Frequently Asked Questions

Fees & Insurance

  • I offer couple therapy in 50-minute and 80 - minute long sessions . My fee for a 50 minute session is $175 and $250 for an 80-minute session.

    Longer sessions for couples allow for deeper processing of conversations and can shorten the length of treatment. Efficacy research on emotionally-focused therapy, an evidence-based approach, to couple therapy was also conducted using 80-minute long sessions.

  • I am an in-network provider for Anthem/ Blue Cross Blue Shield (PPO and Indemnity plans in MA). I am considered an out-of-network provider for most other PPO insurance plans.

    Insurance covers 50-minute sessions with applicable co-pays and deductible amounts. With an 80-minute session, you can use your in-network benefits for the first 50 minutes and you will pay out-of-pocket for the remainder of the session along with any applicable co-pay or deductible amounts.

    For out-of-network billing, you will pay my fee in full at the time of service and I will provide you with documentation in the form of a monthly superbill to submit to your insurance for reimbursement.

  • You can understand your mental health benefits best by calling the member services line on the back of your insurance card.

    You would need to confirm that CPT code 90847 (conjoint therapy) is a covered benefit for you in order to seek couple therapy (both in-network and out-of-network).

  • Out-of-network coverage means your insurance reimburses you for a portion of your out-of-pocket expense when you see a provider who is not on your insurer’s panel.  Most PPO plans offer out-of-network benefits although the percentage of cost covered by your insurance will depend on your particular plan. When checking your out-of-network insurance benefits for couple therapy, it is useful to ask the following questions:

    • Do I have out-of-network mental health benefits?

    • Is CPT code 90847 a covered service for me?

    • Is there a limit to the number of sessions/hours of therapy I can seek?

    • Do I need a pre-authorization or referral from a primary care physician before starting couples counseling?

  • In order to pay for therapy using in-network or out-of-network benefits, a diagnosis has to be provided for one person in the couple system and treatment planning will need to reflect progress made towards addressing that issue. If you would like to avoid this, you can choose to pay out-of-pocket.

  • Payments can be made using check, cash, or credit/debit/FSA/HSA cards. It is my practice policy to have clients store a card on file using my electronic health record system, Simple Practice. Payments are processed via Stripe in compliance with HIPAA.

General FAQ

  • I offer a free, brief initial introductory call for potential clients during which I collect relevant screening information and answer any questions you may have about my approach and practice or about therapy, in general. Please know that while this call helps us to determine if we can start working together, it usually takes some time to develop a good working alliance. Sometimes, after the initial assessment sessions (1-3), a referral may be made to a different provider if they are better suited to serve your needs.

  • I offer in-person sessions in Wellesley on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. Telehealth sessions are also available on these days. I offer evening sessions till 8 PM on weekdays and till 5 PM on Saturday.

  • A 24-hour notice is required for cancellations. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance will be charged in full with the exception of emergencies.

  • For couples who cannot afford to pay the full price for therapy or are uninsured or underinsured, I offer a limited number of slots through a non-profit called Open Path Collective.

Couples Therapy FAQ

  • In my practice, I offer couples a space to repair their relationship. So, the goal is to help partners do their best in service of their relationship while ensuring their individual well-being is also attended to. I aim to form a trusting working relationship with each partner and I do not scapegoat either partner in the process of therapy.

  • I do not work with couples if there is ongoing physical, verbal or emotional abuse, an ongoing affair or ongoing addiction. For such couples, individual therapy is recommended first and couple therapy can be sought after the problematic behaviors have ended.

  • The first three sessions are considered assessment sessions. In the first session, I meet with both partners to understand their views of their relationship and their shared identity as a couple. We primarily discuss relationship history, strengths and difficulties. In the second and third sessions, I meet with partners individually to gather information about their family-of-origin and attachment histories in significant close relationships, including their current romantic relationship. Subsequent sessions are held jointly unless there is an impasse and I decide individual sessions might be helpful in moving ahead. Sometimes, at the end of the assessment sessions, a referral to another provider may be needed.

  • Sessions are held on a weekly basis. This helps build momentum and enhances the effectiveness of therapy.

  • I am licensed to provide virtual therapy to people residing in Massachusetts and Wisconsin. If you or your partner reside in any other state, I am unable to work with you. You can use the Psypact directory (https://www.verifypsypact.org/PsypactDirectory) to access a list of psychologists who can work across state lines. Please note that not all states participate in Psypact and you should make sure your state does.

  • Yes, I recommend that you do. It is not appropriate for young children to be present in the therapy space even when sessions are held virtually. It can be hard to open up about certain topics and express yourself fully if your child/children are present. It can also be confusing or worrying for your child/children to witness exchanges and interactions between their parents/caregivers that they do not understand.