Frequently Asked
Questions

Everything you need to know about working with MG Counseling Group — before, during, and after starting therapy.

✦ Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy ✦ Advanced EMDR Therapy ✦ Internal Family Systems ✦ Trauma & PTSD Treatment ✦ Trauma & Addiction ✦ Manhattan & Woodmere, NY ✦ Superbills Provided ✦ Free 15-Minute Consultation ✦ Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy ✦ Advanced EMDR Therapy ✦ Internal Family Systems ✦ Trauma & PTSD Treatment ✦ Trauma & Addiction ✦ Manhattan & Woodmere, NY ✦ Superbills Provided ✦ Free 15-Minute Consultation

Getting Started

How do I get started?

Book a free 15-minute consultation at mgcounselinggroup.as.me or call (646) 694-8523. There's no paperwork, no commitment, and no pressure. We'll have an honest conversation about what's bringing you in and whether I'm the right fit. If I'm not, I'll do my best to point you in the right direction.

What happens in the first session?

The first session — and usually the first few — are about assessment and getting to know each other. I'll ask about your history, what's brought you in now, what you've tried before, and what you're hoping for. You're not on a clock to 'start processing' immediately. Building the right foundation is itself part of the work.

How do I know if you're the right therapist for me?

The consultation is specifically for this. Beyond credentials and experience, fit matters enormously in therapy. Talk to me for 15 minutes and you'll have a much clearer sense. Many clients say they knew within the first few minutes of the consultation.

Fees & Insurance

What is your fee?

Standard sessions (50 minutes) are $250. Longer sessions — such as EMDR intensives or KAP dosing sessions — are priced differently and discussed during the consultation. KAP is offered as a complete treatment program; pricing is discussed individually.

Do you accept insurance?

I am an out-of-network provider. I do not bill insurance directly, but I provide superbills — detailed receipts you can submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement. Many clients with PPO plans receive 40–80% reimbursement after their deductible. Call the member services number on your insurance card and ask about your out-of-network mental health benefits.

Is there a sliding scale?

I maintain a limited number of reduced-fee spots for clients with demonstrated financial need. This is discussed during the consultation on a case-by-case basis.

Locations & Format

Where are you located?

I have two offices: Woodmere, NY (Five Towns, Long Island, 11598) — where I am based most of the week — and Manhattan (Midtown, New York, NY 10016) — where I see clients one day per week. Remote sessions are available throughout New York State via secure telehealth.

Do you offer telehealth?

Yes — I offer remote sessions throughout New York State. EMDR, IFS, and standard therapy have all been adapted effectively for telehealth. KAP dosing sessions require in-person attendance; preparation and integration sessions can be done remotely.

How often will we meet?

Most clients meet weekly, especially early in treatment. As work progresses, some clients shift to bi-weekly. We determine together what frequency supports your goals.

EMDR, IFS & KAP

What is EMDR and is it right for me?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a gold-standard trauma treatment endorsed by the WHO, APA, and VA. It works by reprocessing traumatic memories so they no longer trigger overwhelming responses — without requiring you to retell your trauma in detail. It's effective for PTSD, trauma, anxiety, depression, and more.

What is IFS therapy?

Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a compassionate, evidence-based model that understands the mind as a system of different 'parts' — each trying to protect you in its own way. Rather than fighting difficult thoughts and behaviors, IFS asks what each part is trying to do, and works to heal the underlying wounds driving it.

What is Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy and how does it work?

KAP combines the neurological effects of ketamine with expert psychotherapy. I work through Journey Clinical, which handles all medical screening, prescribing, and monitoring — using sublingual lozenges rather than IV infusions. KAP creates a window of neuroplasticity during which deeply stuck material can be processed and integrated.

Is ketamine therapy available in the Five Towns / Woodmere?

Yes — KAP dosing sessions are available in person at both my Woodmere (11598) and Manhattan offices. An integrated KAP therapist — one who handles preparation, dosing, and integration in a continuous therapeutic relationship — is extremely rare in the Five Towns community.

Community & Confidentiality

Is everything confidential?

Yes — everything discussed in sessions is strictly confidential under New York State law and professional ethics. The only exceptions are the standard legal ones: imminent risk of harm to self or others, and mandatory reporting requirements. I take confidentiality seriously and am happy to discuss it further during the consultation.

Do you work with Orthodox Jewish clients?

Yes — I have extensive experience working with Orthodox Jewish and culturally observant clients in the Five Towns and broader New York area. I understand the community, its values, its particular stressors, and the ways in which religious and cultural identity can both sustain and complicate mental health.

Is therapy compatible with my religious values?

In my experience, yes — and the more culturally attuned the therapist, the more compatible the process feels. Good therapy doesn't require abandoning your values; it helps you live them more fully. I've worked with rabbis, community leaders, and observant families navigating everything from mental health stigma to crisis.

Take the First Step

Still have questions? The consultation is the best place to ask.

Book a free 15-minute consultation — no paperwork, no pressure. I'm happy to answer any question you have about the process.

Book Free 15-Min Consult