FAQs

My office is located at 1200 High Ridge Road, Stamford CT, on the second floor. It is close to the Merritt Parkway, Exit 35. There are both stairs and an elevator in the building and generous parking outside. I also work with individuals via telehealth appointments, using a secure HIPAA-compliant online platform. I provide at-home appointments for seniors as needed.

Online therapy appointments take place through a secure HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform that operates through my electronic medical record system. Online telehealth appointments have become an accessible and convenient option for individuals seeking therapy or medication management. I assist my patients with the setup process as needed, ensuring it’s easy to navigate. Deciding whether to meet through telehealth is a collaborative process, guided by discussions with each patient to honor their preferences. There is no obligation to use telehealth. However, many patients find it an appealing choice, after initial in-person meetings through which we’ve gotten acquainted, given the flexibility and convenience of online appointments. 

For medication evaluations, I meet with individuals in-person the first time, and periodically for in-person follow-up appointments while managing their medications.

In-person sessions take place for initial medication evaluation appointments, and as needed or requested for medication management and therapy appointments. At-home appointments for seniors who live in Connecticut are also available.

My practice does not participate in any insurance networks, however, I can provide a statement to patients for services, to help them access out-of-network insurance reimbursement. The statement contains the documentation insurance companies require to reimburse, if individuals' coverage includes out-of-network mental health benefits.  

My  decision to not participate on insurance panels comes after much thought and experience. I founded my practice to be able to provide individualized treatment at each person's own pace, to meet their unique needs, with care grounded in best evidence-based practices. It is my professional experience that the constraints of insurance requirements can limit this kind of mental health care. 

I recommend that if individuals are seeking insurance reimbursement, they contact their insurance company before scheduling a first appointment, to learn if their coverage includes out-of-network mental health benefits.

Fees are discussed on our initial phone call, for which there is no charge. I request individuals pay fees at the conclusion of each in-person or telehealth appointment. Zelle or personal check is the preferred method of payment.

During your first appointment, we’ll focus on what brought you to seek help at this time. We’ll discuss your immediate concerns, your mental and physical health history, and identify what  you want to change. I'll invite you to ask as many questions as you may have. We’ll use the time to determine how I can help you, and begin identifying your goals for mental health care. I’ll enlist your feedback about whether our process together feels comfortable and aligned with the type of help you’re seeking.

Please complete the form on my Contact page. I will respond via email or phone call. There is no charge for an initial telephone consultation, which is usually 15 to 30 minutes long. We will discuss what prompted your pursuit of therapy and/or medication right now, and I'll answer your questions about my practice. Together, we'll determine if a first appointment with me could be helpful and if so, we'll schedule it while on this phone call. I prioritize urgent situations and strive to see patients as quickly as possible, at times that are convenient for them.

I am available to communicate two ways:

For non-emergency questions or concerns, I recommend individuals send me a message through the confidential patient portal in my electronic medical record. Patients will have access to this way of sending and receiving messages after consenting to my services and establishing an individual EMR account. I will help you through the necessary steps to set this up, which are very straightforward. When you send me a non-urgent message, you will receive a response back as soon as possible and definitely within 24 hours.

For concerns that are emergencies or cannot wait 24 hours, I am available by phone. Please leave a message and I will call you back promptly. Being easily accessible and responding quickly to patients' needs or questions are important foundations of my practice.

Individuals are asked to provide 24 hours notice if an appointment needs to be cancelled or rescheduled, to avoid being charged for that appointment. Missed appointments will be charged unless cancelled 24 hours in advance. Situations sometimes arise that cannot be anticipated and I will waive charges for late cancellations or missed appointments in the event of a sudden serious emergency. I appreciate patients' consideration of this policy.