How do I schedule a consultation?

Contact me at (631) 612-8816, ashleyp@findyouranchorli.com, or fill out the contact form. Please refrain from including any confidential or sensitive information that may be best discussed in person or by secure communication.

Once you are an established client, you will be able to schedule and cancel appointments through the patient portal.

What is the late arrival and cancellation policy?

Please note that all cancellations must be received at least 24 hours in advance. Failure to provide at least 24 hours notice for a cancellation will result in a $25 missed appointment fee. If you will be late to an appointment, please provide notification as soon as possible. Arriving 15 minutes or later for a scheduled appointment without providing notification will result in a $25 missed appointment fee. Please note that any late arrival will result in a shorter session time in order to maintain other scheduled appointments.

** Please note the missed appointment/late cancellation fee will increase to $30 effective 01/01/2024. **

Do you participate in insurance plans?

I am currently in network with Aetna, Cigna, Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield, NYSHIP/Empire Plan, and Optum/United Behavioral Health. I am out of network for any other commercial insurance plans, Medicare, and Medicaid at this time. If I am out of network for your particular plan, I can provide you with a superbill (a detailed invoice) which you can submit to your insurance company to seek reimbursement. I recommend you reach out to your individual insurance carrier to discuss out of network benefits prior to beginning services.

What is the No Surprises Act?

Starting in 2022, new protections were signed into law that prevent people from receiving surprise medical bills. The No Surprises Act protects people covered under group and individual health plans from receiving surprise medical bills from emergency services received, out-of-network providers at in-network facilities (such as a specific specialist or laboratory) and out-of-network air ambulance providers. The No Surprises Act also establishes a independent dispute resolution process. For more information, you can visit https://www.dfs.ny.gov/consumers/health_insurance/surprise_medical_bills.

Is what is said in therapy sessions confidential?

The simple answer is yes and no. Generally speaking, what is said in a therapy session remains confidential between the therapist and the client. There are two major exceptions -

1. Social workers (and most other mental health professionals) are mandated reporters. This means that if we become aware of suspected child, dependent adult, or elder abuse we are mandated to file a report with the appropriate protection agency (such as child protective services or adult protective services).

2. Social workers have a duty to warn if the client indicates that they are planning to harm themself or commit suicide, as well as if they are planning to harm or kill someone else. In instances where the client is planning to harm someone else, this can include informing that individual (if possible) and law enforcement (when necessary).

Other instances where information discussed in therapy may be disclosed is if the client requests care coordination, such as communication with a primary care physician or a psychiatrist, or if the client’s insurance company requests documentation beyond a superbill. In these instances, the information to be disclosed will be discussed with the client and the client will sign consent for any disclosures. Finally, information may be requested by subpoena. If requested by subpoena, a discussion will occur with the client to determine their wishes and next steps.

How do I pick a therapist?

Finding a therapist is kind of like finding a partner. Not every therapist is a good match for every client. To truly see a benefit from therapy services, a client needs to find a therapist who they feel comfortable with and who provides the type of services which they need and/or would benefit from. This is why a free 15 minute consultation is available - to ensure that I seem to be a good match for your current needs. If I am not a good match, I will be happy to try to provide some referrals who may be better able to match your needs.