The very first session is different from any other session because we have to get a lot of information and paperwork from you. We discuss things like confidentiality, duty to warn, and your therapist’s therapeutic approach while collecting some background information from you.

This first session is more like an in-depth consultation, where we go into more detail about why you decided to seek therapy. This is also the beginning of building rapport with your therapist. You will also discuss your goals for therapy, and you can ask any questions you may have about the therapy process.

Make sure to sign into the client portal and complete the paperwork.

All sessions are private and confidential, with the exception that you are a danger to yourself or others, or if there’s any sign of child or elder abuse. You will receive our confidentiality agreement to sign before your session.

You may have noticed that some of our therapists have different credentials. All credentials allow them to practice psychotherapy in the state of New York and differ in years of experience and training requirements from the state. Mental Health Counselors (LMHCs), clinical social workers (LCSWs) and Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFTs) all hold master-level degrees and provide psychotherapy for a range of issues. A psychologist has a doctorate in psychology or philosophy and can provide psychotherapy. Psychiatrists, unlike any other providers, have a medical degree and can prescribe medication.

Yes. We accept most insurance. Before your appointment is scheduled we verify your insurance benefits so you are aware of your financial responsibility.

A list of Insurance plans we’re networked with is listed above.

A co-pay is a fixed amount paid by the patient based on their insurance plan. The insurance company will pick up the rest of the cost. This amount is determined by your insurance.

A deductible is a fixed amount a patient pays each year before their health insurance kicks in fully.

If you have a deducible you will be responsible for the cost of the session until your deductible is met.

A sliding scale is when a therapist offers to reduce the cost of sessions for a client who has a financial need to help make therapy more affordable. Many therapists offer a sliding scale and may structure it in different ways. We offer only a certain number of clients at various reduced rates of $75 a session, when clients cannot afford the full fee.

If you would like to begin therapy with Lighthouse, but cannot afford to pay the regular rate, please contact us and ask about the sliding scale.

Your first sessions may be a little longer 50-90 minutes, because of the information gathering. Afterwards sessions are 45-50 minutes long.

It is imperative you cancel your session as soon as you know you can’t make it. We are a private practice therefore we schedule around our client’s availability, late cancellations do not give the therapist time to adjust their schedules. Therefore, we ask that you be courteous and inform your therapist right away. There’s a 24- hour cancellation policy and a $35 charge for late cancellations.

You can cancel your appointment with your therapist or use the number or email on the site to cancel your appointment.

All major credit cards and cash. Payment is due at the time of your appointment.

This means that your insurance company typically will reimburse you directly after you’ve met your deductible. We provide courtesy billing where we submit claims to your insurance company on your behalf. Being out-of-network provides you with more privacy and confidentiality, while in-network providers are required to share more information with insurance companies, such as session notes.