FAQ

Initial Therapy Session for Adults. 

The first session (intake) is a crucial part of the therapeutic process. This meeting allows the therapist to gather essential information, establish a connection, and set the stage for future sessions. There will be an introduction to the therapeutic process, including confidentiality, session structure, and goals. Also, questions about your daily life, routine, habits, activities, relationships, and school/work life balance with be processed. 

Initial Therapy Session for Children 

The first session will be with just the parents to learn areas of concern, review and discuss former assessments, and have questions answered. After that, half of the session will be designated for the child, and the other half will be for parent training, following a similar structure as mentioned above. However, each child is unique in their needs, and will be discussed during the initial (intake) session. 

Therapy sessions last between 45-55 minutes.

I offer both in-person and in-home sessions (location-specific to NY and surrounding my general office location). Telehealth sessions are also available. 

Yes. I work with families involved in separation or divorce. To protect your child and maintain a neutral, supportive environment, I follow these guidelines: 

Communication:
I communicate with both parents together whenever possible. Separate communication is limited to scheduling only. Exceptions are rare. 

Custody Documentation:
If your child does not live with both parents, I must have a current custody agreement or court order on file before starting services.

Focus of Treatment:
My role is to support your child, not to mediate disputes.
I do not participate in back-and-forth allegations. Parents may share concerns, but therapy remains focused on the child’s needs.

Access to Records:
Parents with legal rights can request records.
However, to protect your child, I may provide a treatment summary instead of the full file when appropriate.
Please note: information shared in therapy may be accessible to parents with legal rights.

Court & Legal Involvement:
My practice is therapy-based, not forensic.
I do not typically participate in court. If subpoenaed, I may decline or challenge it unless involvement is clearly in the child’s best interest. My involvement in court is limited and occurs only in specific situations. This may include when a child has communicated experiences of abuse, neglect, or trauma through their words or play; when I believe my presence is necessary to help ensure the child’s perspective is heard and no other appropriate option exists; or when I am legally required to appear as an expert through a subpoena. Regardless of the circumstance, I do not disclose or discuss the content of a child’s therapy. This commitment is guided by HIPAA privacy standards and my responsibility to protect the child’s confidentiality and minimize any potential harm.

Bottom Line:
I prioritize neutrality, privacy, and your child’s well-being at all times.

If you’re unsure how this applies to your situation, feel free to contact me before starting services.