What to Expect

Online therapy is similar in many respects to in-person psychotherapy. Sessions are typically conducted through a secure video platform, and we use the session to discuss the concerns, patterns, and goals that bring you to therapy. Depending on your needs, treatment may address anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma, burnout, relationship difficulties, or other concerns.

For a productive session, it is important to have a private location where you can speak freely without being overheard. A reliable internet connection, a device with a camera and microphone, and headphones can also help create a more private and comfortable experience.

Because you are participating remotely, you should be physically located in New York State when attending your sessions. If you plan to travel or participate in a session from another state, please discuss this with me in advance.

Privacy and HIPAA

Privacy is an important part of psychotherapy, whether treatment takes place in person or online. As a psychologist providing telehealth services, I take reasonable steps to protect the privacy and security of your health information and use secure, HIPAA-compliant technology for telehealth sessions.

HIPAA, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, provides patients with important rights concerning their protected health information. These include the right to receive a Notice of Privacy Practices, request access to their health information, request corrections to information they believe is inaccurate or incomplete, request confidential communications, and request certain restrictions on how their information is used or disclosed. You also have the right to file a complaint if you believe your HIPAA privacy rights have been violated.

HIPAA does not mean that information can never be disclosed. There are circumstances in which health information may be used or disclosed without separate authorization, including certain disclosures for treatment, payment, health care operations, and disclosures required by law. Your Notice of Privacy Practices provides more information about how your health information may be used and your rights under HIPAA.

You also have the right to request that communications containing your protected health information be sent or made through an alternative method or location when the request is reasonable. For example, you may request a particular telephone number, email address, or other means of communication.

Protecting Your Privacy

Technology can provide a high level of privacy, but patients also play an important role in protecting the confidentiality of online therapy. I recommend participating from a private room, using headphones when appropriate, and avoiding public locations or unsecured shared devices. It is also helpful to protect your computer or phone with a password and keep your operating system and applications up to date.

No form of electronic communication can be guaranteed to be completely free from security risks. For this reason, particularly sensitive communications should take place through the secure systems provided for your care rather than through ordinary text messages or unencrypted email.

Is Online Therapy Right for You?

Online therapy can be an effective and convenient way to receive psychotherapy, but it is not appropriate for every situation. During an initial consultation, we can discuss your concerns, goals, and circumstances and determine whether remote psychotherapy is an appropriate form of treatment for you.

I provide online psychotherapy throughout New York State, including New York City and the surrounding metropolitan area, with a particular focus on anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma, burnout, and related concerns.