Frequently Asked Questions

Therapy can be helpful in many situations: when you're facing specific challenges (anxiety, depression, relationship issues), going through a difficult transition, feeling stuck or unfulfilled, or simply wanting to understand yourself better. If you're wondering whether therapy might help, that's often a good sign that it's worth exploring.

I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation to discuss your concerns and determine if we're a good fit.

You can schedule online through my booking system, or call my office at xxx-xxx-xxxx. I recommend starting with a brief phone consultation if you'd like to ask questions first.

I work with adolescents (ages 13+) and adults. For younger children, I offer parent consultation to help parents understand and support their child's needs. If direct child therapy is needed, I can provide referrals to excellent child specialists.

The first session is an assessment where we'll discuss what brings you to therapy, your background, current concerns, and goals. I'll explain how therapy works, answer your questions, and together we'll develop an initial treatment plan. You'll leave with a clear sense of next steps.

All therapy sessions are 50 minutes, including the initial session.

Generally, I have appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see my earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online at your convenience. Most patients experience excellent wait times (less than 30 minutes in the waiting room).

Most clients start with weekly sessions. As progress is made, we may shift to every other week or monthly maintenance sessions. Frequency depends on your needs, goals, and what's most effective for your situation.

Yes, I offer secure, HIPAA-compliant video sessions for clients who prefer or require remote therapy. Video sessions are just as effective as in-person sessions for most concerns.

This varies greatly depending on your goals and needs. Some people work with me for just a few months to address a specific issue, while others engage in longer-term therapy for deeper personal growth. We'll regularly check in on progress and adjust our timeline as needed.

I use evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), trauma-informed care, and developmental psychology. However, I tailor my approach to each individual—what works for one person may not work for another. I believe effective therapy is collaborative, compassionate, and practical.

Session fees are $[XXX] for a 50-minute session. Initial assessment sessions (60-90 minutes) are $[XXX]. Payment is due at the time of service.

I accept the following insurance plans: [List insurance providers]. I'm also happy to provide a superbill (receipt) for you to submit to your insurance company for out-of-network reimbursement if your plan allows.

Please check with your insurance provider about your mental health benefits, including copay, deductible, and session limits.

I understand that therapy is an investment. I accept self-pay clients and can discuss payment options. Some clients find that paying out-of-pocket gives them more privacy and flexibility regarding treatment.

I maintain a limited number of reduced-fee slots for clients with financial need. Please contact me to discuss your situation.

I require 24-hour notice for cancellations or rescheduling. Appointments cancelled with less than 24-hour notice may be subject to a cancellation fee (typically the full session rate). This policy allows me to offer that time to other clients.

I understand that emergencies happen and handle these situations on a case-by-case basis.

My office is located at [Street Address], [City, State ZIP]. There is [parking information]. The office is accessible and designed to be a comfortable, private space.

Yes, everything you share in therapy is confidential with a few legal exceptions:

• If you pose a serious threat to yourself or others
• If there is suspected abuse or neglect of a child, elderly person, or dependent adult
• If I am legally required to disclose information by a court order

For adolescents, I maintain confidentiality with parents regarding session content, though I may provide general updates on progress with the teen's consent.

You can reach me by phone at xxx-xxx-xxxx or email at info@drnovotny.com. I respond to non-urgent messages within 24-48 hours on business days.

For urgent concerns, please call my office. In case of emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

Signs that therapy is helping include: feeling more in control of your emotions, using new coping strategies effectively, noticing positive changes in relationships, feeling more hopeful, or making progress toward your goals. We'll regularly check in about your progress and adjust our approach as needed.

The therapeutic relationship is one of the most important factors in successful therapy. If you feel we're not a good fit, I encourage you to bring this up. We can discuss your concerns, adjust our approach, or I can provide referrals to other therapists who might be better suited to your needs.

As a psychologist (not a psychiatrist), I cannot prescribe medication. However, I work collaboratively with psychiatrists and primary care physicians when medication evaluation might be helpful. I can provide referrals if needed.

I can provide general letters verifying that you're a client if needed for work or school accommodations. However, I do not provide forensic evaluations, custody evaluations, or testimony in legal matters, as this creates a dual relationship that would interfere with the therapeutic relationship.

This depends on the situation. For adult clients, sessions are typically individual, though occasionally I may invite a partner or family member for specific sessions with your consent. For adolescent therapy, I may schedule periodic parent sessions to discuss progress and coordinate care.