FAQ

Of course, you can drive (see map above). Here is some information on public transportation:

You can take the bus via Hart Pulse Point and the Danbury Ticket Office.

You can take a train to Brewster or Wingdale, NY, and then take a taxi or an Uber from there. Traveling up from NYC can take as long as 4 hours by bus one way, or 1 hour and 30 minutes by car, so give yourself plenty of time.

If you want to take a train from NYC and a cab, use Metro North and take the Harlem Line and the Wassaic Branch to Brewster or Pawling and take a taxi from there, or the New Haven Line to Danbury where you can grab the bus as above.

If you want to come in on the weekend or for the support group for ex-members from Danbury, you can take a taxi to the New Milford Green and walk from there (about five blocks).

It’s not right now, but it would not take long to make it so. There is a ramp to my office that a wheelchair can use. I need bars in the bathroom and a way to get a wheelchair over the threshold. My landlord is an expert at making places ADA compliant, so just ask.

I like to work with most people – individuals, couples, families, and kids – on a variety of issues, including depression, anxiety, work performance issues, and adoption issues. However, I do not do marriage counseling.

I also have some specialty areas of focus, including helping students with ADHD prepare for the transition from grammar to high school to college… and people who have struggled with cults or high-intensity groups… and those who have had issues with unethical psychics or mediums.

Yes, but I am not a trained marriage counselor. If you are having marital problems, I recommend finding someone who is. Otherwise, I’m happy to see you.

Groups are sometimes available. I have run a support group for ex-cult members and plan on restarting one after COVID-19 settles down. If there is a type of group you are interested in attending, please let me know.

I work with people of all ages. I work more with adults than children, but I am very familiar with specific problems that kids can have and like to work with those. They include ADHD, Executive Function problems, adoption, and the effects of cult involvement on kids.

I am quite familiar with family systems and some of the issues involved in dealing with the Danbury, Department of Children and Families.

You can call me to set up a free 15-minute consultation at (860) 717-4400. You can also email me at info@NewMilfordCounseling.com.

I work Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Occasionally I will set up appointments for other times but not regularly.

I usually work from 10 AM to 8 PM. I need about an hour to get into the office in case of a last-minute appointment unless we do a telehealth session.

I can sometimes see you on weekends or evenings, but not regularly. I sometimes travel on the weekends and don’t want to interrupt our time together. However, if you need a consultation, extra time, or want to come in for only a few sessions and my schedule is free, I might be available if we agree in advance.

Yes, I’m fully equipped to do telehealth sessions using Theranest, Zoom, Skype, or Facetime. Please note that some of these programs, such as Facetime, have only just been made available as a result of Covid-19, and it is possible that they may be withdrawn in the future.

Yes, I’m taking new clients.

I require 24 hours’ notice for call cancellations or reschedules, or you will be billed for the full amount. By cancelling 24 hours in advance, I will have enough time to use your time slot for something else.

Yes, as long as you don’t cancel. This is why it’s so important to cancel 24 hours in advance – so that I know you are not coming – instead of just running late. Otherwise I could fill your empty slot and won’t have to charge you.

Yes. I currently take the following types of insurance: Anthem, BlueCross/BlueShield, Cigna, ConnectiCare, Humana, Husky, Medicaid, Optum, Oxford, TRICARE, and UnitedHealthcare.

I charge $150 per session for individuals.

It’s $200 per session for a couple and $250 per session for a family.

Group fees are $75 per person (without insurance), Ex-Members or Ex-Psychic Victims (free or by private arrangement). A small number of clients may qualify for reduced rates (this could include ex-members).

You can pay with cash, credit card, or PayPal. I may take a personal check, but I do not accept bank checks or money orders.

Depending on your circumstances, I am willing to consider sliding scale. I am also willing to help you with an insurance application if you need one.

A 20-minute phone consultation is free.

Most individual sessions are 50 minutes.

A session with a couple is typically an hour.

Family sessions typically last an hour and a half.

In some cases, an introductory session with more than one person may last up to two hours.

It depends on what the problem is and what goals you have. It can take between six weeks and several years, but most of my clients see me between three months and one year.

We will spend the first session or two going over paperwork and getting to know each other. To speed things up, I like to forward my intake questionnaire to you in advance so that you can fill it out at home and bring or send it in.

I also ask for a photograph of your insurance card and birthdate in advance. This will ensure that there are no unrelated insurance delays.

That will depend on what your issue is. Some people find it helpful to come more than once a week at the beginning. Others want to go through therapy faster and find coming more than once a week helps.

But people find that coming once a week is sufficient. Some people come in once every other week because it is what they can afford.

Therapy works by introducing you to a new awareness of yourself and others so that you can begin to make new or unexpected choices in your responses to life. I help you build new skills and show you new ways of looking at things.

I believe that an understanding of where you come from is essential – as is learning to live in the moment with a sense of direction. One of the goals of therapy might be to integrate these better, but it is your choice.

I use a combination of psychodynamic, psychoeducational, and cognitive behavioral therapy. In some cases, I use behavioral therapy as needed. I may begin EMDR or ART certification in the near future.

I’m warm but a little formal. I listen more than I talk. I like a good joke.

I am not fluent in any other language but English, but over the years I have studied French, Latin, German, and Modern Greek. I also understand a fair amount of Italian and Spanish and can read the Russian alphabet. My German, Greek, and Italian are pretty rusty but could be dusted off. My French is functional.

I do have dogs, but none is currently certified as a therapy dog. At some point they might be, though, and, if you want, you may get a chance to meet them. If you are allergic or phobic around dogs, please let me know.

No thanks. I have a ‘no gifts’ policy, even on the holidays.