F.A.Q.

How can therapy help me?

Therapy can help you realize what truly drives you. When you become more aware of your feelings, expectations and relationship dynamics, you are more equipped to tackle what really matters most.

I’m not even sure if I can define my major problem. Can I still benefit from therapy?

The answer is yes. Therapy gives you the freedom to explore. By going deeper within our sessions, we are better able to define the layers and complexities to your distress.

Will my insurance cover our sessions? How does that work?

I am an out-of-network provider. This means I do not take insurance as direct payment. Instead, I will provide you with an invoice entailing all the details your insurance company needs to reimburse you. The amount of reimbursement from your insurance company depends upon your individual plan.

Can I schedule my session around my work day?

Yes, I have early morning and evening appointments available.

How can I tell if a therapist is a good match for me?

My best suggestion is to try it out. A healthy therapeutic relationship is founded upon trust and open dialog. You will get an overall sense that this therapist is truly listening and “gets you”, and when you reach impasses you and the therapist are able to sort through it in ways to reach new understandings. This level of trust and openness sets the stage for exploration and growth within your therapy.

What credentials should I look for in a therapist?

There are many difference credentials and training for therapists. Below are the distinctions of the various titles:.
A Clinical Psychologist has received a Ph.D. or Psy.D. degree and is state-licensed to practice psychology, including clinical procedures such as psychotherapy and diagnostic assessment. Clinical Psychologists have completed a one-year internship and generally a one-year postdoctoral fellowship, in addition to obtaining various other yearlong clinical experiences (externships) during training.
A Psychiatrist has a medical degree (usually an M.D.) and has completed a four year Psychiatric Residency in a hospital setting. Some psychiatrists do specialized fellowships after completion of their residencies. Psychiatrists are state licensed as Medical Doctors; as such they may prescribe medications. Psychologists in New York State, where they are not licensed to prescribe medications, often partner, as do I, with one or more psychiatrists for medication referrals.
New York State licenses a wide array of other mental health professionals to practice psychotherapy and other procedures. Clinical Social Workers must have a Master’s Degree in Social Work and obtained a state license to practice Clinical Social Work. Licensed Mental Health Counselors must have a Masters in a mental health field and receive a state license to practice counseling. You may consult the website of the New York State Education Department’s office of the professions for more detailed descriptions of the various licensed mental health professions. http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/psych/psychbroch.htm

How will I know if therapy is working?

At the start of treatment, we will come up with some therapeutic goals. We will continually evaluate your progress and bring examples of your progress to light within our sessions. In your daily life, you will notice small changes along the way to your goals. For example, you may feel freer to express your point of view to your boss, or more aware of situations which trigger painful emotions. You may also find yourself having conversations with me inside your head while you’re experiencing difficulties. These are all signs that therapy is working.

What if I don’t want to talk about something?

If there’s something that feels shameful or threatening to discuss, there’s a reason you’re holding back. We will work together to uncover the painful emotions surrounding the “thing” you are hiding. Once you have trust in me and in yourself to disclose, we can begin to discuss it in a safe, supportive and confidential manner.

Learn more about my approach to therapy

© 2017 - Dr. Jessica Escott