(201) 776-4643

FAQ

Where are you located?

I see clients online or at:

101 West 78th Street New York, NY 10024

How do I contact you?

Please contact me for any additional questions you may have, either by email (susanmkeefer@gmail.com) or by telephone at (201) 776-4643. I look forward to hearing from you!

How do I make payment?
I accept cash, check, and all major credit cards as forms of payment. Payment is expected at the time of service.
Do you take insurance?

For a variety of reasons, I choose not to be an in-network provider. However, my services may be covered at least in part. Please contact your provider to learn about your benefits.

I recommend asking these questions:

  • Does my health insurance plan include mental health benefits? Make sure that you specify out-patient, out-of-network benefits.
  • Do I have an annual deductible for out-of-network services? If so, what is it and have I met it yet?
  • Does my plan limit how many sessions per calendar year I can have? If so, what is the limit?
  • Do I need written approval from my primary care physician for services to be covered?
What if I must cancel our appointment?
If you are unable to attend a session, please make sure you cancel at least 24 hours beforehand. Otherwise, you will be charged for the full rate of the session. This applies to all therapy sessions, including teletherapy.
How do I know that you are right for me?
I am happy to offer a complimentary 15-minute phone/video session to determine if we are right for each other, as well as to gain an idea about your needs.
Why is therapy better/different than talking to my friends/family?

It’s great to talk with friends and family, but it’s very different than talking to an objective professional. Your friends and family (hopefully!) love and support you, and they most likely will validate your point of view.

My job is to at least occasionally challenge your thoughts and behaviors. And unlike your friends and family, I won’t judge you, gossip about you behind your back, or expect you to listen to my problems in return.

I’ve never talked to anyone. I’m used to handling things on my own. Aren’t people who go to therapy weak?

I’ve never met a happy well-adjusted person who hasn’t needed help. It’s a sign of strength to know that you can’t do everything by yourself.

Why shouldn’t I just take medication?

Medication can be very helpful for some people, almost always in conjunction with talk therapy. Medication alone cannot solve emotional problems.

Medication is great for symptom reduction or in some cases to change biochemistry sufficiently to allow us to explore your behavior and accomplish your goals.

How does it work? What do I have to do in sessions?
It depends! Because everyone has different issues and goals for therapy, there’s no pat answer to this question. But the bottom line is that all you need to do is show up prepared to talk about whatever feels important to you. Together we will figure out where to go from there.
How long will it take?

I am a big fan of short-term, goal-oriented therapy – I don’t expect you to come in every week for years and years to get to the root of every problem you’ve ever had!

Everyone’s circumstances are unique, and the length of time therapy can take dramatically varies based on your desire for personal development, your commitment to the process, and the factors that are driving you to seek therapy in the first place.

I want to get the most out of therapy. What can I do to help?

I am glad you are dedicated to getting the most out of your sessions! Your active participation and dedication are crucial to your success. Afterall, we only see each other for a session a week.

It’s the work you do outside of our sessions that will really help you effect change.

My partner and I are having problems. Should we be in individual counseling or come together?

If you are concerned about your relationship and your partner is willing to come, I would want to see both of you together for at least the first session.

If your partner is not willing, this should not stop you from making an appointment. It’s my firm belief that relationships will inevitably change even when one person is the one doing the changing.