GENERAL FAQ

• Is therapy right for me?

  Everybody’s reasons for seeking out therapy are different. Some folks may need to seek therapy for anxiety & depression, others may need to deal with their childhood trauma. There is no “right” or “wrong”, “legitimate” or “illegitimate” reason to go to therapy. Working with a therapist can help provide you with the awareness, insight, and strategies to deal with every type of challenge that may enter your life. Therapy is the right fit for anyone who is keen on regaining control over their life, wishes to build their self-awareness, and wants to work towards a better and brighter future.

• What can I expect from the consultation?

  Your consultation will be led by a licensed therapist and is an opportunity for you to confidentially share your reasons for seeking therapy and learn more about how Repose can best support you. During the consultation, we will match you with a therapist who can meet your unique wants, goals, and requirements. If Repose is not the right fit for you, we will gladly provide you with referrals to other providers.

• Who will I speak with during my consultation?

  You will meet with a client concierge team member who provides personal and compassionate support throughout the intake process. Our client concierges are licensed psychotherapists who are knowledgeable about clinical issues and can expertly assess your individual needs. Their role is to understand your reasons for seeking therapy and gather information in the most efficient and sensitive way possible so that you feel comfortable and prepared when meeting with your therapist for the first time.

• What should I expect during my initial session with my therapist?

  During your first session together, your therapist will spend time getting to know you and what you’d like to work on in therapy. In addition to gaining information about what’s happening presently in your life, they will ask some questions about your personal history for more context. Your therapist will also leave time at the end of the session to answer questions and discuss the logistics of future visits.

• How long will I be in therapy for?

  Therapy is a process that looks different for everyone. While some people are looking for short-term work around a specific problem, others may be looking to heal from deeper wounds. Some clients want a supportive person to help them navigate the ups and downs of their lives without a set time frame.

  In the beginning, you and your therapist will discuss what you are hoping to get out of therapy. As you continue to work together, what you need or want may change. Your therapist will check in periodically throughout your treatment to make sure your goals are being met and to ensure therapy is a rewarding, fulfilling experience.

• What is your cancellation policy?

  Consistency is an essential part of the counseling process and when you schedule an appointment, that time has been specifically reserved for you. If you are unable to keep an appointment, we require 48 hours advance notice or you will be charged for the full fee amount of the canceled or missed appointment. Thank you for respecting our time and valuing the time that has been set aside for you.

• What can I talk about in therapy?

  Therapy is a safe space for you to tell your story—in your own words. You might start by telling your therapist about what’s been going on recently that brought you to therapy. From there, you may begin to connect how your current circumstances resonate with past experiences. We can then begin to understand where you’re operating on “autopilot'“ instead of taking an active role in creating the life you want.

• Is therapy confidential?

  Your privacy is our number one priority at Repose. Everything your therapist and you speak about in your sessions will be kept confidential. You may feel free to share with whomever you choose about your work with your therapist. In times where you may want your therapist to speak with other professionals, or personal family members, verbal or written consent/ permission will be required. Repose clinicians may discuss your therapy without any identification for educational and supervisory purposes.
  
  It is important to note however, that there are a few exceptions to confidentiality such as: 1) If your therapist learns of any alleged child/elder abuse or neglect, they are required by law to report this to the State Child Abuse Registry or State Adult Protective Services, 2) If your therapist deems you to be a danger to yourself or others, they may need to break confidentiality in order to assure your safety or the safety of others, and 3) If your therapist is court ordered to disclose information.

• Wouldn’t it just be easier for me to see a therapist at my college’s mental health center?

  The increasing demand for college mental health services can make access to on-campus therapy difficult for some students. Depending on the time of year, you may wait several weeks before you’re able to begin working with a therapist. It’s also not uncommon for on-campus appointments to be scheduled 2-3 weeks apart which can be challenging—especially if you’re going through a crisis. The total number of sessions you can have will likely be limited from just one initial consultation to a max of 3-10 visits per year before you will be referred to an off-campus provider.

  Repose therapists are uniquely trained in a variety of modalities, and specifically in the wellness sphere, which can be hard to find in a college or university environment. Also, for some, it may be preferable to separate your mental health care from your identity at school and role as a student.

• Who do you work with?

  At Repose, we work with a variety of adults. Many of our clients are students from undergraduates to PhD students. We also work with emerging professionals who have transitioned from academic life into the workforce. Our clients come from all class backgrounds, racial, sexual, and gender identities.

