What is the first step?
To begin, please email, call, or use the Contact page on this website. I will respond promptly to answer any questions you have or to get you scheduled for an initial appointment. I also offer a 15-minute phone consultation upon request at no cost to you. This can be a helpful way to connect before scheduling our first session, to see if I am a good fit for you. Once we decide to work together, I will send you some forms to complete prior to our first session.
What can I expect in the first session?
During the intake, we will talk more about your reasons for seeking therapy, your goals for treatment, and your relevant history. I will share more about my training and areas of expertise, my approach to therapy, and who I am as a person. If it feels like a good fit, we will work together to develop an individualized treatment plan. Our first session will be scheduled for 45-60 minutes.
What about the sessions after that?
During our weekly sessions, we will work together to develop insight into emotional and relational patterns keeping you stuck. We will explore how your current concerns initially developed and why these problems have persisted. We will then discuss ways to break out of these patterns through cognitive, emotional, and behavioral techniques. Thus, our work will reflect a balance of insight and change. Individual therapy sessions will be scheduled for 45 minutes.
How long does therapy typically last?
This can vary greatly from individual to individual. Some of the factors that influence this include your presenting concerns, treatment goals, any past therapy experiences, and preferences for care. A “typical” course of treatment can range from around 12 weeks to a year or more. Of course, you will ultimately be in control of when you feel ready to terminate services. We will regularly discuss how the progress and course of therapy is feeling for you, to ensure we are making progress towards your goals. I typically meet with my clients on a weekly basis, particularly in the initial phases of treatment. Our sessions will be scheduled for approximately 45 minutes.
What is the cancellation policy?
Life happens! I just ask that you please let me know at least 24 hours in advance if you will not be able to attend an appointment. No-shows or cancellations made without this notice will be charged at the full session rate.
Do you offer in-person sessions?
My practice is fully virtual, using HIPAA-compliant software for video visits, paperwork, and between-session communication. My goal is to make it feel just like you are in a typical therapy office, while having the ease and comfort of joining from your home.
What is your theoretical orientation?
I was trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This approach emphasizes understanding how certain core beliefs developed, and how these beliefs influence current thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. For example, some people develop a core belief early on that they are worthless, or unloveable, or that others cannot be trusted. These beliefs may then affect how one thinks (e.g., “I’m no good”), feels (e.g., defeated), and acts (e.g., withdraw). We will work together to identify and change the beliefs and behaviors keeping you stuck, so that you move forward from the past and towards the life you desire.
Get in Touch with Dr. Ansley Bender Today!
(201) 632-3014
ansley@dransleybender.com
Fees and Insurance
My fee ranges from $250-$350 per session. I do not directly accept insurance. However, many insurance plans offer “out-of-network” benefits, and I am happy to provide the invoice for reimbursement (the “superbill”). This means that you will pay for the session at the time of services, but you can file a claim for reimbursement from your insurance provider using the superbill. Reimbursement rates typically range from 25-100% of the session bill, usually after meeting an initial deductible.
Questions to ask
If you would like to use out-of-network benefits, I encourage you to contact your insurance provider and ask the following questions:
-Do I have out-of-network mental health benefits?
-How much will I be reimbursed per session? Do I have a copay?
-Do I have a deductible I need to meet before being eligible for reimbursement? How much is it?
-How do I submit claims for reimbursement?
-How long does it typically take for me to receive the reimbursement?
-What information is needed for me to submit a claim for reimbursement? Is any pre-authorization from my therapist required?
-Do I have a session limit?
Why work with an out-of-network therapist?
When you work with an out-of-network therapist, you have the freedom to choose exactly who you would like to work with, rather than being limited by your insurance network. This means you can seek out a provider with the expertise, training, and clinical style that best fits your needs. There is also greater flexibility to be seen for as long as you need, for any reason; most in-network insurance policies place strict limits on number of sessions allowed and require specific diagnoses for treatment to be covered. Working with an out-of-network provider allows you and your therapist to focus on the important work of therapy.