Questions & Answers

How do I know if a therapist is the right fit?

Taking the first step to reach out for help is a significant life decision that deserves recognition.  Finding a therapist who creates a space where you feel both understood and appropriately challenged can be a valuable process in itself. I respect the courage it takes to begin this journey, whether you're seeking therapy for the first time or returning after previous experiences. 

Finding a therapist who resonates with you is so important. To “resonate” is to feel that someone 'gets it' or that there's potential for real connection. While perfect understanding isn't realistic, there should be enough alignment to suggest a foundation for a meaningful working relationship.

The first step is often a complimentary 20-minute consultation call where you can share a bit about what's bringing you to therapy, ask any questions you might have, and get a feel for how I work. There's no pressure or obligation—just a chance for us to see if it feels right to embark on this journey together. The consultation call gives us both the opportunity to explore the potential connection.

Some questions you might ask yourself during and after a consultation call:

  1. After speaking with this therapist, do I feel a sense of being understood, even if just in small ways? Do I sense both compassion and competence in how they engage with me? 

  2. Does this person create a space where I feel I could eventually share difficult things without judgment? Can I imagine building trust with this person over time?

  3. Does the therapist’s response feel thoughtful and attuned to what I'm expressing, rather than generic or formulaic? Is there something about their communication style that resonates with how I process information?

  4. Does their therapeutic approach and expertise align with my current needs, goals, and challenges?

The first session is all about our beginning to know each other and establishing a foundation for our work together. All sessions are 50 minutes, giving us ample time to start exploring what brings you to therapy. Unlike many practices, there won’t be standard intake forms before our first meeting—this is a deliberate choice to protect your privacy and allow your story to unfold organically. 

In our initial sessions, I will learn about your unique circumstances, history, and hopes for therapy. I'll ask questions about what you're experiencing now, relevant aspects of your background, and what meaningful change might look like for you. You're always welcome to ask questions too—about the therapeutic process, my approach, or anything else that would help you feel more comfortable. Some people arrive with very specific goals, while others come with more general feelings of distress or a desire for growth; both approaches are entirely welcome. 

My aim during these early conversations is to create a space where you feel heard and respected as we collaboratively develop a clear understanding of how we'll work together on your journey.

What should I expect in my initial sessions?

Meeting Virtually vs. In-person Sessions

At present, Diacritic Counseling is entirely virtual, which means sessions take place through a HIPAA-compliant platform designed specifically for healthcare, ensuring our conversations remain confidential and secure. All you need is a reliable internet connection, a device with a camera, and a private space where you won't be interrupted.

Many clients find that virtual therapy offers unique benefits—eliminating commute time, creating flexibility around work and family responsibilities, and sometimes even allowing for a different quality of presence and reflection. The digital space can feel both intimate and containing—a setting that already feels safe and familiar to you.

However, there are also many benefits to in-person counseling. Sharing physical space during therapy creates its own unique healing environment and can offer subtle dimensions that enhance our work together. Diacritic Counseling is currently expanding its services and plans to offer in-person sessions at our forthcoming office location in Brooklyn. If you have a preference for in-person therapy, please indicate this through our contact page.

The challenges of accepting insurance

Diacritic Counseling operates on a private-pay basis and does not directly accept insurance. This decision stems from a commitment to providing quality care while navigating the significant challenges of our current healthcare environment.

The present insurance system often restricts mental health treatment through session limitations, predetermined treatment approaches, mandatory diagnostic codes that may follow clients indefinitely, and administrative burdens that redirect valuable time away from client care. These systemic issues affect both clinicians and clients, particularly those seeking more personalized or in-depth therapeutic work.

Not taking insurance means I can focus our therapeutic relationship on your specific needs rather than external requirements. This approach supports greater flexibility in how we work together while maintaining stronger confidentiality protections.

I recognize that this model raises important questions about accessibility—questions I take very seriously. I offer an equitable fee scale for clients facing financial hardship, and I can also provide documentation for out-of-network reimbursement through superbills. I welcome conversations about payment options that might better accommodate your financial situation.

It is my deeply held conviction that quality mental healthcare should be accessible to all. While operating within the constraints of our current system, I remain actively committed to advocating for healthcare reforms that would make therapy more affordable and available to everyone who needs it. Our individual work together exists alongside this larger commitment to systemic change and greater equity in mental health services.

Payments & Fees

Equitable Fee Structure

An equitable fee structure acknowledges that financial circumstances should not prevent access to quality care. Diacritic Counseling operates on a tiered payment system that recognizes financial hardship and the often invisible burdens of economic stress. These reduced-fee arrangements include a clear contract to reassess client financial circumstances every six months and are designed for clients whose financial circumstances prevent them from paying the standard fee. 

Diacritic Counseling has reached capacity for continuous care at reduced rates.  However, short-term focused therapy remains available at adjusted rates for clients facing financial constraints. If you are experiencing financial hardship and seeking support, please reach out to discuss your unique situation. 

Individual Counseling: $350 per session

Relationship Counseling: $400 per session

Superbills are available on request, which may allow for out of network reimbursement depending upon your insurance provider.