Frequently Asked Questions
Why do doctors need a clinical psychologist?
When a person is very high functioning and capable, their suffering can become internalized and not easily visible to others.
Being a physician or physician in training is incredibly stressful in ways that are not always obvious to the general public.
Due to the systemic issues in medical training and workplace environments, doctors are at very high risk for the following:
Burnout
Burnout is very common in helping professions generally and physicians specifically. The three elements of burnout include: feelings of detachment from your professional identity and/or work, exhaustion, and decreased efficacy.
Moral injury
Distinct from burnout, moral injury is the psychological stress of having to behave in ways that are contrary to your personal values because of the demands of your job. This can make you question, not just your choice of career, but your core identity and sense of self.
Imposter syndrome
Despite having many objective markers of success, many physicians are plagued with feelings of inadequacy, self doubt and a lurking sense of impending failure. You might also believe that you don't deserve your success, attributing your accomplishments to luck or other external circumstances.
Work-life imbalance
The demands of working in healthcare coupled with a high level of internal responsibility can lead to a life that feels imbalanced and out of line with your personal values. This can cause habitual self-neglect or disconnection from the people in your life who you care most about.
Repeated trauma exposure
In addition to being exposed to illness and death as a part of your work, approximately 62% of healthcare workers experience workplace violence (NIH, 2022). This repeated exposure to both direct and vicarious trauma can take a serious psychological and physical toll.
What are the effects of these mental health risks for healthcare workers?
This can lead to depression, anxiety or substance misuse, sometimes with deadly consequences. Furthermore, it has been my experience that, even aside from the stress of being a working physician, doctors often carry a much higher than average internal expectation for themselves and are inclined towards shame and self punishment when they fall short of their own very high standards.
This too can have a psychological impact both on the individual and on the relationships in their lives.
Do you accept insurance?
What are your fees?
I am in-network with Mount Sinai’s UMR benefits. My billing assistant can also help file claims on patient’s behalf for those looking to utilize out of network benefits.
My fee is $350 for initial intake appointments and $300 per 50 minute follow up session.
Do you treat anyone other than physicians?
What are your other specialties?
Of course! I have a wide range of experience with patients from all walks of life. I have extensive experience with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for anxiety, in particular.
I am also Queer identifying and have speciality training in LGBTQ+ mental health and wellness.
Feel free to inquire and we can assess if I am a good fit for your needs.
Do you treat children?
No. I only treat adults ages 18 and older.
What is talk therapy?
How can it help?
Talk therapy examines your thoughts, emotions, and patterns of behavior. Understanding these can help you shift your choices and get you more in line with your goals and values.
By talking together we will identify and clarify your mental health goals. I take a practical and efficient approach because I know your time is valuable.
Where are you located?
I’m in New York City’s Upper East Side however I can serve clients located anywhere New York state via HIPPA-compliant telehealth.
Can you prescribe medications?
No, but I am happy to provide referrals to my network of trusted psychiatric colleagues.
