What to Expect

Why seek therapy?

Reasons for coming to therapy vary greatly from person to person. Some people may be having difficulty handling a major life transition (e.g., parenting issues, aging parents, divorce, career changes). Some may want help in dealing with urgent or ongoing mental health concerns (e.g., low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, relationship problems, emotional dysregulation, adjustment difficulties, trauma). And some may be at a point in their lives in which they wish to learn more about themselves in order to discover or reconnect with the best version of themselves.

What should I expect when I call?

When you call, you will speak directly with Gabriela. If I am not available to answer, please feel free to leave me a phone message. Although at times I am away from my phone, I do check messages frequently and will return your call as quickly as possible. Alternatively, you may contact me by email by filling the form below. Email is a simple way to arrange a time to talk by phone.

When we connect, we will briefly speak to address any questions and concerns that you may have about therapy. Once an appointment is scheduled, you will be asked to complete a questionnaire and provide any materials that would be helpful to me to review before our initial meeting. Such materials may include reports of any previous psychological, neuropsychological and/or psychiatric evaluations and treatments.

What should I expect during my first session?

The initial appointment generally lasts 75-90 minutes. I first ask any questions that I might have regarding the answers that you provided in your paperwork. Next, we delve deeper into gathering information about your presenting concern and your prior history. I will give you feedback and share my initial impressions with you so that we can discuss ideas regarding a treatment plan that we will continue to refine, especially in the following 2-3 weeks.

How often will we meet?

Typically, we will meet once a week for 45-50 minutes, unless we determine that a different schedule suits your treatment, schedule, or any other presenting constraints best.

Will I see you in-person or via telehealth

I am currently offering both options. Please feel free to ask. I am happy to discuss the modality that feels most comfortable and the one that meets your needs best. If you choose the in-person modality, I have developed a plan to maintain the highest standard of health and safety in the office that includes current requirements for social distancing and cleaning and disinfecting (to include a new high tech air filtration system throughout the office).

Do you prescribe medication?

As a psychologist, I do not prescribe medication. However, I regularly work with a number of local psychiatrists and are able to provide you with a referral if needed.

What if I am running late?

I have reserved this time especially for you. Hence, if you are running late please contact me directly. Note that if you are running late, whenever you arrive, you will be able to use the time remaining.

What is your cancellation policy?

Once you have scheduled an appointment, this time is reserved for you. To avoid
being charged in full for a missed visit, I ask that you cancel at least 24 hours before
your scheduled appointment. Please note that insurance companies do not provide
reimbursement for cancelled sessions.

What is the cost for services?

During our initial phone consultation we can discuss fees and payment arrangements. I frequently help clients use their out-of-network insurance benefits to obtain reimbursement for services. Insurance plans generally cover a considerable portion of therapy costs.

Do you accept insurance?

As an out-of-network provider, I do not accept insurance. However, upon request, I provide receipts of payments containing the information generally required by insurance companies for reimbursement. You can attach these receipts to your claim forms. As insurers differ greatly in the services they cover, I strongly suggest that you contact your provider before the initial appointment and ask about eligibility for reimbursement for out-of-network services with a licensed clinical psychologist. I collect payment at the time of service.

What are some benefits of private pay?

Some of the benefits of private pay are:
 Avoiding the possibility that insurance companies will limit or deny coverage of mental health care due to deeming either the treatment or the diagnostic code not appropriate.
 Avoiding the possibility of a cap on the number of sessions that insurance companies will cover.
 Having the ability to keep your information entirely private (e.g., no pre-existing mental health conditions).
 Having the flexibility to keep the same therapist regardless of any transitions in your life.
 Having the freedom to find the right therapist for you, which is perhaps the most crucial aspect of a successful therapy experience.

What questions do I ask my insurance company regarding my eligibility for out-of-network services?

Does my plan include mental health benefits?
 What is the amount of my deductible? Have I covered any of it for the year so far?
 Is pre-authorization necessary to commence therapy? If so, how do I obtain it?
 Does my plan cover services to out-of-network mental health providers? If so, what percentage of treatment do I pay when seeing an out-of-network provider?
 Are there any limitations to services (e.g., cap on how much can be spent, number of sessions, reimbursements for only certain diagnostic codes, maximum allowed per session for zip code 30306 for a licensed psychologist)?
 How much time do I have to file a claim for out-of-network services?
 What is the process to get reimbursed for out-of-network services?