Psychotherapy

Getting You Better

Therapy can and should be a positive, life-changing experience. But the decision to seek psychotherapy and the search for a compassionate, skilled therapist can be daunting challenges. As a therapist for over 25 years, I remain in awe of my clients for their bravery and commitment to the work of therapy. My best outcomes are those willing to invest time in themselves – and who truly want fuller lives and stronger relationships. My goals are to partner with my clients, learn what they need to feel better, and help them find it.

I have an open, direct style and a recovery-oriented, strengths-based approach that I believe is the most effective way to build healing, therapeutic relationships. I use a variety of treatment approaches depending on the needs of my clients. These include cognitive-behavioral therapy and insight-oriented psychotherapy.

I am a clinician, college teacher, consultant, and formerly a nonprofit executive. I have worked internationally, broadening my understanding of the shared struggles of people everywhere. My diverse background enables me to offer real-world, as well as academic and clinically informed treatment.

Specialties

Addiction, anxiety or fears, depression, divorce, domestic violence, eating disorders, family conflict, impulse control disorders, mood disorders, parenting, relationship issues, self-esteem, trauma, and PTSD.

Success Factors

Therapy should be a rewarding, beneficial, life-changing experience. I believe the following states of mind are excellent predictors of a positive therapy experience:
Be hopeful, but not naïve
Successful therapy is a partnership between therapist and client where the goals are clear and shared. The therapist helps bring the issues and potential solutions to light. In turn, the client must commit the emotional horsepower to change the things that need to be changed.
Trust your instincts
Therapy, like any relationship, requires a good fit between clinician and client. If you are uncomfortable, ask questions. Working through the relationship is an important part of the therapeutic process.
No matter why you came, make the best of it
You may not have sought therapy on your own, but rather as a result of an angry or sad spouse or life partner, a concerned parent or friend, or even a court order. No matter what the reason, put aside any anger and resentment you may have and be open to the opportunity to learn and grow.
Focus on your strengths
Most of my clients are trying their best to navigate life's everyday and emotional challenges – but have ended up in a place they cannot get out of on their own. When we hurt, we often feel we are not "good enough" – and act as if that were true. With courage and good therapy, you can learn a more accurate and balanced perspective of your strengths and weaknesses.
If you are struggling, so are those in your family and other relationships
We're not equipped, physically or emotionally, to live in isolation. Many of us live isolated existences, rarely the desired state. Others are in emotionally disconnected relationships. Good therapy helps heal these disconnections – within ourselves and with others who are important to us. Family, partners, work, school, children, friends – all these relationships are affected by our happiness and pain. When someone is in pain, those around them adjust their own inner and outer lives. Sometimes this is conscious and deliberate; more often, is it not. Rarely can one person heal or grow without a change in those closest to them, which is why couples and family therapy can contribute to personal growth and change.

Payment and Insurance

While I dislike that money determines access to care, it is a reality today. I will do my best to make arrangements that meet your needs. I currently accept the following insurance plans:

Anthem Blue Cross / Blue Shield
CIGNA
TRICARE
Medicaid

Medicare
MultiPlan
Optum
Beacon/Value Options
Healthy CT
Connecticare

To avoid surprises, please verify your health insurance coverage when you make your first appointment.

I am always open to enrolling in other insurance plans, so please let me know if you don't see yours here. Even if I cannot enroll in your plan, you can often see me through your "out of network" coverage. Call your insurance company to find out.

Co-pays & Deductibles

Co-pay amounts vary from plan to plan and type of service (prescriptions vs. doctor's visits vs. therapy). It's best to call your insurance company, or check their website, to determine your benefits. I prefer that you pay your co-pay when you see me, but I also accept monthly payments. Be sure to ask what your deductible payments are so you know from the start how much your out of pocket costs will be.

Fees, Self-pay, and Sliding Scales

Sessions are 50 minutes. My fee for your initial diagnostic visit is $250. Individual psychotherapy sessions are $175. Family and couples sessions are $200. Check your insurance plan to find out what it will pay. For clients with no insurance coverage, I offer a sliding scale based on the ability to pay, determined individually.

Guidelines

I'll always be on time for our scheduled appointments and always provide the full 50 minutes. If I'm ill or have an emergency, I'll call you as soon as possible to reschedule. I expect the same courtesy from you.
I expect you to be on time for our appointments consistently.
If you need to cancel, I expect you to call or email with at least 24 hours' notice.
I understand it is sometimes difficult to come to therapy. Life and weather can get in the way, and sometimes you don't want to face the issues we're working on. But, except in extreme emergencies, it is unacceptable to miss an appointment without a call or email. "I forgot" is not a suitable excuse. I charge my full fee in these situations, payable in cash at the next session. We will also discuss whether or not to continue therapy because if you don't come to scheduled appointments, I can't help you.
If you are involved in the legal system or with other mandatory or obligatory agencies or systems, they will typically ask for reports, phone calls, and sometimes court appearances by your therapist. Occasional phone calls or faxes are a reasonable part of my work with you. Extensive report writing or court appearances are not. I typically charge my regular rate, plus expenses, for a time beyond what is reasonable. These costs are not covered by insurance. Please let me know before you begin treatment if you anticipate any of these situations.