Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

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How are therapy sessions conducted?
We are a fully virtual practice, which means that we do not see clients in person; all services are provided in a confidential and secure format.

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What is virtual therapy?
Virtual therapy, also known as telemental health, is a way to receive counseling and therapy services remotely through video, phone, or messaging platforms.  Telemental health uses the same procedures and best practices as in-person services with some adjustments.

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How do I schedule a session?
As a first step, you can schedule a session by visiting our Contact page and/or contacting our Client Relations Manager directly via email at nicole.nextlevelmhc@gmail.com or phone/text at (914) 327-5588. We offer flexible appointment times to accommodate your schedule.

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What platforms do you use for virtual sessions?
We primarily use Doxy.me or Psychology Today, which are HIPAA-compliant and user-friendly platforms. After you book your appointment, and before your session, you will receive a link to join the session via email from your therapist.

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Is virtual therapy effective?
Yes! Numerous studies have shown that virtual therapy can be just as effective as in-person sessions for many individuals. It provides a safe and convenient environment for you to work on your therapy goals. 

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How do I know if therapy is right for me?
If you are experiencing emotional distress, seeking personal growth, exploring ways to improve relationships, or navigating life transitions, therapy can be a beneficial option. We encourage you to reach out for a consultation to discuss your concerns and determine if Next Level is the right fit for you.

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Are there issues we won’t treat?
While we strive to accommodate various needs, we cannot accept individuals who would benefit most from a higher level of care. It is our ethical responsibility to ensure that you are getting the best treatment as your mental health and well-being are most important and your therapy needs take precedent.  Even if Next Level is not the place for you to receive therapy services, we have a vast referral network to ensure we guide you to the right place.

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Who do we treat?

As Next Level Mental Health Counseling values diversity and multiculturalism, we welcome individuals of all backgrounds bringing us a variety of therapy goals.  We are ready for you!

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Treatment and Process

What is the intake process like?
The intake process includes an initial intake with our Clinical Director who will ensure that you feel guided throughout this process from start to finish. The intake session is a clinical and ethical professional best practice to ensure a smooth and compliant transition and acclimation to beginning therapy.  During the intake, we will assess therapy goals, and historical and presenting concerns, evaluate severity and risk, review pertinent information in the new client forms, review expectations with fees and insurance benefits, review standards with scheduling and communication, and other essential policies and procedures.

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What should I expect during my first session?
In your first session, you and your therapist will discuss your goals for therapy, and any specific issues you would like to address. It’s a chance for you to get to know each other and create a collaborative plan tailored to your needs.

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What if I am already seeing another therapist for individual or couples work?
We encourage open communication about your ongoing therapy and can work collaboratively to support you.

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Can I request a therapist that accommodates my preferences?

Many people recognize that they're more likely to connect with a therapist who fits specific demographic criteria.  We welcome requests for therapists who can meet your ideal preferences (i.e., BIPOC, LGBTQ+, age/life experience, personality, demeanor, specialty, expertise).

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Can I switch therapists?
Absolutely! If you feel that another therapist may better suit your needs, please reach out to us, and we will be happy to assist you in finding a more suitable match.

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How frequently do I meet with my therapist?
The frequency of sessions is determined by your therapist and will vary based on your individual needs and treatment goals. We usually recommend starting sessions weekly at first, and then assessing a more appropriate frequency from there.

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Confidentiality and Privacy

How do I ensure my privacy during sessions?
We take your privacy very seriously. All sessions are conducted using secure, HIPAA-compliant platforms, and we adhere to HIPAA regulations to protect your information. We also encourage you to find a private space for your sessions to minimize distractions and disruptions.

What if I have technical issues during a session?
If you experience technical difficulties, please try to reconnect. If the problem persists, you can reach out to your therapist at their preferred method of contact for assistance. They can also reschedule your appointment if needed.

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Financial and Insurance

Financial circumstances should never get in the way of quality mental health counseling and sex therapy treatment. We understand that navigating insurance and other financial options for services can be complex. If you have questions about fees, or out-of-pocket costs, please know that we are here to help you.

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Do you accept insurance?
We accept a variety of insurance plans which you can find at the bottom of our Services page.

Insurance Verification Disclaimer: While Next Level Mental Health Counseling seeks to provide you with accurate information when verifying your insurance benefits, we cannot guarantee that the details they provide us are completely accurate. Health insurance benefits are subject to change for different services, and dates of service and our practice has no control over these changes to your plan. The information we provide you will be an estimate based on the date of inquiry. Once we submit claims for our services, and receive an explanation of benefits, we will have a more clear understanding of the accuracy of this information and may need to adjust your rate and/or settle any cost differences for prior and future sessions.  When utilizing insurance to cover services, please understand that your insurance company will guide your requirements and financials of treatment and provide less flexibility for treatment options.  We are happy to review your eligibility and benefits for our services, but we highly recommend that you also check your eligibility and benefits to prevent any discrepancy and miscommunication from your insurance company.

If you do not accept my insurance, what are non-insurance options to cover services?

We offer several other affordable options for covering treatment which you can find at the bottom of our Services page, including out-of network insurance, private pay, sliding scale, and Next Level Cares.

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If I pay out of pocket, what can I expect to pay?

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In accordance with the No Surprises Act, clients who are uninsured or who choose not to use their insurance benefits (self-pay) are entitled to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” (GFE) of the expected costs for psychotherapy services. This GFE will be provided as a separate document to qualifying clients.

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Total cost of services for uninsured or self-pay clients will depend upon the number of psychotherapy sessions they attend, their individual circumstances, and the type and amount of services provided to them. 

Please understand that the GFE is not a contract, nor does it obligate you to obtain any services from Next Level Mental Health Counseling PLLC. You are free to choose your care and discontinue services at any time. Additionally, if the costs of services significantly exceed those listed in the GFE, you may be eligible for a dispute resolution process.

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If you have questions about your treatment plan or the information provided in the GFE, please feel free to discuss these with your therapist.

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Miscellaneous

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What about the negative reviews I have read online?
We appreciate the time that it takes to write a review, and we are always delighted to receive feedback. We take it as an opportunity to further enhance ways of improving our processes and procedures. We recognize that counseling and therapy can be challenging, and not every client's experience will be positive.  The nature of mental health work often means that experiences vary among clients, and feedback can be influenced by the complexities of treatment. We are proud to share that these reviews do not fully reflect the quality of our services or the dedication of our team.  There is so much positivity and so many beautiful things happening behind the scenes that reflect our courage, strength, confidence, resilience and our passion for wellness and healthcare.

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If you have specific questions or would like to discuss any inquiries further, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We are excited to meet you, and ready to support you on the next step in your therapy journey. Contact us here.

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