Frequently Asked Questions
We ask that clients provide at least 48 hours’ notice if they need to cancel or reschedule an appointment.Appointments cancelled with less than 48 hours’ notice, or missed appointments, may be subject to a late cancellation fee of $200, which reflects the time reserved for you. Insurance companies do not cover cancellation fees, and clients are responsible for this charge. If you are unable to attend your session in person, you may request to meet by phone or secure video instead, which can help avoid a late cancellation fee. Please note that 48 hours’ notice refers to two full days before your appointment. Weekends and holidays may affect administrative availability.We understand that emergencies and unexpected situations occur. Exceptions may be made at the therapist’s discretion.This policy helps us honor the time set aside for each client and maintain fairness across our schedule.
Fire Island Pines Psychotherapy is in-network with:
🐚Aetna
🐚UnitedHealthcare
🐚Cigna
🐚Northwell Health Plans
🐚1199SEIU Benefit Plans
🐚MetroPlus Health Plan
🐚Healthfirst
🐚Medicaid (non-managed care plans)
If we are not in-network with your insurance, you may still be able to use out-of-network benefits. Many insurance plans reimburse a portion of the session fee. We are happy to provide documentation (a superbill) to help you request reimbursement.
For clients without insurance coverage, sliding scale options may be available based on financial need.
Please contact our administrative team if you would like help verifying your insurance benefits or discussing fees.
A sliding scale is a way for folks without insurance or who have plans that do not cover mental health services to easily be able to afford and access our services. Our sliding scale rates change based on availability, so we ask that you please send us an inquiry to learn more about our rates.
At Fire Island Pines Psychotherapy we have a no-questions-asked policy. We are a practice rooted in the community and ask for you to be honest and transparent about what you can afford. For reference, we have the below graph.
– I am comfortably able to meet all of my basic needs
– I may have some debt but it does not prohibit attainment of basic needs
– I own my home or property OR I rent a higher-end property
– I am employed or do not need to work to meet my needs
– I have regular access to health care I have access to financial savings
– I have an expendable income I can always buy new items
– I can afford an annual vacation or take time off
– I may stress about meeting my basic needs but still regularly achieve them
– I may have some debt but it does not prohibit attainment of basic needs
– I am employed I have access to health care
– I might have access to financial savings
– I have some expendable income
-I am able to buy some new items & I thrift others
– I can take a vacation annually or every few years without financial burden
– I frequently stress about meeting basic needs & don’t always achieve them
– I have debt and it sometimes prohibits me from meeting my basic needs – I rent lower-end properties or have unstable housing
– I am unemployed or underemployed
– I qualify for government assistance including food stamps & health care
– I have no access to savings
– I have no or very limited expendable income
– I can rarely afford to purchase new items
– I cannot afford to take time off due to financial burden
At Fire Island Pines Psychotherapy, we understand that privacy and discretion are especially important within LGBTQ+ communities. We are committed to protecting your personal information and creating a space where you can feel safe being fully yourself.
We use SimplePractice, a secure and HIPAA-compliant platform, for telehealth sessions, scheduling, and clinical documentation. Our email and client communications are also encrypted and secure, allowing you to communicate with our administrative team and therapists with confidence from the very beginning.
All communications between you and your therapist are kept strictly confidential in accordance with professional and legal standards.
Protecting your privacy is a core part of the care we provide, and we take that responsibility seriously.
Sessions are only offered weekly or multiple times each week, depending on the level of support you feel is needed. We can not offer bi-weekly sessions at this time because doing so will take away a spot for someone who may be in need of weekly sessions. We offer telehealth and in-person sessions.
Of course! Let’s be real, there are times when technology is not our friend, and we can choose whether it is better to continue with a voice call or to reschedule for another time. Also you may be feeling like this is all you have to offer that week, and we are okay with this we are willing to meet you where you are at and make therapy feel comfortable for you.
Let’s not set expectations and take it at a pace that feels comfortable for you. Therapy is and should be a safe space to explore whatever comes up for you. Together we will work on improving any aspects of your life that you wish to explore. We, as a practice, hold the belief that therapy is a journey towards enhancing various facets of your life. It’s important to understand that seeking therapy does not mean you are broken; rather, it reflects your desire for growth and positive change.
Still Have Questions?
We would be happy to answer them. Reach out to us, and one of our team members will be in touch.
