I have a few questions before we begin…
Convenient?
You can access our online sessions, meetings, or appointments from Anywhere as long as you have access to Wi-Fi. Did you know that in response to the pandemic many states and counties are offering Free “emergency Wi-Fi service?” I didn’t either until I inadvertently noticed the option on my cell phone one day. Take a look.
Confidential?
Our online dialogues are kept confidential in accordance with HIPPA guidelines and protocols. We have the option of using more than one online HIPPA-secured platform based on your preference. Since you are not entering a building or sitting in a waiting room, you can avoid running into someone you may know from the area. Your treatment is personal.
Private?
Online therapy/services eliminated the need to put white noise machines outside my office door since I am not sharing an office suite with other professionals who may hear our conversations or see you in the suite. I am in a secure and quiet location without office distractions or other people. You can also choose where to participate in our virtual conversations to ensure privacy. Headphones or ear/Air buds are a bonus to guarantee only your voice can be heard wherever you may be. Pets are wonderful secret keepers so they can hang out nearby!
I'm new to therapy, what should I expect?
Psychotherapy has been proven to have many benefits in the form of improved interpersonal relationships, reduction and/or elimination of unwanted thoughts, improvement in problem-solving abilities and conflict resolution, and increasing emotional stability (Anthony & Farkas, 2012). In order to achieve these results, a client must roll up his/her sleeves and get to work! Anticipate feeling more discomfort earlier on in the treatment process due to the exposure and discussion of problematic areas of one's life. Stick with the process and allow my support to help you through the more challenging steps.
Will I be in Therapy Forever!?
My intent is to target your identified problem areas and create measurable goals and objectives for you to meet in a timely manner. I do not seek to work with clients longer than treatment is necessary. I appreciate that my role is to essentially render myself obsolete. For clients with chronic symptoms that require consistent maintenance, longer-term treatment may best serve their condition(s). We will collaborate to determine the best course of action. Since much of my work centers around Anxiety Disorders and OCD, specific session numbers are discussed when utilizing ERP treatment or other comparable formats. Additional sessions may be required as needed.
What is your availability?
I am accessible outside of our session time. I can be reached between the hours of 9:30am - 8pm Monday through Friday. I often respond to text messages, emails from potential clients, or voicemails at the end of the day after completing my appointments. I will respond to inquiries on weekends within reason. Rescheduling or canceling (other than for Monday) or general inquiries will likely result in a response during normal business hours. If a legitimate emergency is taking place any day of the week, I am directing you to contact 911 before contacting me. If a crisis is ensuing that does not require immediate psychiatric or medical intervention in the form of being taken to a hospital, I will respond at my earliest convenience during weekend hours. I believe a crisis may be eliminated or minimized when professionals intervene off-hours, within reason.
Since I am accessible with few limitations to the people I work with, I kindly ask that you refrain from sending text messages, calling my cell phone, or leaving voicemails prior to 9:30am. As do most people, I leave my phone turned on during evening and overnight hours for personal reasons and sending a text message, calling, or leaving a voicemail results in an alert. I need my beauty sleep in order to best serve You so please wait till at least 9:30am. Thank you.
Can I work with Any professional?
Yes & No. Different professionals are academically trained according to their discipline and licensed according to their degree. For example, a psychologist typically attends an accredited program that takes between 5-8 years to complete. They often endorse a Medical Model (disease approach) while focusing on assessment and evaluation. A social worker’s training is often completed in 2 years and focuses on the Person-in-Environment fit and Family Systems Theory. As a result, a social worker may approach treatment from a less clinical stance than a psychologist. More important to our discussion, neither one of these professionals is specifically trained to treat more complex symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in their academic settings, and therefore usually require additional trainings post graduation to treat this condition effectively.
I have participated in additional training beyond my academic learning environments in order to learn how to effectively treat Obsessive Compulsive Disorder for those experiencing this condition on a moderate to severe level. Exposure Response Prevention requires specific training from qualified OCD specialists which I have had the privilege of learning from and consulting with on my cases. As you may have already determined while engaging in your search for a provider, there are few appropriate provider options to treat OCD which remains a disadvantage to those seeking treatment. This is in part why this condition can linger well into adulthood for many people and pose a risk to their quality of life. Be discerning in your choice of provider to increase your chances of success.
