Hi, I'm Katie! I use she/her pronouns.

FUN FACTS:

• I have 2 dogs & 2 cats, and you are very likely to see them (or hear them) on Telehealth sessions. #workfromhomelife

• I've been a social worker for over 18 years (15+ years as a therapist). I love working with people who are struggling to figure out what they love, and who want to be excited about their lives (work, relationships, etc)-- but just aren't right now. Let's change that!

• After living in NYC for 18 years (Brooklyn for 16 years!), I relocated to the Catskills and then the Hudson Valley a few years back. While the move wasn’t exactly Covid-related, the timing lined up.

• I believe that Black Lives Matter and white people need to step up, take accountability and do their own anti-racist work. I am actively involved working to continue my anti-racist work personally and in my community.

• I say fuck a lot. If you don’t like that, I won’t be the therapist for you.

• Education deets: I graduated from New York University with my MSW in 2008. I received my LCSW in 2014 and completed NYU’s Post Masters Advanced Clinical Practice program in Spring 2015. In 2022, I completed NYU’s Post Masters Certificate Program in Trauma-Informed Clinical Practice. I have also completed trainings focused on a more holistic approach to mental health and therapy, including completing: The Trauma-Conscious Yoga Method℠ and Mindfulness of the Breathing Body Teacher Training.

• I have completed the first weekend of EMDR training and am able to utilize EMDR in sessions while I continue my training. I will complete the second weekend in September 2024.

• In my spare time I enjoy exploring new places (by foot or bike), hiking in the Catskills, learning new things, gardening and I have enjoyed the challenge of training for endurance races (half & full marathons, triathlons, century rides, etc) but am not currently training for anything.

I’ve worked with so many people who say they are wanting to be more confident, and are waiting until that time comes to make some big changes in their lives. And I’ve dealt with my own confidence rollercoaster, and all the ways that shows up (and still sometimes shows up).

I’ve come to believe that waiting for confidence is a waste of time. I’m not always the most patient person (especially with myself).... So, why wait?

Let’s work together to make some of the big (and little) changes you’d like to see in your life. And let’s make them happen NOW. Ways to stop worrying about the things that don’t matter (aka giving no fucks), finding balance (with work, life, relationships, yourself) and being authentically you. Whatever that means. We can deal with the confidence piece later.

•  THIRD PLACE Counselor/Therapist- Reader’s Choice Awards 2024 Chronogrammies, Chronogram

• Article: “Seven Component of Healthy Relationships” by: Jaime Stathis, 02/01/2024

• Article: “Top 5 Tips for Healthy Living and Longevity” by Jaime Stathis, 01/01/2024

• THIRD PLACE Counselor/Therapist AND Mental Health Counselor- Reader’s Choice Awards 2023 Chronogrammies, Chronogram

• Podcast: “Lessons From Rebellious Entrepreneurs, Part 4” Rebel Therapist Podcast, 8/8/2022

• Podcast: “The Best Niches Beyond Private Practice” Rebel Therapist Podcast, 11/29/2021

Charging fees for mental health work is the bane of most therapists’ existence. It can be hard to value your own worth, and state that clearly to others. It gets especially complicated around something as seemingly nebulous as mental health & wellness. Additionally, when you care about the world and humans (as I happen to do), it is hard to set prices in a way that encompasses your values while still paying your bills. I have tried to make a sliding scale I feel good about- that values my worth, values the worth of YOUR mental wellbeing and care, and makes mental health more accessible and equitable for everyone. If you have any questions, let’s chat.

Currently able to bill in-network with: Aetna, Oxford, United Healthcare & Oscar for individual, telehealth sessions only.

Telehealth Individual Psychotherapy Session Fees (45 min):

• $70- I keep 5 low sliding scale spots available for the Open Path Collective and emergency/special circumstances. If these spots are full, please reach out to be added to my sliding scale waiting list.

• $125-225- Students, Artists, Helping Professionals (social workers, nurses, doctors, veterinarians, teachers, etc.), Service Industry, Trans & Non-binary, Queer, BIPOC or AAPI identified folx

• $250- Standard Fee

• $250-300- Pay It Forward (if you have the privilege to pay a higher fee, let’s talk… it will help make lower fees available to those who need it. You can adjust as needed, and if you have out of network reimbursement, you’ll get money back!)

Couples, 60 minute session- $300

Couples, 90 minute session- $400

EMDR, 90 minute session- $400

Out-of-Network Insurance reimbursement may be available for individual or couples sessions, depending on your coverage.

ACTIVE- Walk & Talk Therapy Sessions:

45 minute outdoor session- $250 (15 minute grace period added in, depending on the location/distance; additional fee prorated if over 60 minutes)

Evaluation & Letter for Gender Affirming Surgery

• $300-$450 (pay what you can scale)- includes an online assessment form to be completed before meeting, 45 minute evaluation session, and letter for gender-affirming surgery (to be completed within one week of scheduled evaluation session).

Confidentiality: Your information is confidential and protected. I will not release any information about your therapy unless you authorize me to do so in writing. This includes speaking with your legal representation or family members. However, the following exceptions are required by law:

• Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse, for which I am required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.

• If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person/s, I must notify the police and inform the intended victim.

