Midtown Marriage and Family Therapy, PC
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
If you haven't found the answer you are looking for, call us at 917-968-5599 or email.
OUR APPROACH What type of psychotherapy do you provide?
Psychotherapy is a process of guided self-exploration and discovery that happens within the relationship between client and therapist. We work with clients to move through defense structures and into self-expression for the purpose of healing their suffering. Many of us no longer need the walls we built to protect ourselves but would never risk taking them down alone.
The relationship between therapist and client is a catalyst for transformation. We believe that our clients have within them what they need to effect great change in their lives, and that therapy is a process of uncovering and actualizing this potential. We meet our clients where they are emotionally and encourage them to heal within the therapeutic relationship. We discover and witness who they are, rather than telling them how to be. We aim to create a safe environment that responds to, understands, supports, and respects each client.
We provide in-depth relational therapy for individuals, couples, families, and groups.
How long does the therapy process last?
The length of therapy is dependent upon each client's specific goals, history, intensity of pain and wounding, defense structures, current coping skills, dedication, and motivation to the therapeutic work. After 4-6 sessions the therapist should be able to set reasonable expectations as to the potential length of the therapeutic relationship.
(top page) OUR TRAINING PROGRAM
This provides the unique experience to receive long-term therapy at very affordable rates. Additionally, therapists in training are very focused on the quality and outcome of the therapy. They are always questioning their work and reaching out for support.
Are they supervised?
Our Interns and Associates receive weekly individual and group supervision from Midtown MFT as well as weekly group supervision from their respective Universities.
How many clients do they see each week?
Case loads for Interns are limited to an average of 10 clients per week. Associates hold larger caseloads reflective of their experience. What if I see an Intern and I am not comfortable, can I switch therapists? YES. A part of the process of therapy is to provide an open and safe space where clients can voice their needs of the therapist. If the therapist is not a good fit for you, we encourage discussion around finding a good fit.
What happens when my Interns or Associate therapist graduates or gets licensed. Does therapy end?
NO. We are structured for long-term work. It is the goal for Interns to be promoted to the Associate level. Once they become licensed and enter into their own practice, clients have the option of going with them.
(top page) About MFTs
Are you a doctor or social worker?
No. Our staff is comprised of highly trained and experienced Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs), Post-master's Associate Clinicians fulfilling the experience requirement for licensure as MFTs, as well as Interns completing a Masters Program in Marriage and Family Therapy.
What is a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT)?
Marriage and Family therapists are mental health professionals with a minimum of a Master's Degree and two years of supervised clinical experience. MFTs are trained and licensed to independently diagnose and treat mental health and substance abuse problems. Trained in psychotherapy and family systems, MFTs focus on understanding their client's symptoms and interactional patterns within their existing environment, and treat from a relationship perspective that incorporates family systems. Go to www.aamft.org for more information.
Why should I choose a Marriage and Family Therapist over a different mental health discipline?
MFTs understand the interactional patterns among systems and the complimentary wounding between couples. Our work with individuals always has a focus on the individual in relation to others. Marriage and Family Therapy is very different from Individual Therapy. An MFT has a degree from a university giving specialized training in this field. Many other programs of training in the social sciences often give but one course in Marriage and Family Therapy whereas a program giving out a specific degree in MFT will have at least 45 credits in this area. If you are looking to improve your self and your relationships (romantic, family, work, friends, etc.), a Marriage and Family Therapist is what you are looking for.
Do you see couples that are not married?
Yes, we see all couples in committed relationships and at different stages of a relationship. You may be living together with your partner, dating for a long or short time, engaged to be married, newlyweds, same sex partners or have been married for a length of time.
Should I bring in my partner?
If you are experiencing issues in your relationship, if you believe that your problem is related to difficulties in your relationship, or that an issue is contributing to relationship issues, then you should consider bringing your partner. MFTs view issues from a broad perspective and look to understand how our relationships may be maintaining the problem. In doing so, it is helpful to have as many people as possible involved in the therapy process so that everyone is working in collaboration rather than against one another.
(top page) Operations
Where are you located?
271 Madison Avenue (between 39th and 40th St.), Suite 708, NY, NY 10016
What days and times can we meet with a therapist?
Sessions with a therapist are by appointment ONLY.
Appointment Hours:
Monday - Friday 11:00am-9:00pm Saturday/ Sunday - 9:00am-5:00pm
Do you accept insurance?
No, we are not a provider for any insurance company. Payment for services is due at the time of service. If a client wishes to obtain reimbursement by their insurance company according to their out-of-network benefit schedule, we can provide a receipt for services rendered. It is recommended that the individual wanting to submit a claim to their insurance provider first call about their benefits, verify out-of-network coverage for mental health services, and if the services will be reimbursed if provided by a Marriage and Family Therapist. How often are sessions scheduled? Sessions are scheduled on a weekly basis.
How long is each session?
Each session is 45 minutes in length. At the initial session, clients are asked to come in 15 minutes prior to their scheduled time to review and complete standard intake forms.
Are you HIPAA compliant?
Midtown Marriage and Family Therapy, PC is not a "covered entity" under the HIPAA regulations, is not HIPAA compliant, and therefore is not required to follow the standards outlined in the legislation. Midtown Marriage and Family Therapy, PC does not transmit any health information electronically. We function as a sole provider. Our clients' health records are for the sole purpose of clinical treatment. We do not clinically collaborate with any other professionals electronically.
How do I (we) get started?
Call us at 917-968-5599 to discuss options for therapy. Our intake coordinator will take a brief history to match you with one of our therapists, who will then call you within 24 hours of your call to set up an appointment.
Is there a free initial consultation?
No, the initial session is the same rate as any regular session.
What are the fees?
The fee per session depends on the clinician seen and the time of the session. They range from $50-$150 per session. Go to the Fees page for more information.
What forms of payment are accepted?
All payments are accepted as either cash or check made out to Midtown MFT. Payment is collected at the end of each session.
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