• FEES AND INSURANCE FAQ

• Do you accept insurance?

  Repose works with Wellfleet Health Insurance (serving the student bodies at NYU, School of Visual Arts and Sarah Lawrence College) and Aetna of NY. This including Aetna PPO, EPO, HMO, and Aetna Student Health plans.

  We are out-of-network providers with all other insurances and offer support to help you get 50-90% reimbursement. We can support you with check ing your benefits to determine how much you can expect to pay for therapy. Please see this helpful guide: out-of-network mental health benefits

  You’ll have access to all billing documents anytime you need them through your personal client login to our secure online office. By request, you will also receive monthly statements emailed directly to you for convenience. Additionally, our office can provide claim submissions for you to received reimbursement from your insurer.

• Why don't you take insurance other than Aetna NY or Wellfleet?

  Like most private and boutique therapy practices in the New York tri-state area, Repose has made the decision to be out-of-network with insurance plans except for Wellfleet Student and Aetna of New York. If we were to accept other insurance plans, we would be essentially working for the insurance company on their terms. They have the right to dictate the number of sessions they cover and reject claims if the diagnosis you’re given isn’t “severe” enough. They would also have permanent access to all of your personal health information. By being out-of-network, Repose works directly and privately for you. This gives us much greater flexibility in terms of our work together and also guarantees a higher level of confidentiality.

• What should I ask my insurance provider about?

  Here are some questions that might be helpful to ask your insurance company:

  • Does my plan offer any out-of-network benefits for mental health?

  • Do I have a deductible? If yes, how much of it has already been met?

  • Are there any limitations on the number of sessions my plan covers for mental health?

  • How much will I be reimbursed per visit when I see an out-of-network mental health provider?

  • Do I need prior approval or a referral in order to receive reimbursement for out-of-network mental health care?

• What is a deductible?

  A deductible is the amount you pay for covered health care services before your insurance plan kicks in and starts to pay. For example, with a $500 deductible, you pay the first $500 of covered services yourself. After you meet your deductible, you usually pay only a copayment or coinsurance for covered services. Your insurance company then pays the rest.

• What are your in-network fees?

  We are in-network with Wellfleet and Aetna of New York insurance plans, which means the cost of therapy is that of a standard copay. Your copay depends on your specific health insurance plan, but it could be as low as $17 per individual therapy session.

• What are your out-of-network fees?

  Individual Therapy: $180 - $275

  Couples and Family Therapy: $225-$300

  Advanced Clinical Fellow: $45+

  Group Therapy: $75+ per session
  
  Please note that many health insurance plans offer out-of-network mental health benefits, which is when your insurance provider reimburses you for a portion of your therapy session. Our client concierge team can offer support to help you get 50-90% reimbursement. You can also use this calculator to check your benefits and determine how much you can expect to pay for therapy.

• What if your fees are too high for me?

  It is important that you feel comfortable with the financial investment you're making in therapy. At Repose, we do prioritize quality over quantity; therefore, our therapists work with a reasonable caseload size, have ample time for continuing professional education and supervision, and only work with clients who are truly the best fit.

  Although our private pay rates are standard for our specializations within the New York tri-state area, we understand this may not work for everyone. We offer limited number of reduced rate appointments through our clinical training program. If you would like to inquire about a reduced rate with one of our clinical interns, we recommend scheduling a complimentary consultation. Otherwise, we are happy to recommend low-fee and insurance-based agencies.

• How can I work with a reduced-rate therapist?

  We offer limited number of reduced rate appointments starting at $45 per session through our clinical training program.

  Please note that our advanced clinical fellows work with clients year round from May to the following May or from September to May. Due to extremely high demand for reduced fee services, these appointments are only available to those seeking a weekly commitment to therapy.

  Repose’s clinical fellows receive up to 12 hours of supervision monthly, and up to 30+ hours of training through their time with us. They are equipped with knowledge of the most current evidence based practices in the mental health field. Case consultations, rigorous supervision, and training make our clinical fellows equipped to work skillfully in this field.

  If you are interested in working with our clinical fellows, please schedule a complimentary consultation. Please note that space is limited and reduced-rate appointments are given on a first come, first served basis.

• How does payment work?