• If a client intends to harm him/herself, I will make every effort to work with them on ensuring their safety. If they do not cooperate, I will take further measures without their permission that are provided to me by law in order to ensure their safety.

Fees and Cancellations: Fees are set and agreed upon in advance of all sessions. Full payment is due at the end of each session, unless otherwise arranged and agreed upon. I request 24 hours’ notice for cancellations. Otherwise, you will be financially responsible for the full cost of the session for the time reserved for you. Brief phone calls are also available to support therapy. If you require extended phone consultations, those sessions will be billed at my regular rate.

Contact Information: You may call, text or email for scheduling and other items that need brief discussion. I check messages several times a day and usually call or write back within 24 hours, if not before. If you have a life-threatening emergency you will need to call 9-1-1. In such an incident, please contact me as well and I will follow up on your treatment. If I am on vacation or out of the office for any reason, I will inform you with advanced notice and determine a contingency/coverage plan.

Insurance Reimbursement: I am an ‘Out of Network’ provider and you may be able to get reimbursed for our sessions. When requested, I can provide you an invoice with a diagnosis and you may submit this form and be reimbursed partially or fully for therapy sessions depending on your specific policy. Patients are responsible for finding out the specifics of their insurance coverage and reimbursement options. This form may help.

How do I know if you’re the right therapist for me?

Therapy is all about the relationship developed between two people… feeling comfortable enough to open up about things that may make you feel vulnerable, and trusting the other person to hold this space and keep it safe. Having a good fit is KEY. I encourage people to “shop around” and find the best therapist for them. Sometimes that’s me, and sometimes it isn’t. The best way to tell is to meet together, and have some open communication about the things you might be looking for. On my end, I will also be open and transparent if for any reason I do not think I’d be the best therapist for you. If this happens, I can help you find a therapist who might be better suited to your particular situation.

What should I expect about starting therapy with you?

Sometimes people prefer to have a phone or video consultation first, other times people like to schedule online right away and meet in person/telehealth. Either way works for me. All my clients complete an online intake packet before attending their first session- this includes my practice policy information as well as some information about yourself. Most people find the intake questionnaire very helpful to getting started.

The first couple of sessions are typically when we will start to get to know each other. It normally takes 3-5 sessions to develop a feel for what our work will be like. It is best if these first sessions happen on a weekly basis. If sessions are further apart to begin with, it is hard to get the needed momentum going.

Please note- If you are interested in doing Active Walk & Talk Therapy sessions- we will meet online for our first session.

Do you offer more frequent or less frequent sessions (than weekly?)

YES! I have people who like to come 2x a week, and some who come bi-weekly. As mentioned above, starting out it is best to come at least weekly.

Speaking of insurance, do you take my insurance?

I am an accepted out of network provider for most plans. I am currently in-network with: Aetna, Oxford, United Healthcare & Oscar for individual, telehealth sessions only.

How do I get reimbursed from my insurance for sessions?

First, you will need to talk to your insurance provider and make sure you have “out of network benefits”. If you do, they will provide some information about how much is covered (often a percentage). You will pay me upfront for your sessions, and then have 2 options for reimbursement. Through your personal online portal, you will have access to all your billing documents. Here, you can find a “superbill” after each session- and can submit this weekly for reimbursement. I am also happy to submit claims directly to your insurance provider for you, but will only do this once at the end of each month. Don’t know what to ask your insurance provider to see if you’re eligible- DON’T WORRY! I have a form with all the information you need and the questions to ask. Click here!

Why do you ask for a credit card with your intake paperwork?

Like most doctors or professionals where you book an appointment time (and even some restaurants where you make reservations), I keep a credit card on file to reserve your time spot. Your time is your time. I do not double or overbook, and very rarely ever run late. Aside from the very occasional and rare emergencies (approximately once every 3 years), your sessions will start and end on time. If you do not cancel your appointment with at least 24 hours notice, your credit card will be charged the full session fee. Having a credit card on file also is the most convenient form of payment for over 95% of my clients. Don’t worry about carrying cash or checks around- your card can be charged automatically.

What forms of payment do you accept? What method do you prefer?

I take cash, check, Venmo, Zelle Quickpay, and credit cards (including FSA/HSA cards!). I love the convenience of credit cards- it’s easy for me, and it’s easy for my clients. Credit cards do charge a small fee, however- so if you prefer to pay by check or cash, that is 100% okay by me!

What kinds of dogs do you have? How often do they make appearances on Telehealth sessions?

I have a 7ish year old Treeing Walker Coonhound, adopted from Sean Casey Animal Rescue in Brooklyn, NY named Lulu and a 4ish year old Pitbull, adopted from Ulster County Canines in Saugerties, NY named Penny. They happily come to work with me everyday in my home office, and bark at the mailman daily (usually around noon). For the most part they sleep all day, as dogs do- but sometimes sit next to me on my office futon and enjoy saying hi to humans on the other end of the computer.

What about the cats?

I have a fabulous Brooklyn street cat named Warren (after Elizabeth Warren) who doesn’t usually make work appearances, and a rambunctious 2 year old named Rory who can sometimes swings by to say hello.

Please contact me if you have any other questions!