Find a mental healthcare provider who meets your needs.
FAQs
Getting Started
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There isn't one particular reason to begin therapy. You may be going through a difficult time, adjusting to changes in your life, noticing patterns you'd like to understand, or simply wanting to reconnect with yourself.
Therapy offers a space to slow down, reflect, and explore your experiences with the support of a trained professional. You don't need to have everything figured out before starting. We can begin wherever you are.
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Yes! We offer a complimentary 15-minute consultation, available in person, by phone, or online. This is a chance for us to get to know each other, hear what you're looking for, and answer any questions you may have about our approach.
We believe finding the right therapeutic relationship matters, and this initial conversation can help you decide whether Essence feels like a good fit.
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Once you decide to move forward, we'll help you schedule your first appointment and complete the necessary intake paperwork.
The first one or two sessions are an opportunity for us to get to know you beyond the concerns that brought you here. We'll explore your experiences, personal history, strengths, and what you hope to gain from therapy. Together, we'll begin shaping an approach that feels meaningful and supportive to you.
For children and adolescents, we may invite caregivers to participate in the initial process to better understand the child's needs and establish shared goals.
Approaches & Offerings
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Not at all! You don't need to be a musician, dancer, actor, or visual artist to benefit from creative arts therapy.
At Essence, we believe creativity is not about artistic ability or producing something beautiful. It is about making space for expression, discovery, and meaningful connection.
Creative arts therapy incorporates music, dance and movement, visual art, and drama as therapeutic modalities. Through creative expression, we can explore emotions, process experiences, recognize patterns of thought and behavior, and discover new ways of relating to ourselves and others.
Our therapists are trained to adapt these approaches to your individual needs, interests, and comfort level. Whether you have an extensive artistic background or have never engaged in the arts, you are welcome here.
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It depends on your needs, preferences, and therapeutic goals. Creative arts therapy does not replace talking; rather, it offers additional ways to explore and process your experiences.
Our Licensed Creative Arts Therapists (LCATs) are trained mental health professionals qualified to provide verbal psychotherapy and processing. Some sessions may involve more creative exploration through music, movement, art, or drama, while others may focus primarily on talking.
Whether you want to express something that feels difficult to put into words or simply need a space to talk things through, we'll meet you where you are. Our therapists draw on relational, psychodynamic, and cognitive-behavioral approaches to support your therapeutic journey.
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Absolutely! Individual and group therapy can complement each other in meaningful ways.
Individual therapy offers a dedicated space to explore your personal experiences and goals, while group therapy provides opportunities for connection, shared experiences, and learning alongside others. Depending on your needs, participating in both can enrich your therapeutic process.
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Absolutely! Your interests, comfort level, and therapeutic goals are important parts of the process. You are welcome to share your preferences, whether you're drawn to music, movement, visual art, drama, or a combination of approaches.
During the initial consultation and intake process, we'll explore what feels meaningful and appropriate for you and help connect you with a therapist whose training and expertise align with your needs.
You don't have to know which modality is right for you before starting. Sometimes, discovering what resonates with you is part of the therapeutic journey itself.
Logistics & Scheduling
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We offer both in-person and virtual therapy sessions. In-person sessions are available at our office in Long Island City (LIC), Queens. Virtual sessions are conducted through a HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform, allowing you to access therapy from the comfort of your own space.
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Individual therapy sessions are typically 50 minutes. Group therapy sessions generally range from 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the group format and goals.
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We typically recommend weekly sessions, especially when beginning therapy. Consistency helps build a trusting therapeutic relationship and provides continuity as you work toward your goals.
That said, everyone's needs and circumstances are different. We'll work collaboratively to find a schedule that supports your progress and fits your life.
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We have a 24-hour cancellation and rescheduling policy. Sessions canceled or rescheduled with less than 24 hours' notice, as well as missed appointments (no-shows), will be charged the full session fee.
Fees & Insurance
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Our session fees vary depending on the therapist's experience and credentials:
Senior Therapists: $200 per 50-minute session
Tier I Therapists: $150 per 50-minute session
Sliding-scale options: Limited reduced-fee appointments may be available with interns and therapists in training.
Please contact us to learn more about availability and the options that may work for you.
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Some of our providers are in-network with Cigna and Carelon.
If you plan to use out-of-network benefits, we can provide a superbill for you to submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement. Payment is collected upfront, and reimbursement is subject to your individual insurance plan.
We recommend contacting your insurance provider to verify your out-of-network mental health benefits, including coverage, deductibles, and reimbursement rates.