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Frequently Asked Questions

QUESTIONS FOR PTCNY?

Here is a selection of frequently asked questions. If you still have a question we haven’t covered, feel free to CONTACT US.

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

This is a list of the educational degrees and association accreditations you will see following our member names.

ACSW
Academy of Certified Social Workers

BCD
Board Certified Diplomate. An endorsement by a certifying board that a high level of competence is displayed in a professional subject matter. These can be held by psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers or counselors.

BSW
Bachelor of Social Work. An undergraduate degree in social work

CASAC
Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (NY STATE)

CGP
Certified Group Psychotherapist

DCSW
Diplomate in Clinical Social Work

DSW
Doctorate in Social Work

DCSW
Diplomate in Clinical Social Work

Diplomate in Clinical Social Work EdD
Doctor of Education

JD
Juris Doctor (Law degree)

LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, meaning the individual has passed a test after earning a masters degree in social work

LCSW-R
A state certification of advanced experience for a Social Worker

M.Ed.
Master of Education

MA
Master of Arts

MS
Master of Science

MSEd.
Master of Science in Education

MSSW
Master of Science in Social Work

MSW
Master of Social Work

Ph.D.
Doctor of Philosophy

SAP
Substance Abuse Professional

SCAC (CSAC)
Certified Substance Abuse Counselor

Many studies show the “fit” between a client and therapist is an important predictor for successful therapy. Sometimes people have problems relating to their therapist because of larger issues related to their need for assistance, and we recommend that you first talk with your psychotherapist and try to resolve your concerns. However, rest assured that if you decide to discontinue your sessions with a therapist, we will help you find a therapeutic relationship that is right for you.

Each client is different, as is each type of treatment. The length of treatment will depend on the problems you face and your personal goals. Some clients find satisfaction after only a few sessions, while other people choose to remain in therapy for months or longer.

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.