Frequently Asked Questions

We are an in-network provider exclusively with Northwell Direct. If your health plan utilizes the Northwell Direct network, we will bill your coverage directly.

For all other insurance plans, we are considered an out-of-network provider. Payment is due at the time of service, but we manage the out-of-network reimbursement process for you as a courtesy. We submit your claims electronically, track their status, and handle all follow-up communication directly with your insurance carrier on your behalf.

Because mental health benefits (such as deductibles and coinsurance) vary significantly by plan, we recommend contacting your insurer prior to your initial consultation to verify your out-of-network benefits.

At your initial couples therapy appointment, you and your therapist will discuss the immediate issues leading you to seek treatment at this time. The therapist will also ask questions of you and your partner about your relationship history as well as additional relevant background including family history. After this initial consultation session, you and your therapist will have identified key issues and your therapist will provide a recommendation regarding treatment plan as well as an outline of the Gottman method treatment approach.

At the initial assessment interview you will be asked many questions about your child’s history both early and more recent.  It can be helpful to come prepared.  

If you have copies of the following, please bring them in to the initial interview.  Your clinician can make copies of any necessary papers and return the originals to you if needed.  

• past report cards 
• previous testing reports from school or other professionals
• any other data you think might provide useful information about your child’s academic or emotional health such as medical records, writing samples or your child’s artwork

It can also be helpful to personally review past medical records, including prenatal history and developmental milestones in infancy and the toddler years, since an important part of the interview will include a discussion of your child’s early development.  Also make sure to come with any questions you might have about the process or goals. This is an important opportunity for the psychologist to help you understand and feel comfortable with the process.

We offer a free 15–30 minute phone consultation prior to your first session to discuss scheduling, coverage, and fee details. Payment processing depends on your coverage:

• Northwell Direct Members: We bill your network directly. You are only responsible for any applicable copays, coinsurance, or deductibles at the time of service.
• Out-of-Network Patients: Payment in full is due at the time of service via cash, check, or major credit card. As a courtesy, we manage the out-of-network claims process for you—we submit your claims electronically, monitor their status, and handle all follow-up communication directly with your insurance carrier.

If you have any questions about payment prior to your initial phone consultation, please feel free to contact us in advance of initial phone consultation.

When you start therapy, you can expect a supportive environment where you are encouraged to explore and gain a better understanding of yourself, your personal goals, and your core values. A therapist will guide you through this process, helping you to align your actions with what truly matters to you.

One of the key benefits of therapy is developing skills to improve your relationships. You'll learn how to communicate more effectively, so not only can you express yourself clearly, but also listen and be heard in return. This can lead to healthier, more satisfying relationships with those around you.

Therapy can be a powerful tool to find solutions to specific issues or concerns that brought you to seek help. Together with your therapist, you'll work toward finding resolutions and developing new coping strategies for managing stress, anxiety, anger, depression, and other emotional challenges.

Breaking free from unhealthy patterns can feel daunting, but therapy provides a structured space to get "unstuck." You'll learn how to break old habits and replace them with healthier behaviors, ultimately discovering new ways to approach and solve problems.

Another important aspect of therapy is its focus on improving self-esteem and boosting self-confidence. By understanding yourself better and developing new skills, you can build a stronger, more positive self-image.

Remember, the therapeutic process is different for everyone, and progress may take time. However, with patience and commitment, many people find therapy to be a valuable tool for personal growth and improvement.

Determining whether you need couples therapy can be challenging, but there are several signs that suggest it might be beneficial. Here are some common issues that could indicate the need for couples therapy:

1. Decreased Intimacy: If there's a noticeable decline in your physical, mental, spiritual, or emotional connection, it might be time to seek help. This could manifest as less sharing of personal thoughts, expressing affection, or enjoying physical closeness.
2. Frequent Arguments: Are you having frequent and intense arguments with your partner? Or perhaps you're stuck on the same issue repeatedly without resolution? Therapy can provide tools to break these cycles.
3. Lack of Communication: Effective communication is key in any relationship. If you're not communicating effectively or find yourselves avoiding important discussions, therapy might help.
4. Resentment: Feeling resentful towards your partner, or having your resentment turn into contempt, can damage your relationship. Therapy can address these feelings and help rebuild respect.
5. Life Transitions: Major life changes such as a new job, a baby, or moving can cause friction. Therapy can help couples adjust and support each other during these transitions.
6. Patterns of Conflict: Recognizing recurring patterns of conflict, like "The Four Horsemen" (criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling), is crucial. Therapy can teach you healthier ways to interact.
7. Addiction: If addiction to drugs, alcohol, sex, or gambling is impacting your relationship, therapy can offer support and strategies for recovery.
8. Trauma: Experiencing trauma can lead to feelings of powerlessness and a lack of safety within your relationship. Therapy can provide a supportive space for healing.

