OFFERING ONLINE SESSIONS
Clinical Psychologist in Springfield (Union County), New Jersey
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED?
The office is conveniently located on the corner of Morris Avenue and Short Hills Avenue, minutes from Short Hills, Millburn, Summit, Union and Vauxhall. The office address is 500 Morris Avenue in Springfield. The office is on the third floor, suite 313. There is free parking in an attached parking lot.
I also offer virtual Telehealth services so you can participate in therapy from the comfort of your own familiar surroundings. I am licensed in New Jersey and New York. Also, as a member of PSYPACT, I can work virtually with clients in over 30 participating states, including CT, PA, DC, DE, and MD.
WHAT IS THERAPY LIKE?
Each therapy session is unique to the individual and their specific goals. When a client is a minor, sessions may involve the therapist meeting with the caregiver alone, the teen alone, the caregiver and teen together, and any combination of the above. Therapy is a relationship, and as such, it is an interactive process.
WHAT WILL THE FIRST SESSION BE LIKE?
I will speak with you via phone before your first appointment to consult with you about your and/or your family’s needs. Call for your free 15 minute consultation to discuss whether we are a good fit.
Depending on the age of your child, I may prefer to meet with the parent(s) alone for the first visit. This gives us a chance to ensure we are a good match and to discuss your concerns privately. We will discuss the current issue as well as your child’s history and schedule the second visit for me to meet your child.
For adolescents, it is very important that they feel certain they can trust me if they come to therapy. For that reason, I may prefer to meet with the teen and parent, both together and separately, during the first visit.
For adults, I will speak with you via phone before your first appointment to consult about your needs and discuss whether we are a good fit. We will discuss the current issue(s) as well as your history during the first visit.
HOW LONG DOES THERAPY TAKE?
Therapy does not have a set time frame. Some problems resolve quickly. Others are more complex and take longer to resolve. Therapy is a process and progress happens gradually.
IS THERAPY CONFIDENTIAL?
In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communication between a client and mental health provider. No information is disclosed without written permission from the client.
There are some exceptions when therapists are required to disclose information:
- if the client presents as a danger to themselves or others
- if there is suspected past or present child, dependent or elder abuse/neglect
- if the court orders that information be released
For therapy to be successful, teenagers must be able to talk freely and comfortably in a safe space. I will work with the teen to encourage disclosures that can be helpful in facilitating a trusting relationship with their parents. We will always tell parents, as required by law, if we believe the minor is a danger to themselves or others.
DO YOU PRESCRIBE MEDICATION?
No, I do not prescribe medication. If it is determined during the course of treatment that it would be beneficial for you (or your child) to receive an evaluation by a psychiatrist, a medical doctor who specializes in mental health, referrals can be provided.
WHAT INSURANCE PROVIDERS DOES SERENE PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES WORK WITH?
Therapy is an invaluable investment in all aspects of your life. Serene Psychological Services LLC participates in Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield.
For all other insurances, Serene Psychological Services LLC is considered to be an out-of-network provider. This means that I don't directly bill your insurance. Many clients choose not to involve insurance companies in their mental health care so that their or their child's treatment is not limited by the diagnosis, treatment plan or session limits established by health insurance companies.
Insurance companies require a diagnosis that meets medical necessity in order to qualify for services. This diagnosis remains in your (or your child's) healthcare record. As a result I want to offer you the opportunity to choose whether or not to involve your insurance companies.
If you choose to use your out-of-network benefits, I will gladly provide you with a receipt (superbill) that you can submit to your insurance for possible full or partial reimbursement. Alternatively a statement can be provided if you wish to seek reimbursement from your FSA or HSA.
WHAT INFORMATION SHOULD I OBTAIN REGARDING MY OUT OF NETWORK INSURANCE COVERAGE?
Your insurance may help you cover the cost of therapy, depending on your out-of-network benefits. It is recommended that you check with your insurance carrier to determine if you have mental health coverage. Check your coverage carefully and obtain answers to the following questions: What are my mental health benefits? Do I have a deductible and what is the amount? What is the coverage amount per therapy session for out-of-network providers? Is pre-authorization required to see an out-of-network provider? What specific information is required for me to be reimbursed?