“Should Ask Questions”
Everyone knows of “Frequently Asked Questions,” but I want to offer you some “Should Ask Questions” because these are (in my opinion) answers to questions everyone should know before signing up for an evaluation or therapy session of any kind, even if it is not with me.
I offer my services remotely through online teletherapy. So, we’ll find each other over the Internet!
The primary difference between traditional in-person counseling and online counseling is that the therapist and client are in two different locations communicating via a live, secure video connection.
The quality of service remains identical.
The therapist utilizes the same clinical theories and interventions as they would in person, with any needed handouts/literature being emailed to the client either at the start or conclusion of each session.
It’s convenient.
Like to stay at the Jersey Shore in the summer?
Snow too high to drive in the winter?
Feeling sick and want to stay home?
No problem! Because online counseling is conducted using secure video streaming, sessions can be done anywhere within the state of New Jersey.
It eliminates barriers.
One of the primary reasons why someone does not receive counseling services is “not enough time.” Online counseling overcomes this barrier by making quality therapy available despite your busy schedule by eliminating the commute.
Another common reason for not participating in therapy is lack of transportation. Whether it’s due to illness, finances, car troubles, or simply being unable to drive, online counseling allows anyone and everyone who wants therapy to get it.
It’s client-centered.
Online counseling allows the client to have “home field advantage” and take control of his or her treatment with a flexible schedule and flexible location.
This means you get to sit in your home furniture that you know if comfortable. No more walking into a waiting room and squeezing into chairs that are too small, or worried about if it will support your weight.
Online counseling additionally offers clients the added privacy of completing counseling in their own home. Personal growth is hard work, so why not do it in a space where you feel comfortable?
It facilitates continuity of care.
With traditional in-person counseling, if a client or therapist moves, the relationship often ends or the client must commute an extended distance.
But with online counseling, if the therapist and client remain in the same state, therapy can continue. Why change a good thing?
My hours vary depending on availability and are by appointment only. Please email me at info@body-mindcounseling.com to discuss availability.
From start to finish, this “face to face” telehealth evaluation typically lasts between 90 and 120 minutes.
Bariatric evaluations are $600 due at the time of evaluation. This investment includes the clinical meetings, assessments, report generation, follow-up meeting with you, and any communication with your surgeon or medical team.
You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your health care will cost
Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have certain types of health care coverage or who are not using certain types of health care coverage (aka: individuals who are uninsured and/or those who wish to self pay and not file for reimbursement with insurance) an estimate of their bill for health care items and services before those items or services are
provided.
- You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of
any health care items or services upon request or when scheduling such items or
services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs,
equipment, and hospital fees. - If you schedule a health care item or service at least 3 business days in advance,
make sure your health care provider or facility gives you a Good Faith Estimate in
writing within 1 business day after scheduling. If you schedule a health care item or
service at least 10 business days in advance, make sure your health care provider
or facility gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing within 3 business days after
scheduling. You can also ask any health care provider or facility for a Good Faith
Estimate before you schedule an item or service. If you do, make sure the health
care provider or facility gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing within 3
business days after you ask. - If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more for any provider or facility than your
Good Faith Estimate from that provider or facility, you can dispute the bill. - Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate and the bill.
For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit
www.cms.gov/nosurprises/consumers, email FederalPPDRQuestions@cms.hhs.gov, or call 1-
800-985-3059.
PRIVACY ACT STATEMENT: CMS is authorized to collect the information on this form and
any supporting documentation under section 2799B-7 of the Public Health Service Act, as added
by section 112 of the No Surprises Act, title I of Division BB of the Consolidated Appropriations
Act, 2021 (Pub. L. 116-260). We need the information on the form to process your request to
initiate a payment dispute, verify the eligibility of your dispute for the PPDR process, and to
determine whether any conflict of interest exists with the independent dispute resolution entity
selected to decide your dispute. The information may also be used to: (1) support a decision on
your dispute; (2) support the ongoing operation and oversight of the PPDR program; (3) evaluate
selected IDR entity’s compliance with program rules. Providing the requested information is
voluntary. But failing to provide it may delay or prevent processing of your dispute, or it could
cause your dispute to be decided in favor of the provider or facility.
Evaluations can be scheduled by either calling me at (908) 379-8110 or email me at Info@Body-MindCounseling.com. Email is my preferred and quickest mode of communication however you are always welcome to leave a voicemail on my office phone.