Yes. We provide adult individual therapy and Gottman method couples therapy in Spanish via our licensed therapist, Lorens Hidalgo, LCSW. Sessions can be conducted entirely in Spanish or in a bilingual/"Spanglish" format depending on your individual or relationship needs.

To inquire about services, fees and scheduling please call us at (347) 560-4628 or email us on our contact page. Please be sure to include your name and a call back number as well as a good time window to reach you by phone.

Therapy begins with an evaluation of your particular needs.  After an initial consultation session, you and your therapist will have identified key issues and your therapist will provide a recommendation regarding treatment plan.  Should we decide to work together, we will schedule once or possibly twice weekly sessions as needed.  The length of treatment will depend upon the focus of treatment and whether we are addressing a short-term goal or an issue that benefits from a more open-ended approach.

The initial consultation for child's therapy is with the parent(s) only.* This allows you to provide a detailed history to the therapist as well as describe your concerns in detail. At the end of the consultation, your child's therapist will provide initial feedback as well as a preliminary treatment plan. The follow-up appointment will be with you and your child for the first few minutes and then your child individually for the remainder of the visit. At the end of this appointment, your child's therapist will touch base with you to provide brief feedback and schedule the following appointment.

*If your child is an adolescent, the initial session may include both parent(s) and child depending on the needs of the individual child as well as the presenting concern. This will be determined in the initial phone consultation.

As psychologists we cannot prescribe medication. If during the course of treatment, you and your therapist feel that medication might be helpful we will provide a referral to a psychiatrist with whom you can consult. With your consent, your therapist will gladly collaborate with any psychiatrist, physician, or other healthcare professional with whom you also work in order to provide cohesive and coordinated care.

Recognizing the need for therapy can be an essential step toward improving your mental health and overall well-being. Here are some signs that might indicate it's time to consider seeking professional help:

1. Difficulty Regulating Emotions: If you often feel overwhelmed by your emotions, experiencing intense sadness, anger, or anxiety, it might be a sign that therapy could help you learn better coping strategies.
2. Performance Issues: Struggling with efficiency or focus at work or school can indicate underlying mental health issues that therapy can address.
3. Changes in Sleep or Appetite: Noticeable disruptions in your sleep patterns or appetite, such as insomnia or overeating, can be linked to emotional distress.
4. Relationship Challenges: Difficulty in forming or maintaining relationships might be a signal to explore interpersonal issues with a therapist.
5. Trauma: Experiencing trauma can have long-lasting impacts on your mental health. Therapy provides a space to process these experiences safely.
6. Loss of Interest: Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed can be a symptom of depression or other mental health concerns.
7. Grief: If you're struggling to cope with the loss of a loved one, therapy can provide support and coping mechanisms.
8. Physical Health Issues: Stress and mental health issues can manifest as physical symptoms, which might improve with the help of therapy.
9. Desire for Self-Improvement: If you're motivated to improve aspects of your life but don't know where to start, a therapist can guide you on your personal growth journey.
10. Self-Destructive Coping Mechanisms: Relying on unhealthy habits, like substance abuse or self-harm, is a strong indicator that therapy could be beneficial.

If any of these signs resonate with you, contact us for a free consultation to discuss your concerns and explore how therapy could help. Remember, seeking therapy is a proactive step toward taking control of your mental health and achieving a better quality of life.

Determining whether your child might benefit from therapy can be challenging, especially since many signs can be subtle or attributed to typical childhood development. However, certain signs and symptoms might indicate that therapy could be beneficial:

• Isolation: If your child is spending an unusual amount of time alone in their room and avoiding interaction with family and friends, it may be a sign that they are struggling emotionally.
• Changes in Behavior: Pay attention to any significant behavioral changes that persist for more than a few weeks, especially if these changes impact their physical health or daily functioning.
• Irritability: Frequent irritability, such as slamming doors, arguing with siblings, or experiencing strained friendships, can indicate underlying emotional distress.
• Persistent Sadness or Anxiety: Consistent feelings of sadness or anxiety, beyond occasional mood swings, may suggest the need for professional support.
• Excessive Worrying: If your child finds it difficult to calm themselves or receive comfort from others due to excessive worrying, it might be beneficial to explore therapeutic options.
• Frequent Temper Tantrums: Extended or violent temper tantrums are more than just a phase and could indicate deeper issues.
• Other Signs: Look out for changes in academic performance, a drop in self-confidence, self-destructive behaviors, or withdrawal from previously enjoyed activities.

If you observe any of these signs consistently, it might be time to consider consulting a professional. For further guidance, we recommend scheduling a free phone consultation with us to discuss your concerns and learn how therapy could benefit your child. Exploring this option can provide clarity and support for both you and your child.