I think counseling and psychotherapy are one of the best things someone can do for themselves. We do know from science that psychotherapy helps emotional and mental health. Psychotherapy isn't always easy, but psychotherapy can be transformative. It can really help you get unstuck from pain or patterns that keep making you unhappy and help you make changes that allow you to experience more self-acceptance, confidence, and fulfilling relationships. Psychotherapy isn't usually a quick fix. There is often some very meaningful relief once you begin and that can provide the foundation to dig in and work toward long-term healing and change. Some issues can be worked through more quickly than others. Some issues take time. In either case, the therapeutic relationship offers a non-judgmental space to explore internal conflicts, pain, and a range of emotions and ideas that can allow you to come to more resolution and acceptance so that you can feel empowered to create the changes that are so important to you.

I like to work intensively with clients in order to make the best progress. In most cases, sessions are once per week, every week, and for some people two or three times per week, until you meet your goals. Sessions are 45 minutes in length.

Individual sessions are $240 for 45 minutes.

Group therapy is generally $95 per session, 90 minutes each.

You are entitled to a *Good Faith Estimate that will be provided after your initial consultation if you decide to schedule.

It is important to me to provide high quality care without the limits of traditional health insurance, to be able to focus on what is best for the patient and not for the insurance company. Therefore, I am not in network with any insurance plans. If your insurance plan provides out-of-network benefits, and you meet certain criteria, you may qualify to receive reimbursement for our sessions. Many of my clients do this. If this applies to you, the fee is due at the time of the session, and I will provide you with a special receipt that contains details your insurance company will need about me and our work together. Clients submit this to their insurance and if you qualify to receive any reimbursement, insurance will usually send that to you directly. It is your responsibility to determine your plan's benefits.

Some questions you may want to consider asking your insurance company:

Do I have out-of-network mental health benefits?

What percentage of the fee is covered?

What is the deductible? And when does my plan renew, requiring me to pay the deductible again?

Are there any limitations (such as limit to number of sessions)?

Therapy group for women with herpes.

Therapy group for women working on mental health, self-esteem, dating, relationships, and career. 

I am passionate about helping clients who struggle with self-esteem, dating and relationships, and issues related to sexual health. I have specialized expertise in helping individuals diagnosed with genital herpes. I also have experience with depression, anxiety, faith-based and spiritual concerns (particularly for those who come from a Christian background), alcohol and other substance use concerns, sexual assault, and HIV. I proudly serve and welcome individuals from the heterosexual, gay/bi, and transgender communities.

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in New York State (Lic. # 007138). I am also a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in California (Lic. #16249) and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida (#MH2296). I previously worked with the Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene providing psychotherapy in New York City's public STD clinics. Prior to becoming a mental health counselor, I spent 12 years as a certified holistic health coach working with individuals on healthier eating, improving body image, dating and relationship concerns, and aligning goals with personal values. I have provided training to physicians on brief counseling for individuals diagnosed with genital herpes. I have also provided wellness workshops for staff at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, Harlem Hospital, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York Law School, St. John's University, Latino Aids Commission, Broadway Dance Center, the NY State Department of Labor, and the New York Television Festival. I have received post-graduate training certificates in Interpersonal Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy and in Eating Disorders, Compulsions, and Addictions from the William Alanson White Institute of Psychiatry, Psychoanalysis, and Psychology.

I love in person therapy and I think clients benefit a great deal when they can take advantage of this. I do offer virtual counseling in special circumstances. Since many people who work with me feel depressed, anxious, ashamed, or have trouble with relationships, I find that an in person experience is both more therapeutic and improves my ability to get to know and support you as a whole person. However, if patients who are working with me in person cannot attend their regular session in person due to illness or another conflict, we can arrange a virtual session in many cases. In addition, if patients who have previously worked with me in person have moved to a state I am licensed in (CA, FL, or another region of NY), in many cases I am able to continue our work virtually. I do accept a very limited number of new patients from CA, FL, or areas of NY outside of NYC, if due to my specialized expertise, it appears that working virtually would outweigh the benefits of seeking therapy locally.

The first step is to contact me for a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation. I will chat with you a bit about your concerns and what you would like to get out of counseling. We will determine together if it makes sense to schedule an appointment. If I'm not the right fit for you, I will try to help you find other resources. If you have questions before talking with me, you are welcome to email at melissa@myheartdances.com