If you have questions about me or my services that you would like to address before scheduling a formal appointment, you are welcome to reach out to schedule a complimentary 15 minute phone consultation known as a “discovery call.”
During this call, you and I will assess compatibility and determine if I am the right fit for your evaluation needs. Building a strong relationship and feeling comfortable with your evaluator is essential for a successful assessment experience. Our goal during this call is to provide clarity on you evaluation process and how it aligns with your objectives. I encourage you to come prepared with any information or questions you wish to discuss, ensuring that our conversation is productive and informative.
I require 24 business hours’ notice to cancel an appointment. This time allows the opportunity for someone else to schedule an appointment.
If you are unable to give 24 business hours’ notice, you will be charged the full amount for your missed appointment.
If you arrive late, your session may be shortened to accommodate others whose appointments follow yours. Regardless of the length of the treatment given, you will be responsible for the “full” session.
Out of respect and consideration to your therapist and other clients, please plan accordingly and be on time.
I work exclusively with adults 27 and up, but most of my clients range in age from 35-65.
My specialty is providing pre-surgical bariatric evaluations, and I work with people of all genders, sexual orientations, races, and backgrounds.
Eating disorders (i.e.. binge eating, bulimia, anorexia, etc.) are best treated under a practitioner who specializes in this struggle. I would be happy to refer you to colleagues that do this type of work.
During our work together, should disordered eating become a barrier in your journey, I will recommend that you follow up with one of these professionals for ongoing support.
In our telehealth evaluation, you can expect a comprehensive discussion tailored to your needs. Conducted securely via HIPAA-compliant video conferencing, our sessions are designed to provide you with confidence in your assessment, ensuring the right diagnosis for your surgeon the first time.
During our meetings, we’ll delve into your physical and mental health history, lifestyle, and surgery expectations. My approach is not about limitations, but about equipping you with the necessary resources for optimal recovery. You’ll also receive thorough education on the surgery and post-recovery expectations, leaving ample opportunities for questions as you prepare for your procedure.
The entire telehealth evaluation typically spans between 90 and 120 minutes [booked in (2) 60 minute time slots], ensuring thorough exploration of your concerns, needs, and the required surgery education presentation.
Following our evaluation, you’ll receive a formal report promptly delivered to both you and your surgeon. Our goal is to place this report in your surgeon’s hands within 72 hours of our assessment. Additionally, I’ll schedule a brief follow-up session, available in audio or video format, to review the results and address any lingering queries you may have.
If needed, additional copies of your report can be sent to other members of your medical team, and I’m also available for further coordination with your surgeon should they have any questions after receiving the report.
After its completion, I’ll be in touch to schedule a follow-up session to go over its contents together. Occasionally, I may have recommendations for you to consider in order to optimize your post-surgery success or to meet the criteria for surgery clearance.
However, it’s important to note that the ultimate decision to proceed with surgery rests solely with the surgical team and you, the client, irrespective of my recommendations.
My go-to therapeutic modalities are: cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, acceptance and commitment therapy, and a strengths-based perspective.
These therapeutic modalities assist me in teaching various coping skills to overcome obstacles. I believe that everyone has the tools for success somewhere inside them; therapy is about identifying those strengths and learning how to use them to your best advantage.
After graduating with honors (Nu Omicron Chapter of Phi Alpha Honor Society) as Master of Social Work (MSW) with a focus on clinical and counseling from Rutgers University, I worked in the hospital and healthcare industry.
My training has assisted me in helping adults struggling with depression and anxiety learn to develop an inner strength which will pull them out of the emotional dip. I help people do and feel better by teaching practical strategies on how to adapt their thoughts and actions to align with their values. My mission is to help individuals know their worth, believe in their strengths, and feel confident in their abilities to tackle challenges; not just today but for years to come.
I have extensive training and experience in helping those recovering from chronic illness and injuries redefine their best selves.
Nope. If you are looking for medication, I recommend reaching out to a psychiatrist or advanced practice nurse practitioner (APN).
SSDI/SSI paperwork typically requires a signature from a medical doctor, which I am not. I would recommend bringing these or other applications to your primary care doctor, neurologist, psychiatrist, oncologist, or neuropsychologist.
