Our work is not about diets.
Our work is about self care.
How often will I have to come to therapy?
The best therapy happens in the continuity of weekly sessions. Once a good base is established it may be possible to go to biweekly sessions. When you’ve reached your desired results, monthly sessions are possible for check-ins to make sure you’re maintaining your goals.
How long will I have to stay in therapy?
I know you’re anxious to see results — and changing stubborn habits can take time. Everyone has different needs and there is no way to predict how long it will take to address them. Impatience and impulsive decisions often contribute to bingeing and over eating. It’s important to be patient with the process and yourself.
How long before I stop bingeing or over eating?
Each person and situation is unique. Some people stop bingeing quickly and other don’t. It took time for this problem to develop, it can take time to resolve and it’s important to give it time. The sooner we get started the sooner you will see the positive changes in your life.
How long before I start losing weight?
Again, each person and their situation is unique. My goal for you is to uncover the reasons you use food to comfort yourself and to help you become unburdened from the habit so that weight loss lasts a lifetime.
Do I have to be on a diet to work with you?
Our work is not about diets. Our work is about self-care. If you choose, you may work with a nutritionist in your quest for support around your goals.
What kind of therapy do you practice?
I practice individual and group therapy using Internal Family Systems, Tapas Acupressure Technique, Dream Interpretation and common sense. I also provide supervision and consultation for psychotherapists, and trainings on documentation for clinicians and clinics.
Do you see people with other problems besides weight related issues?
Yes. I also see people dealing with early mother loss, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships, transitions, grief and blocks to creativity.
How will I know if you are the right person for me?
I offer a free 30 minute phone consultation so you can get your questions answered. Send me an email or call 617.522.6611 to set up a time.
What are your office hours?
I have some day and some evening hours open. Please call or send an e-mail for an appointment.
What insurances do you accept?
I am currently empaneled with all Blue Cross Blue Shield plans.
What are your rates without insurance?
$175 per initial session
$150 per individual 50-minute session
$175 per 1.25-hour session
I occasionally offer a sliding scale and student rates when available and appropriate.
For anyone with a PPO insurance plan (a plan that lets you see any provider out of network, or if you have a HSA, I can provide a superbill (itemized receipt) for reimbursement.
Why would I not use insurance if I have it?
There are benefits to not using insurance if you can afford the cost of treatment.
The most prevalent reason is that for insurance to cover mental health care, a diagnosis must be made. This means that the diagnosis and the accompanying treatment become a part of your permanent medical record and can be considered a “pre-existing condition” in the future. Though mental health treatment has received “parity” under the law, the law is not yet well-implemented or regulated.
Insurance companies have the right to “audit” my records and determine if your mental health care justifies “medical necessity.” This means you must have specific and severe enough symptoms to warrant a diagnosis. The good news is that some people who want and would benefit from therapy don’t have enough symptoms to justify a diagnosis. This means, if you want to use your insurance, you can’t. An ethical therapist cannot diagnose for the sake of using insurance.
There is a lot more confidentiality with your treatment without insurance as your records are only seen by your provider. (They can also be seen by other people and organizations but only if you give written authorization or if ordered by a court of law.) When insurance is billed, they can audit your records at any time, which gives them full access to any details your therapist has, including progress notes.
If you plan to buy life insurance at any time, the underwriter will demand access to your medical record. Upon seeing a mental health diagnosis, you could be denied insurance, or your premium may be increased because of it.
Finally, there is greater flexibility and autonomy in your treatment without insurance because there are no restrictions on length of care or frequency of sessions.
Do you provide teletherapy?
I believe that the best therapy happens with face-to-face sessions. Offering teletherapy is a case-by-case basis and something that I try very hard not to do. However, I do utilize teletherapy to accommodate clients occasionally under certain circumstances such as inclement weather, having to stay at home with a sick child, etc. If you are using insurance, your plan must cover video conferencing or teletherapy. If is does not, you will need to pay for that session yourself.
What payment methods do you accept?
I’m old fashion and accept cash and check at the time of service. I will keep a credit card on file in case of a no-show appointment.
What is your cancellation policy?
I require a minimum of 48 hours’ notice to cancel/reschedule appointments. No-shows or late cancellations will result in a fee equal to the full session fee that was scheduled. Clients that no show or cancel late twice risk being discharged from services.
Do you prescribe medications?
No, I am not a medical doctor. However, I am happy to offer referrals to psychiatrists or prescribing nurse practitioners for you to see if you wish to pursue medication management services.
If you have any additional questions, please email me.
