Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Anxiety & OCD Therapy Sessions
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We are out-of-network providers. If you have a plan that includes coverage for out-of-network providers, we are happy to supply you with monthly invoices (superbills) that you can submit for reimbursement (typically this covers a good percentage of the fee). It’s important to understand that superbills are required by insurance companies to include a mental health diagnosis.
Not sure if you have this benefit? Call your insurance company and ask:
Do I have out-of-network coverage for behavioral health?
What is my deductible and how much of it has been met?
What is the reimbursement rate for a therapy session (insurance code is 90834)?
Do I need preauthorization?
If you need help finding out this information, please reach out to me at tonya@hvmentalhealth.com
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How long counseling sessions last is up to you. A typical session is 45 or 60 minutes once per week. There are times when it makes sense to meet for longer sessions (usually 90 minutes), or more frequent sessions (2-3x per week.)
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The first counseling session includes assessment to help me understand the concern you are bringing to therapy. This is a good time for you to discuss why you are seeking therapy at this time, and to learn more about my approach.
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This is a question a lot of people have when they are thinking about therapy for themselves or their child. Anxiety is a normal part of life for all of us, and that includes our young and adolescent children. If you have noticed a change that you are concerned about, or if anxiety or OCD symptoms are getting in the way of thriving in school, work, or relationships, it might be time to get help from a therapist.
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I have found that people make the most progress toward their goals when they are committed to regular counseling sessions. This typically means one time per week.
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We do offer afternoon and early evening appointments but are closed on Saturday and Sunday.
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I offer online video sessions for clients residing in the state of New York and New Jersey. For those close enough to come in person, sessions will be at 10 South Broadway in Nyack NY. Please see the Services tab for more information.
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HVMHC specializes in working with adults, adolescents and parents. My specialty areas are OCD, anxiety, depression and body focused repetitive behaviors.
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We do not provide after-hours care (after 6 p.m.) or crisis services. We would not be a good fit for you if you need this level of care. If you are in crisis, please go to your local emergency room, call 911, or call the Crisis Line at 800-576-7764.
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Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is a well researched treatment for anxiety related issues, including OCD. It involves facing your fears in a safe and gradual way (exposure) while resisting the urge to perform your usual rituals or behaviors (response prevention). Through this process people learn how to respond differently to their anxious thoughts, ultimately reducing their impact and power.
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I understand how important it is for parents to be involved in their child's treatment journey. I actively engage parents in the treatment process to provide the best support possible for your child.
Parents typically meet with the therapist about once a month to discuss your child's progress, challenges, and treatment goals. During these sessions, we focus on helping parents learn effective strategies to respond to the specific challenges your child is facing. This involvement is vital in creating a supportive and understanding environment at home, which can positively impact your child's progress.
We also offer additional support for parents who may want more assistance. Our parent training and coaching services are available in both individual and group therapy formats. These sessions are designed to give you practical tools, guidance, and personalized strategies to address your child's needs effectively.
We believe that the collaborative effort between parents and therapists is key to ensuring the success of your child's treatment. We are here to support and empower you throughout the process, so your child can thrive and overcome challenges with the best possible care and guidance. Your family's well-being is our top priority
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My treatment approach is integrated, meaning I draw from different therapeutic techniques that are tailored specifically for you. These interventions all fall under the umbrella of acceptance and mindfulness-based behavioral approaches, which means I help you learn to respond in a more helpful way to your thoughts and feelings, while supporting you in building more flexible, workable behavior that aligns with your values.
I also integrate exposure interventions, which involve facing your fears in a safe and supportive environment. This gradual exposure helps you break free from anxiety's grip and build confidence in handling challenging situations.
I believe in collaboration, which means I listen to your unique experiences, respect your individuality, and truly understand your goals. Your values and aspirations guide our work together, helping us create a therapy journey that resonates with your personal needs.
Throughout the process, I provide a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space for you to explore, learn, and grow. My goal is to empower you to navigate life's challenges with greater self-awareness, self-compassion, and resilience.
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Absolutely! I understand that sometimes getting a child or adolescent to come to therapy might be challenging. But don't worry; we have a fantastic parent-based approach called SPACE that doesn't require your child or adolescent to be present.
SPACE stands for Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions, and it's a structured sequence of sessions designed to equip you with the skills you need to effectively support your child. Through SPACE, we can work together to reduce the impact of your child's anxiety on the family and their life.
The best part is that SPACE has been proven to be super effective! Studies have shown that the outcomes for parents using SPACE are similar to the results children and adolescents achieve when going through Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for anxiety themselves.
So, even if your child or adolescent is hesitant about coming to therapy, you can still make a significant positive impact through SPACE. We'll focus on empowering you with the tools and strategies to help your child cope with anxiety better, improve family dynamics, and create a more supportive environment at home.
A Good Faith Estimate
Right to Receive a Good Faith Estimate of Expected Charges
You have the right to receive a “good faith estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost.
Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.
You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.
Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.
If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.
Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.
For questions or more information about your right to a good faith estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call (800) 368-1019.