Frequently Asked Questions

For many of you, it feels imperative that the therapist of your choice is in-network with your particular insurance plan. We would like to suggest, however, that there may be other options.

Finding the ‘right fit’ with a therapist is critical and the most important part of the therapeutic experience. This includes, for example, a mutually available time for meetings, geographical location, gender preference, etc. But most importantly, it includes a potential client’s feeling that the therapist be a good fit stylistically and clinically.

As you read the professional biographies of our clinicians, what specialties and training do you see? We have therapists who specialize in depression, anxiety, addiction, eating disorders, children, parenting, trauma, issues affecting LGBTQ community, and many more.

These therapists are seasoned practitioners with many years of training and experience.  Are you interested in traditional psychoanalysis, psychodynamic/insight-oriented therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, body-mind therapies, or an eclectic blend of theoretical orientations?  Are you looking for individual, couple, family or group therapy?

Does a particular therapist resonate with you?   In the therapist’s biography, you will learn more about their personality and style of working.  This is a critical part of finding the right person to help you.

But, what if the therapist that seems ‘right’ for you is not on your insurance plan? One option is to find out if your plan has out-of-network benefits.   This means that you have the option of going outside of your network and be reimbursed a percentage of the fee after your deductible has been satisfied.  Each plan is completely different, so the specifics will have to be obtained from your insurance company. Oftentimes the therapist may be able to contact your insurance company to obtain this information for you.

The therapist may also be willing to “accept assignment” from your insurance company, which means that instead of the client having to lay out the entire amount, the therapist will accept partial payment and be willing to bill the insurance company for the balance.

People do not realize that the cost to them when utilizing their out-of-network benefits may end up being similar to remaining in-network.  The advantage to going outside of your network is having the ability to select a therapist from a large pool of professionals based on your most important criteria, rather than having to choose someone just because they are in-network with your insurance company.

What if you do not have out-of-network benefits or have no insurance? Many of our clinicians are willing to negotiate their fee to meet your financial needs. Also, the cost for psychotherapy may be tax-deductible as a medical or educational expense.

We encourage you to carefully consider all of these options in your quest for a therapist that meets your needs. If possible, you should not have to feel as though you are settling for someone just because they are in your insurance plan.

Your psychotherapy experience is much too important to compromise. If you have any questions or need additional help with finding a therapist from our group, feel free to contact PTCNY’s Director, Judy Gringorten at 212 982 8835 or email at judithgringorten@gmail.com

All our therapists are fully licensed and accredited practitioners for whom confidentiality is of the utmost importance. By law, each client is protected by privileged communication — just as if you were consulting with a physician or an attorney. Only in rare instances, such as a direct court order or in saving a life, can an exception be made.

*Most insurers will cover telehealth. In those instances copay remains the same as fact to face sessions

*The therapist must be licensed in the state in which you reside.