Questions? Look here.

FAQs

What are your credentials?

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). I have a Masters in Psychological Counseling from Columbia University, passed the NY state licensure exam for mental health counseling, and trained for several years under the supervision of senior therapists. I also completed the Intensive Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Program at the William Allanson White Institute, for additional training.  I completed training courses in AEDP (Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy). I continue to attend seminars and consult with senior specialists so that I may keep my knowledge and skill base up to date with the latest research and developments.

Do you accept my insurance?

I do not accept any insurance. If you have out-of-network mental health benefits (you can ask your provider) I can provide the documentation you need to receive those. In out-of-network benefits, your health insurance provider pays you back a percentage for each session, after you reach a deductible. 
For online clients – some policies give out of network coverage, some don’t. You can ask your provider if they provide any coverage for ‘CPT code 908234-95’. You can tell them my license is from NY.

Do you have a sliding scale fee?

I reserve a few reduced-fee spots in my schedule, between 11am and 4pm, for clients who can absolutely not afford my full fee.

How often could we meet?

Once a week. Some people choose to come twice a week. I find therapy less then once a week to be less effective, so in that way meeting less often can actually waste money rather than save it. We would set a time that would be your session time for every week.

How long is a therapy session?

Sessions are 45 minutes. Sometimes I can offer an hour session or double session for people who prefer more time. The consultation (first) session is usually an hour but I charge the 45-minute rate.

Will you talk in session, or just listen to me?

I talk. I will ask a lot of questions, I will make observations, I will share insights, I will ask if the direction I am going is helping you.

Will I have to lie on a couch?

No. You’ll sit on it the same way you do in your living room 🙂

Do you take cash / credit card / check?

I take check and cash, credit cards and most payment apps. So that I can start and end sessions on-time, I ask that if you are bringing a check, please write your check out before coming into session, or bring exact change, thank you.

How long would I need to see you for?

This answer varies greatly per person, however I wouldn’t recommend anyone start unless they are open to committing at least three months to it. You should start seeing or feeling the benefits of therapy within the first several sessions but ultimately there is no end to the benefits of therapy so it is your decision of when you feel you are ready or wanting to stop. To give you an indication, I’ve had some clients stop after six weeks feeling they got what they needed, I had more clients stop after six months feeling they had enough to go on their own, and I’ve had a few people for six years because it was really helpful to them and they wanted to keep going.

Do you do couples therapy?

No. I work primarily with individuals. I often work with relationship issues, but with individuals seeking relationship help. On occasion a client will bring a significant other into session with them and we will do a session together.

Can you see my child?

I am not a children’s or family therapist. I treat adults and young adults (approximately high school and up).

What happens in a consultation session?

The consultation session is the first session we meet. I will ask you what you are seeking from therapy and ask you questions to get to know you. I’ll tell you briefly, ways I think I can be of help to you in your situation. We may discuss schedule and policies. You will have a chance to ask questions. The consultation session gives you a glimpse of what it would be like to work with me so you can decide if it’s something you want to do. It also helps me determine if I am the right fit or not for your needs. If I am not the right fit, I will let you know and try to help you find someone who is. Sometimes there is more material than can fit into one session and the consultation may extend into a second session.

What happens in a standard session?

You’ll start off the session by sharing something that’s on your mind or asking a question. I’ll then ask questions on what you shared, guiding us into a deeper exploration of you and what you’re experiencing. My goal is for you to get clarity for your immediate situation, but also to learn new things about yourself that will prove helpful to all areas of your life. Though you’re supplying the content, I’m there to direct it into a productive conversation. Moments of silence should not be feared- they are normal and even helpful to therapy.

What modality of therapy do you practice?

I am skilled in several different modalities of therapy and choose my interventions by what I think the client I am working with will respond to best. The modalities I use the most are AEDP (Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy) which focuses on present-moment processing, separating the true self from defenses, and creating healing experiences in session; Psychodynamic therapy which looks at your personality structure and how past experiences have shaped your perspectives and attitudes today, and Cognitive Behavioral therapy for practical guidance.

Do you do online, phone or Skype therapy?

Yes, but I do an assessment to see if your case is a good fit for online therapy or not. Since I am licensed by the state of NY, if you are not in NY the work is not considered licensed therapy and you must sign a document confirming you are ok with this.

When is payment due?

Payment for each session is due in full at the session. You submit payment directly to me.

Get In Touch

I'd love to talk more with you, drop me a line!

Liz Wallenstein Healing body and mind

Recently relocated from New York City to Arizona