Fee for Services
Rates & Fees
My fee varies depending upon the service I provide. In the state of Connecticut where services are being rendered, fee per psychotherapy session to treat Obsessive Compulsive Disorder symptoms and disorder typically range between $250-$450. Fee per psychotherapy session to treat non-specialty related issues typically range between $200-$300. Fees for other services provided are determined during initial consultation. I can be reached at drjennifernikou@gmail.com or (914) 907-0443 to discuss your specific needs.
For psychotherapy sessions only: I am not credentialed with any insurance carriers in the state of Connecticut and am therefore considered an out-of-network provider. If you qualify for out-of-network benefits, I may provide an invoice for you at the end of the month after full payment has been received and reconciled for all previous services rendered, which can be submitted to your insurance carrier. I cannot guarantee full, partial, or any reimbursement for services rendered. Often, companies reimburse for out-of-network providers at a high percentage (65% and higher), covering majority of the cost of one session. I encourage you to contact your insurance carrier in advance to learn of your benefit options.
I accept payment in the form of Venmo and credit cards. Venmo is a social payment service that allows for clients to make payments in a safe, private, and direct manner. No fees are involved. I prefer this method of payment. Credit cards are applied a 4% fee per transaction. Checks are not accepted while providing services in a telehealth format. Payment is expected on the date service is rendered (during the session) unless the service being provided will take place in increments (not including psychotherapy sessions). If the latter is the circumstance, partial payment is expected upon first date of service.
Cancellation Policy
I value each client’s time and the effort both practically and emotionally that is needed to engage in psychotherapy in addition to the other services I provide. I also recognize that others are seeking services continuously during the pandemic and it is important for professionals to be available. If a client cancels in less than 24 hours for a psychotherapy or other scheduled health education session, they will be charged the full amount for the session rate. If we can reschedule in the same week defined as Monday-Friday, the client is not responsible for the cancellation fee (only the fee for the completed session). If we are not able to reschedule in the same week due to scheduling conflicts or otherwise, the missed session remains expected to be paid by the client. Other services provided will be discussed with the client in terms of the cancellation policy and cancellation fee. Lastly, repetitive, and pattern-oriented cancellations or requests to reschedule will be discussed with the client and a determination will be made if therapy should continue.
Treatment specific to OCD requires a commitment during and in between sessions when exposures are conducted. It is imperative that weekly sessions (sometimes 2X/weekly) are conducted to complete all intended exposures, one building on the next. If time, motivation level, or other factors may hinder this process, it is best to wait before engaging in treatment until you are able to fully commit.
Thank you for your understanding of my policy.
Therapist/Client Relationship
Goodness of Fit
Clients often share their experiences with previous professionals during our work, expressing their frustration about their difficulty in finding “the right fit.” It is important that you feel comfortable, safe, and engaged with your therapist so that sharing sensitive information comes more naturally. There will, however, be times when it is the therapist’s job to confront and make a client relatively uncomfortable in the interest of growth. It is important to discern the former from the latter.
I have heard many stories from clients about therapists missing appointments, taking time off without giving proper notice, questioning behavior before learning more context, and my personal favorite, falling asleep during sessions! No one is perfect but you should be in the care of a professional who conducts themselves as such. A stronger relationship leads to a healthier recovery.
It’s Not You, It’s Us
Experiencing a connection with your therapist is important and taking the time to find a therapist that aligns or adjusts to your style and needs can take time. It is also important for your therapist to feel that he/she/they can best serve you. Sometimes a therapist can find themselves going through the motions of the work, noting little substantial progress towards their client’s goals. If that remains the case, it is part of the therapist’s role to discuss their relationship and potential impediments to treatment to move forward successfully. You might find that after meaningful discussions with your therapist it is best to terminate treatment and begin anew with someone else. This is part of the process and serves a purpose which is to help the client advance in their journey towards growth. A seasoned professional can teach a client how to end a relationship graciously and respectfully under these conditions, eliminating the tendency for “ghosting” to occur.