What does the initial inquiry and intake process usually entail?

First, I’ll do my best to get in touch shortly upon receiving your inquiry to greet you and provide next steps regarding connecting, availability and scheduling options as well as verifying your insurance, if applicable.

Next, I generally recommend that we meet for a free, brief phone or video consultation (this consult is optional for new or returning clients who may wish to simply schedule the intake). On this call, we can discuss your needs regarding therapy and the work you’re looking to do as well as other important details such as scheduling and cost. At the end of the call, you can let me know if you’d like to move forward or take some time to think and follow-up over email.

Finally, once you have the information you need and feel ready to move forward, we’ll select a day and time to meet for the 60-minute intake session. Towards the end of the intake, I’ll ask you if you’d like to schedule another appointment or take some time to think and follow-up over email.

Do you take insurance?

Yes, I am in-network with most commercial Aetna, Anthem BCBS, Cigna, and Optum (United Healthcare, Oxford, Oscar) plans, and will submit claims on your behalf to help keep the billing process as minimal as possible. If you do not see your insurance listed here, please reach out for more information on payment options. You are also able to use EAPs and HSAs to cover the session cost. General out of pocket cost are vary by therapist, which you can find more information on here.

While I am not in-network with state plans such as 1199SEIUs, NYSHIP, Medicaid, or Medicare, I encourage you to reach out to inquire about sliding scale costs. Additionally, should you generally find any concern or hesitation arise around cost, please simply ask for more information on supportive rates.

Would we be meeting remotely or in-person?

I am actively licensed in NY and NJ, and am currently seeing clients in-person in the Columbus Circle neighborhood of Manhattan. Virtual services are also available.

How does confidentiality work?

Emerge utilizes HIPAA compliant phone and emailing, virtual workspace, and Telehealth platforms (SimplePractice and Zoom) to help protect your information, communication, and related data.

Note: For those seeking additional layers of privacy, security, and confidentiality in their therapy experience, you or your point of contact are welcome to email chris@emerge.nyc directly to discuss additional accommodations that are best suited to your needs.

When can I expect to begin experiencing relief?

As you might imagine, relief looks different for each person, which is why learning what your unique measures are for this will be an important part of the initial steps we’ll take. Ultimately, the speed and intensity at which symptoms ease is a case by case matter. That said, some folks do, in fact, find that a fair amount of relief is felt early on in the process. Often, this more immediate wave of relief comes from the relational element, thought organization, and emotional connectedness that is inherent to the therapeutic nature of the work. For those who have lived in more chronic states of stress and overwhelm, it can be difficult to recognize and relate to feelings of calm, ease, and solace. Learning how to cultivate a safe and trusting relationship to these grounded states often becomes a core pillar of the work we’ll do.  

Through the larger therapeutic process, a continuously refining plan to support your specific goals will emerge, helping us to narrow in on areas of growth and development. Together, you and I will endeavor to cultivate, process and integrate the enhancements that you are seeking.

What happens if the therapist or I become unsure about working together once we get started?

It can naturally take a few sessions to begin to build some comfort and familiarity with a new therapist. The relationship should eventually settle into a rhythm that brings ease and reassurance while also allowing for navigating discomfort, as well as one that stimulates a sense of connection and presence along the way. However, in the event that the client begins to notice that they are feeling unseen or misunderstood as sessions continue, it is important to take this feeling seriously. Ask yourself: “Do I feel more understood over time, or am I still working too hard to be seen?” If you find that you’re continuing to work hard to be seen, it may be worth expressing that you often leave the sessions feeling this way. The therapist should receive this information with appreciation and curiosity, and take an interest in how they can best support you with adjustments, shift in approach, and/or possible referrals.

In the event that I meet a client in the intake process whose expressed needs contrast with what I am trained to provide clinically or equipped to support in this smaller private practice setting, I may invite us to shift the direction of our focus. Sometimes this may be a recommendation for a more immediate intervention targeting a specific experience that has become most uncomfortable for you and other times it may be consideration for a provider that offers greater specialty and concentration in what you’re seeking. Ultimately, my intention in these cases is to find a path that takes you through the appropriate channels of care that are more comprehensively resourced to meet you where you are. If I am feeling unsure about proceeding into working together, I will let you know in real time and provide a recommendation by the end of the first or second session. My intention here is to lead with clear communication rather than mislead you to a place that could potentially be unhelpful or exacerbate challenges further.