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Frequently Asked Questions

We love that our clients tend to be intelligent, motivated people- and those types of people often have questions! Here is a list of popular questions, along with contact information for office staff in case you have even more questions. Ask away!

1. Do you take insurance?

Yes, as a recognized out-of-network provider.  We will check your benefits, file your claims, have the insurance company send the funds directly to us so that you are never stuck waiting for reimbursements. Click here to look up your benefits so we can provide you with information regarding your out of network coverage.

To look up your benefits, please submit your insurance details HERE or call 212.729.3922 and verbally give your insurance details to the receptionist.

Please note that we are not an ‘in-network provider’ even though we do take insurance and work with companies such as Aetna, Cigna, United, Blue Cross, GHI, and others.  We check your benefits, file your claims, and collect reimbursements on your behalf.  Because we are not in-network providers, we are able to offer our therapists higher salaries, which we feel enables us to be more selective in hiring.  We are also able to maintain a greater level of confidentiality with your medical records.  In-network providers are required to share more information with your insurance company; we are free to keep your notes completely private (though we will comply with your insurance company's requests for records, if you wish-- each insurance policy may have different requirements-- but the decision to share records is ultimately at your discretion rather than in the case of an in-network claim, where you lose the right to decide on whether to participate in your insurance company's programs or records requests).

2. What is the cost of therapy?

Your out-of-pocket cost will depend on your insurance coverage.  If you are without insurance or if your insurance is limited, we will make every effort to  work with you to find a payment plan.  The easiest way to get started and find out about cost is to send your insurance information HERE or call 212.729.3922.

3. When are your therapists available?

We have therapists available from Monday-Friday plus Sundays since we understand that many busy people need a therapist on the weekends in Manhattan. We have appointments available throughout the day starting at 7 am and ending at 9 pm Monday-Friday plus 10-6 on Sundays. You can BOOK NOW to find the time that works best for you!

4. What is the approach to therapy at Carmichael Psychology?

We tailor the approach to each client’s needs.  Generally speaking, there are two main approaches to therapy: The first is Cognitive-Behavioral, which involves very structured and targeted interventions to change specific things like thought patterns or problematic behaviors.  The second is Psychodynamic, which involves a more open-ended and exploratory approach.  For many clients, a balance of both approaches works best: For example a person with relationship issues might need to look into their history in an exploratory way to see how the problem developed in the past, and then use that insight to choose the best CBT intervention to deliberately reshape the patterns that are causing stress in the current situation.  Sound confusing?  Don’t worry, we will explain it again if you want, using your particular case to illustrate what type of approach we feel is the best approach for you!

5. How do I know which therapist to see?

If you would like help choosing the best therapist for your needs, schedule a FREE 15-minute phone consultation with Dr. Chloe and she will pair you with the right therapist after learning more about your particular situation.  You are also welcome to browse the Associates’ profiles and schedule a FREE 15-minute phone call with one that you think would be a good fit for you. Call 212.729.3922 or BOOK NOW to get started.

6. How often would I come to therapy?  How long would therapy last?

That depends on your reason for coming to therapy.  We want you to come as often, or as rarely, as is best for your situation.  Some clients come every week, and others come less frequently.  Very occasionally, some clients come twice in a week if they have had a particular issue such as a break-up or some other reason they need extra support that week.  Similarly, some clients need only short-term therapy because their issue requires only a few new skills that are easy to learn and implement.  In other situations, a client might need more sessions to explore how their personal history led to the patterns they want to change.  Learning new skills and gaining insights are processes that can happen quickly or more slowly, depending on the situation.  Some clients want to move as quickly as possible and need only 3-6 sessions, while others need slightly more, and some clients feel that ongoing appointments help them to maintain gains or identify new areas for growth.  We don’t want to rush the therapeutic process, but we also don’t want to keep you in therapy for longer than you need or want.  If you would like more information about your particular situation, please feel free to ask Dr. Chloe or your associate therapist how long your therapy is expected to take.  You will be able to get a more precise answer once Dr. Chloe or your therapist understands your personal history and reasons for seeking therapy.

7. Are there issues you don’t treat?

Yes. We specialize in anxiety, relationships, self esteem, personal and professional goal attainment, mild depression, and non-physical anger management– and we get very good results with the areas above because we limit our focus to these specific areas of expertise. We don’t treat current or historical bipolar, schizophrenia, substance abuse, or depression and anger issues that involve current or historical thoughts or behavior of physical harm to self or others. We also don’t treat eating disorders that have become a medical concern, such as being dangerously underweight or loss of menstrual cycle. We are very helpful with emotional eating and sticking to a healthy diet, but we refer out cases where the eating disorder has become physically dangerous. We limit our focus only to areas where we have skills and expertise to work with a great deal of confidence; and we refer everything else out to experts in other areas.  If you need help with an area listed above that we don’t treat, please know your treatment is important, and you absolutely deserve to work with a therapist who specializes in that issue; not a therapist who is just “open” to treating people with your issue.  If you’re searching for a therapist, interview potential therapists and ask them to tell you about their education and experience with your issue so you can feel comfortable that you are in therapy with someone who has the background to offer you the best!

8. Did you know online therapy is now being reimbursed by insurance?

Many busy people prefer to have their therapy sessions by video, whether it’s because they’re a little far from our Grand Central office or even just because they enjoy being at their own home.  If you prefer to have your therapy sessions from the comfort of home by video, we can usually still get you the same insurance coverage as if you were at our office!  Many clients prefer to stay at home or at their desk because they wish to skip the commute, they’re having a busy day, feeling under the weather, or for a variety of other reasons that can make video therapy sessions preferable.  We are here to help, whether you wish to be seen at our office or by video!

9. Why should you choose Carmichael Psychology?

– You’re seeking true expertise: Dr. Chloe’s gold standard academic and professional credentials reflect specialized knowledge and expertise that help discriminating clients to build trust and feel at ease. Dr. Chloe and her team’s energetic, compassionate, goal-oriented approach make Carmichael Psychology a great fit for clients who want an intelligent, professional approach to facilitate high quality results. Many clients feel their time is their most precious resource; this prompts them to seek top notch advice or support from established experts like Dr. Chloe or professionals working under her direction.
 
– You’re busy: Carmichael Psychology understands that you don’t have time to play phone tag with a therapy office just to get basic information about fees and scheduling or ask a few extra questions. We have three dedicated full time receptionists(Rachel, Jenn and Dorothy) who answer your calls or emails seven days per week with hours ranging from 6:30am-9:00pm EDT. Our receptionists get performance bonuses and recognize that their work is essential to ensuring that the “admin” of a therapy or coaching visit doesn’t become a stress to you. We offer online booking as well as phone or email assistance from truly amazing receptionists who will actually learn your name and be glad when you call.

– You like service: Carmichael Psychology provides a concierge-like services to check your insurance benefits, file your claims, and liaise directly with your insurance company whenever possible so that you’re not stuck dealing with paperwork. Many clients pay privately, but many clients also like to ensure they make good use of their out-of-network insurance benefits. We manage this process as much as possible, and we offer cloud-based payments so that you can focus on what matters: de-stressing, building relationships, meeting goals, feeling your best, or whatever your therapy and coaching goals are!

10. What if I have more questions?

Then we’d love to answer them!  Please call 212.729.3922 or email Reception@DrChloe.com.  You can also see below for more information and contact details for Carmichael Psychology.

We Are Here to Help!

Office hours:

Mondays to Fridays - 7AM to 3PM

Saturday & Sunday - Our receptionist will get back to you within the day or the following day.

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