FAQ

Therapy is for everyone! 

No matter if you're wondering how to manage an upcoming or current life transition or want to explore deep-rooted issues, therapy can help you process your emotions, understand your behaviors, and find ways to manage and cope with the stressors that show up in your life.

First, we will have a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation. If we both find that we're a good fit for your needs and goals, we'll set up an initial appointment, which will be a video call through a HIPAA-compliant platform. 

This platform will host any consent forms and initial documentation that I will ask you to fill out before the first session so I can get to know you better and better guide our sessions.

You will get a link emailed to you and we will meet for 45-60 minutes to discuss what is bringing you here and how it's impacting your life. 

If after this, we still believe that we are a good fit, we will create a plan for how we will work together to resolve any challenges you are facing as a guide for future sessions. 

We will then meet at a mutually agreed upon frequency (typically weekly) to work towards your discussed goals.

There is no finite answer to this - and for good reason!

Everyone's journey is incredibly different. We all have different reasons for beginning therapy for different reasons, and once that is resolved, they might feel safe and prepared to continue managing future issues on their own. Others might enjoy the benefits of having a regular, safe space to discuss challenges in their life on an ongoing basis.

We are complex beings, and between our personal, professional, and social selves, there can be a lot of ground to cover.

We will discuss session frequency based on your goals (typically once-weekly 45-minute sessions). We will also check in regularly to make sure we are meeting your goals as expected, or are discussing additional needs or services that might best support your therapy journey.

YES... but! In order to meet with a therapist, the therapist must be licensed in the state you live in. I am licensed in both New York and Maryland, so as long as your primary address is linked to either of those states, we can work together! 

The Mind Lab is a completely remote practice. This allows me to meet with clients in multiple states, as well as for each client to have the privacy they need, in a space they feel comfortable, on a schedule that works for them! Sessions will be conducted fully through a HIPAA-compliant video call platform called Simple Practice.

You will get a link for the video call before each session. If the link doesn't come through or you're having issues, simply email or text me and we can troubleshoot together!

Yes! Telehealth is as effective as in-person therapy for many people. There have been tons of studies and research done to demonstrate the effectiveness of Telehealth in terms of symptom reduction, client satisfaction, and therapeutic progress when compared to traditional, in-person therapy. 

Effectiveness largely depends on the client's comfort level with technology, the quality of the therapeutic relationship, and the therapist's skills in adapting to the virtual environment. 

Benefits of Telehealth include:

• accessibility to therapy by eliminating commute time which can improve attendance and treatment outcomes

• the comfort of being in a space that feels safe for the client (wherever that space may be for the client) as well as the flexibility of scheduling to accommodate busy lifestyles

• effective communication through reading non-verbal cues, which is crucial for effective therapy

• allowing clients to continue treatment whereas other circumstances might have interrupted, including travel, relocation, or illness

• reduces stigma around seeking therapy, as individuals can participate in sessions privately from a space of their choosing

It's important to remember that Telehealth is not for everyone! Some reasons can include valuing face-to-face interactions, not feeling safe to communicate about certain issues while in your own home, or having specific treatment needs that require in-person observation and interventions.

There are a few options for session payment. The Mind Lab does not accept or bill through insurance. However, if your insurance has Out-of-Network Benefits, I will send you a "Superbill" to be submitted to your insurance for reimbursement. This reimbursement can be anywhere from 0-100% of your session fee and depends on your insurance plan. Medicaid plans do not offer this type of coverage.

If you do not have these benefits, you might use HSA/FSA from work or pay out of pocket via credit card.

You are responsible for the full payment at the time of the session. Your billing information is securely stored in our Client Portal, where you will be charged at the beginning of each session.

All billing documents are available to you in your client portal for your convenience.

If payment is not received at the time of your appointment, you will be required to submit an additional form of payment or forfeit your appointment time.

Please also note that missed appointments or appointments with a late cancellation fee are not eligible for insurance reimbursement.

Please review our Practice Policies for more information.

By not contracting with insurance directly, I'm able to focus solely on serving my clients. If I were to accept insurance, I would be subject to their regulations, including the possibility of limited coverage and reduced privacy practices regarding personal health information. 

As an out-of-network provider, I'm committed to working directly with you, with greater flexibility and confidentiality in my approach to therapy.

Clients begin working through weekly sessions for at least the first 3 months. This helps to create a routine in the therapeutic space and ensure you are feeling safe, comfortable, and connected in the therapy space. 

When appropriate, client and therapist will discuss reductions in meeting regularity. This can include bi-weekly or monthly sessions, as well as discharge as the result of completed goals.

If any client has not made contact with their therapist in the last month, has not responded to outreach, and/or has not scheduled an upcoming appointment, they are subject to termination from services. 

The Mind Lab has a 24-hour cancellation policy. You will get an email or text reminder 24 hours before your scheduled appointment time. If you do not cancel or reschedule your appointment by that time, you will be charged the full session fee. 

You can read more about our Practice Policies here.

First, let's hop on a phone call!

I offer all prospective clients a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation to discuss reasons for coming to therapy and to confirm that we are a good fit. 

Once we confirm these details, I'll get you set up with our HIPAA-compliant client portal, Simple Practice. This will be the source for you to complete any consent forms and initial documentation, which will allow me to understand a bit more about what is bringing you to therapy before our first session. 

This platform will also be where you will input your payment information and receive notifications for appointment times, billing issues, and additional documentation to be signed throughout our time together.

The main differentiation is that a client is defined as "a person who engages the professional advice or services of another" whereas a patient is "a person who receives medical care or treatment."

Mainly, it is a preference by the clinician to use either term. Normally, professionals with a medical degree will use the term "patient" whereas clinicians will use "client." Clinicians tend to be less focused on "treating" or "fixing" an issue and more focused on working with the client to educate, build awareness, and foster skills for them to solve issues on their own.

Please refer to this resource to assess which type of provider might best fit your needs.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I am not licensed to prescribe medication. However, I will work with you to find a provider (Psychiatrist, Nurse Practitioner, etc.) who can assess and provide you with the support you need to best manage the symptoms you are experiencing.

It is highly recommended and encouraged that clients maintain regular therapy sessions while utilizing medication to ensure regular checks-in, assess progress, and continue learning the skills to best support their needs!

Please note that If you are taking medications that are not prescribed to you, or are sharing your medications, you are subject to termination from treatment.

As a virtual practice servicing clients in multiple states, I do not have the appropriate resources to provide the support necessary in a crisis.

If you or someone you know is at risk of hurting themselves or is experiencing a mental health emergency, please utilize the below resources:

• Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room

• Call/text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (available in English and Spanish)

• NYC Well: call 888-692-9355 or text “WELL” to 65173

• Crisis Text Line: text “HOME” to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor

• Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233

• Eating Disorder Hotline: 800-931-2237

• LGBTQIA Support: 866-488-7386

• Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-4673

• Suicide Prevention Hotline: 800-273-TALK (8255)