Frequently Asked Questions
General FAQ’s:
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I’m able to hold sessions both in person and online for people who live in NY State. My in-person office is located in Beacon, NY in the Hudson Valley. I can hold online sessions only for residents of the state of FL.
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I’m paneled with a limited number of insurances and have limited spots available. I am an out-of-network provider for most insurances. I’m unable to take clients who have Medicaid or Medicare insurance. I’m unable to take insurance for couple’s work, as insurance companies don’t cover couple’s therapy. Keep in mind, health insurance only reimburses for "medically necessary" therapy, and they define "medical necessity."
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The best way to find out if you have out-of-network coverage is to contact your insurance company directly. Usually, the insurance member phone number is on the back of your insurance card. You want to make sure you’re asking about mental health or behavioral health services (as opposed to medical). You’ll want to prepare a list of questions to ask and keep record of the answers you receive. Here is a sample:
Do you have out-of-network coverage for mental health? What is the deductible?
Is there a limit for the number of sessions or a dollar amount limit? (ex: you can be reimbursed up to 20 sessions... or $2000... whichever is comes first.)
What percentage of the fee is reimbursed and how much are you expected to pay out of pocket?
You may be asked for my name and license type (LCSW).
The insurance representative may ask what codes will be billed. Here is a list:
CPT-90791 1st “Psychiatric Evaluation” session
CPT-90834 50 minute individual session
CPT-90837 60 minutes individual session
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We use a HIPAA-compliant video software for sessions. Once we determine we’re a good fit, I send you an invitation to sign up for the free app you need to sign up that we’ll use for sessions. If we ever have trouble connecting, we have other HIPAA-compliant services we can use for backups.
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I offer an equitable fee scale for private pay clients. Please see the About page for my fees here (scroll down toward the bottom of the page).
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The first appointment will be a continuation of getting to know each other through a conversation where I learn more about you and what you want to work on in therapy. We will both have a chance to ask questions and learn more about the process and plan moving forward. If for some reason it doesn’t feel like the right fit, that’s okay, I’m happy to provide referrals to other therapists who might be.
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This is a somewhat challenging question to answer without knowing what nuances have led you to come to therapy. Some of the factors to consider are: the nature of the challenges you’re facing, the type of therapy that we’re focusing on, what issues come up during the course of our work together, frequency of sessions and any work that may happen outside of sessions. This can make the timeframe hard to predict. That said, I’ve worked with clients who reached their therapy goals in 7 months, others who I’ve worked with who reach goals in 18-24 months and a few who’ve reached their original goals and want to continue their work who end up working with me for a few years. TL;DR - it depends! :)
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You can book your free 15-minute free audio or video consultation call here:
https://renee-giordano.clientsecure.me
We’ll talk and you can get answers to questions you might have about what working together can look like. If it’s a good fit, we’ll move on to get registration as easily as possible and schedule our first session.
Couples Therapy FAQ’s:
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Couples therapy can help you both communicate better, reconnect on a deeper level, and learn how to resolve conflicts more effectively. It’s about rebuilding trust, understanding each other’s needs, and strengthening your relationship.
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There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. Some couples find what they need in just a few months, while others might benefit from ongoing support. We will meet weekly for the first three sessions and then move to every other week, but it all depends on what works best for you and your partner. The pace is really up to you.
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It’s pretty common for one partner to be more hesitant about therapy. And that’s ok. If that’s the case, try having an open conversation about how therapy could help strengthen your relationship. Sometimes, just attending a few sessions can make couples therapy seem less intimidating. And if they’re still unsure, starting therapy on your own can be a great step. Working on yourself can have a positive impact on the relationship too. There is no wrong answer when starting this journey.
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Arguing in therapy is totally normal—it’s a sign that you’re addressing the real issues. I am here to help you navigate those emotions in a productive way. The goal isn’t to avoid conflict but to learn how to manage it better. So, don’t worry if you don’t see eye to eye; but I don’t think you want to pay me to watch you fight ;).
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My job is to join you in the truth. Sometimes that will look like I am focusing on one partner at the moment, but it’s all in service to getting at the real issues…otherwise, what are we even doing here? Don’t worry, each partner gets their turn to be in the spotlight. The goal is to learn more about yourselves and one another. We will use what you learn to help turn toward each other, rather than away from each other.
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Like any relationship in the building stage, it may take some time to know if a connection feels like the right fit. Sometimes, you’ll know right away. Some things to consider: you want to make sure their approach aligns with your needs and preferences; you should feel comfortable and understood by them; they should communicate in a way that you find helpful and you want to be working toward the same identified goal.
As I like to tell people during the consultation call, if I remind you of someone you don’t like, it’s not going to be a good fit. :)
Therapy for Anxiety FAQ’s:
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While therapy can significantly reduce anxiety symptoms and help individuals manage their anxiety more effectively, it may not completely eliminate anxiety for everyone. The goal is often to equip individuals with tools to manage and cope with anxiety rather than "cure" it completely.
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The duration of therapy for anxiety can vary widely depending on the individual. Some people may experience significant improvement in a few months, while others may need longer-term therapy. Whether your therapy journey is short-term or lasts a bit longer…I’m here for it all.
For additional questions or concerns, please schedule a free consultation.
I look forward to connecting with you soon.