If there is paperwork related to your treatment (outside of the bariatric assessment itself) that I need to read and/or complete, there is an additional charge for these services. Examples of such paperwork include, but are not limited to, TBI Fund paperwork, treatment summary letters, coordination of care documents, etc.
Yes, however due to the nature of bariatric surgery evaluations there are some significant exceptions…
Specific to pre-surgical evaluations:
One of the primary purposes of the pre-surgical bariatric psychological assessment is to provide valuable insight to your surgeon, aiding them in making an informed decision regarding the suitability of surgery at this stage in life. To achieve this, I maintain open communication with your surgeon, sharing pertinent information both through the written report and verbal discussions. While certain details may be kept confidential, the majority of our insights will be communicated in some form with your medical team, particularly if they are relevant to or can influence your health and recovery process. This collaborative approach ensures comprehensive care and enhances the decision-making process surrounding your surgical journey.
Confidentiality as a whole related to psychotherapy & counseling services:
Additionally, by law, I am required to speak without your permission in the following three instances to maintain safety: 1) if you are a danger to yourself or someone else, 2) if a child, elderly, or someone unable to take care of themselves is in danger, 3) if a court of law mandates me. Outside of these legal requirements, I am not permitted to talk to anyone (friends, families, lawyers, etc.) without your permission. Before starting treatment with me, I will provide you with a list of these exceptions so that you do not have to commit it to memory.
Side Note: If you are using your out-of-network insurance benefits or if someone else is paying for your therapy services, know that legally they have the right to your treatment records.
If it is in New Jersey, yes! The current legislation stipulates that therapists providing online counseling must be licensed in the same state where the client is located at the time of the session.
If that’s not possible, the flexibility of online counseling allows for easy rescheduling.
Your safety and comfort are paramount, and I’m truly delighted that you feel at ease speaking with me. However, I want to be transparent that I’m not currently offering ongoing counseling services. If you’re seeking continued therapy, it’s important to explore other options. I’m more than happy to assist you in finding suitable therapists in New Jersey through referrals. Your well-being is my priority, and I’m committed to ensuring you receive the support you need, even if it means directing you to another professional.
It’s natural to be curious about your therapist as you are spending so much time talking about your world and know so little of the person sitting across from you. In therapy, this is a good thing.
Therapy is about you, your brief moment in the week where you are encouraged to be selfish and think only about yourself.
Though you are welcome to ask any questions you would like, know that I will only answer questions that serve a direct benefit to you and your treatment.
Come as you are. Say what you need and want to say. We’ll be respectful of each other, but you don’t have to “clean up” to come to therapy. I want to get to know you just as you are.
It rarely happens; however, it is possible our paths may cross at a ASMBS conference or lecture. Know that if we ever did see each other out in public, I will not acknowledge you unless you speak with me first. I do this to protect your privacy and to avoid the awkward “so how do you know her” questions from others.
Feel free to say hello (I don’t bite), but please save any “therapy” talk for the session time. If you need to spend a few minutes talking with me between sessions, no problem. Just follow any one of the protocols we have talked about for contacting me, and I’ll be happy to make time to talk with you.
All sessions can be done using a video-capable desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone. As long as there is some type of WIFI or data available to access the Internet, you are good to go. I do have some recommendations that make connections easiest:
- If using a desktop or laptop – having an Ethernet cable available for hardwire access can eliminate breaks in the signal connection
- If using a tablet or phone – get a good stand that allows you to prop the device up. Our sessions are 45 minutes in length, unless you are looking for an upper-body workout, save your arms some strength and use a stand/car clip to hold the device.
- Headphones are a great way to maximize privacy and ensure that you can hear what is being said. (Headphones with a microphone attached are a plus, so you don’t have to shout into the device to be heard.)
I do not accept friend or contact requests from current or former clients on any social networking site (Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, etc.) as I believe that adding clients as friends or contacts on these sites can compromise your confidentiality and our respective privacy. It may also blur the boundaries of our therapeutic relationship.
You are welcome to follow me on my social media sites however please know that I cannot guarantee anonymity and/or HIPAA compliance since your profile, comments, images etc. are available on a public platform. Of course I will never, “out you” on any of these platforms, however I cannot confirm or deny your acquaintance should it ever come into question (at least not without your explicit permission).
If you have questions about this, please bring them up when we meet and we can talk more about it.