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. We will discuss your symptoms, your history, your life circumstances, and your goals. This is not a checklist. It is a conversation where we take the time to understand the full picture of what you are experiencing. By the end, you will have a clearer understanding of what is happening and we will discuss options for next steps together.
How do I schedule an appointment?
You can schedule by completing the contact form on our website or calling the office directly. Once we receive your request, we will reach out to confirm your appointment and send any intake paperwork. The process is simple, and our goal is to make it as easy as possible for you to take that first step.
What should I prepare before my first session?
You do not need to prepare anything specific. It can be helpful to think about what has been bothering you most and what you hope to get out of our work together, but there is no pressure to have all the answers. Just come as you are. We will figure it out together.
Logistics Questions
How long are appointments?
Initial evaluations are longer, typically 60 to 90 minutes, to allow time for a thorough assessment. Follow-up appointments are usually 20-40 minutes, as this can vary depending on your needs. We never rush through sessions. You will always have time to ask questions and discuss what matters to you.
How often will I need to come in?
This depends on your individual situation. Early in treatment, appointments may be more frequent so we can monitor how you are responding and make any needed adjustments. Over time, as things stabilize, appointments often become less frequent. We will work together to find a schedule that makes sense for you.
Do you offer virtual appointments?
Yes. Approximately 95% of our practice is virtual. We offer telehealth appointments throughout New York State, so you can meet with us from your home, office, or anywhere that feels comfortable. Virtual sessions are just as thorough as in-person visits. We also offer in-person appointments in Jericho, NY for those who prefer that option.
What is your cancellation policy?
We ask for at least 48 hours notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. Life happens, and we understand that things come up. If you need to cancel with less notice, please reach out as soon as possible so we can find another time that works.
Fees and Insurance Questions
What are your fees?
Current session fees are listed on the Fees and Insurance page. We believe in transparency, so you will always know what to expect before your appointment. If you have questions about cost, please reach out and we would be happy to discuss.
Do you accept insurance?
We are in-network with Aetna, Anthem BCBS, Cigna, Oscar, Oxford, United Healthcare, and 1199SEIU. We offer courtesy OON billing for NYSHIP - Beacon Health.
For all other plans, we can provide a superbill that you can submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement. Many clients with out-of-network benefits are able to recover a portion of their costs.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept credit cards, debit cards, and HSA/FSA cards. Payment is collected at the time of your appointment.
Treatment Questions
Will I need to take medication?
Not necessarily. Medication is one tool among many, and we never pressure anyone into a treatment they are not comfortable with. If medication is something we discuss, we will explain how it might help, what the options are, and what the potential risks and benefits look like. You will always be part of the decision-making process, and we will only move forward with what feels right to you.
Is medication safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
This is one of the most common concerns we hear from perinatal clients, and it is completely understandable. The answer depends on your individual situation. We take a careful, informed approach to medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and we will discuss all the options, risks, and benefits together. Your safety and your baby's wellbeing are always the priority.
Is everything I share confidential?
Yes. What you choose to share stays between us, with a few legal exceptions. We are required to break confidentiality if there is an imminent risk of harm to yourself or others, or in cases of suspected abuse or neglect. Outside of these situations, your privacy is protected. We are happy to discuss confidentiality in more detail during your first session.
What if I do not know what to talk about?
That is okay. You do not need to come with a prepared list or know exactly what to say. We will guide the conversation and ask questions to help us understand what is going on. Many clients feel this way at first, and it usually becomes easier once we get started.
Still Have Questions?
If there is something we did not cover here, we would love to hear from you. Reaching out with questions is a great first step, and there is no pressure to commit to anything before you are ready. Contact us anytime, and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
