FAQs
Where is your office located?
Since I meet clients through video sessions, I have a virtual office only. I am physically located in lower Westchester County, NY. As long as you are physically within New York State, I can meet with you for teletherapy sessions.
How do teletherapy sessions work?
Your sessions with me will occur via secure video conferencing that I have set up exclusively for my practice.
Using video conferencing is simpler than it may sound. Prior to each session, you will receive a link specific to your designated appointment date and time. A few minutes prior to your scheduled meeting with me, you will join the video session by clicking onto the link. I will log in on my end and meet you there.
Prior to our sessions I will provide you with easy-to-follow directions on how to use video conferencing.
What happens if I, or you, have technical problems and cannot access the video conferencing or if the connection is poor?
If you are having problems accessing the video session, you will know to call me within 5 minutes of the session start time.
If I am having technical problems on my end, I will call you within 5 minutes of the session start time.
What are your hours?
My hours are Tuesdays through Fridays, 9 am through 5 pm.
If you require a different day or time, please contact me to find out if I can accommodate your request. I am flexible whenever possible.
How long are the sessions?
Sessions are 45 minutes.
How do I set up an initial appointment?
There are several ways to get in touch with me to schedule a first appointment, or a 20-minute free video consultation, or for any questions that you may have.
- Call me at (914) 400-3617. Please leave me a voicemail on my confidential messaging system if I am unavailable to answer the phone in person.
- Email me at larissa@therapywithlarissa.com.
- Click on the MESSAGE ME NOW button anywhere on my Website (as seen below).
What is your cancellation policy?
Kindly provide 24 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule your appointment. Less than 24 hours’ notice will result in a cancellation fee.
Who do you work with?
I work with adults ages 18 and older.
I provide services to individuals who are anywhere within New York State.
What do you do in sessions with clients?
Every client is unique, so what sessions look like will vary from person to person. In general, during each session you can expect:
- To talk about the prior week, including challenges, successes, and even challenges that turned into successes.
- To tell me about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, or anything else that is on your mind.
- Feedback from me. Lots of feedback from me! In the form of encouragement, empathy, education. Pointing out connections in what you think, feel, do. Help you identify the things in your life that you can control and change.
- Goal setting, checking in on your goals. To keep you focused on what you are trying to accomplish in therapy.
- To discuss and practice at least one thing that will help move you toward your goals.
- Encouragement to practice this one thing over the week. Practice will be reviewed and discussed in the following session.
What modalities do you use in your client work?
A combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Psychodynamic Therapy. The combination of the two is the most effective therapeutic treatment, according to research.
What is your professional training and experience?
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker, since 1994. Additional “R” Psychotherapy privilege, since 2000
- NYS LCSW License #050308
- Master of Social Work, Wurzweiler School of Social Work, New York, NY
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA
- Proficient in providing telebehavioral health services. My experience dates back to 2013, when I began working as a consultant at a nationwide Telemental Health company.
- Board Certified-TeleMental Health Provider Training Course Certificate, 2018
- Supervised (2002-2005) at The American Institute for Cognitive Therapy, New York, NY, by the co-founder of The Academy of Cognitive Therapy
- Albert Ellis Institute Child and Adolescent Therapy Practicum Certificate in REBT through the NYS Office of Mental Health in 2002
- Primary Certificate in Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) at the Albert Ellis Institute, 2001
- Held several progressively responsible supervisory positions within a leading NYC social service agency: Supervisor, Project Director for Project Liberty, Clinical Coordinator of Trauma Treatment Services, Clinic Director, and Vice President of Outpatient Mental Health Services & Family Support Programs
- As the Project Liberty Director within the above esteemed NYC social services agency, I provided therapy to traumatized individuals, supervised the team of therapists, and provided administrative oversight of the FEMA program which provided free psychotherapy services to those affected by 9/11, the World Trade Center Disaster, 2001-2003
- American Red Cross (ARC) Disaster Mental Health Training, 1997, Massachusetts
- ARC volunteer Mental Health Worker, Kentucky flood and tornado, 1997, Kentucky
- ARC Mental Health Worker, TWA Flight #800 crash, 1996, John F. Kennedy Airport, New York
Have you ever been in therapy yourself?
Yes, I have! At different points in my life.
I believe that everyone’s life can be enhanced by participating in psychotherapy at least one time in their lives. Psychotherapy is to mental fitness, as exercise is to physical fitness.
What are your dogs’ names?
Cosmo and Bear!
Are your dogs as soft and fluffy as they appear?
Yes, they are! In fact, their breed name has the French word for “cotton” in it because these dogs are cottony soft. They may even make appearances in session from time to time!
What is your favorite part of being a psychotherapist?
The part when I get to be there. When I get to witness my client’s “Aha!” moments. It’s so exciting… and fulfilling! It’s why I do what I do.