  Clients are responsible for full payment of our agreed-upon fee-for-service at the beginning of each session by credit card, which is stored securely in your client file. You may access this information anytime through your client login in our online office.

• COUPLES THERAPY FAQ

• Where do we begin?

  The best place to start is by scheduling a consultation with our client concierge who will assess you and your partner(s) needs and make a recommendation.

• How often would we need to see our therapist?

  We recommend meeting your therapist weekly or biweekly. Couples therapy typically occurs for a minimum of 3 months in order for you and your therapist to better understand your relationship dynamics, identify recurring conflicts, and recognize patterns. This will also allow the opportunity for you and your partner(s) to be able to implement some tools and strategies for change.

• What does couples therapy involve?

  Your therapist may ask you to complete "homework" in between sessions that may consist of reading certain material, conversation topics to discuss, and partaking in activities or behavioral techniques and interventions.

• What can Repose help us with?

  Repose can help couples with conscious uncoupling, premarital counseling, conflict resolution, and discernment counseling. Repose can also help with concerns related to sex and intimacy in the relationship.

• What kind of relationships enter your office?

  We work with queer, heterosexual, non-monogamy, polyamorous, gender-nonconforming, and trans relationships. We also work with mixed-race and mixed nationality relationships. Additionally, we work with second marriages, long-term relationships not defined by marriage, blended families, and adoption. Explore more on Couples Therapy at Repose.

• VIRTUAL THERAPY FAQ

• What are the benefits of virtual therapy?

  Whether you are on a time crunch, are facing unforeseen crises, or have scheduling conflicts, virtual therapy is a safe alternative for ex-pats, humanitarians, people with fast-paced and modern lifestyles, and folks that otherwise may not have the accessibility to high-quality mental health care. From the comfort and safety of your home, you can begin your personal journey of healing.

• How do I know that my information and video calls will remain secure and confidential?

  Repose has long been using virtual therapy. For folks across the globe, and folks nearby. We have adapted to implement an online secure platform that best fits the needs of our clients. Our online state-of-the-art platform is HIPPA compliant and secure. All correspondence between you and your therapist is protected.

• What does virtual therapy give me that in-person therapy won’t?

  Our portal will allow you to send your therapist messages between sessions in the case of an emergency/re-scheduling, and upload shared documents for homework or journal entry. Our platform exists on a web-based platform as well as in the form of an app that is downloadable on all phone models. You are able to check into your session using either your phone, laptop or any other tablet device, and we offer both video and voice sessions. We also understand that some things are more easily discussed through text rather than speech, especially disclosures that are emotionally charged. Through our secure messaging platform you are able to communicate with your therapist via instant messaging, to allow you to express yourself in the way you deem most comfortable for you.

• Who uses online therapy?

  Repose has long been using virtual therapy. For folks across the globe, and folks nearby. We have adapted to implement an online secure platform that best fits the needs of our clients. Our online state-of-the-art platform is HIPPA compliant and secure. All correspondence between you and your therapist is protected.

• Why not use a big teletherapy company?

  Online counseling companies have exploded in the wake of the global pandemic. They typically offer cheap therapy; however, there is a reason they are able to do this. Understanding how large corporations operate can help you make an informed decision when choosing how you want to invest in your mental health. Large therapy businesses reimburse clinicians very poorly which quickly leads to professional burnout since therapists must see more clients than is ethically responsible just to earn a living. There are minimal vetting processes for therapists to join and they provide no clinical supervision. This means no oversight for quality assurance or accountability in the kind of care clients receive. Additionally, these contracted clinicians are not provided with any continuing education to help them develop their skills or stay informed about science and research advancements in the field of psychology. When a service as important as psychotherapy is offered to clients below market value, it also raises concerns about privacy, as the potential exists that client data is being sold to offset cost-effectiveness for clients.

• How is Repose different?

  At Repose, we feel so strongly about continuing professional education in this science-based field that it is one of our core values as a practice. All clinicians at Repose receive weekly group supervision, peer support, individual supervision, and participate in continuous trainings throughout the year on trauma research and therapeutic interventions. Our therapists also undergo rigorous advanced professional training in EMDR and Gottman Method for Couples, and Exposure and Response Prevention (EXRP). When a new team member joins our staff, they have completed a rigorous application process as well as having successfully passed our multi-step interviews. We strive to create a quality, collaborative, and healthy work environment for our clinicians also because it means better care for you.