How do I schedule a consultation?

The best way to contact me is via email at ashleyp@findyouranchorli.com or via the contact form. If using the contact form, please refrain from including any confidential or sensitive information that may be best discussed in person or by secure communication.

What happens during the free consultation?

During the free consultation, we will spend 10-15 minutes discussing what brings you to therapy, answer any questions you may have, and discuss whether I am a good fit for you and your needs. There is no obligation to schedule therapy.

If you do decide at the conclusion of our call to schedule therapy, we will discuss next steps, including intake paperwork, and scheduling.

Do you offer telehealth?

Yes. Sessions can be held in the office located in Port Jefferson Station, NY or via telehealth. Telehealth sessions are held via the TherapyPortal, which can be accessed by clicking the “Patient Portal” button at the top of the page.

Do you see clients outside of Long Island?

Yes, however due to licensing regulations clients must be located in New York State at the time of their session.

Do you participate in insurance plans?

I am currently in network with Aetna, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield (select plans), Northwell Direct, Optum, United Behavioral Health, and United Healthcare. I am out of network for any other commercial insurance plans, Medicare, and Medicaid at this time.

What if you are not in-network with my insurance plan?

If I am out of network for your particular plan, you would be considered a private pay client. Private pay rates can be accessed by clicking the button below.

If your insurance plan includes out-of-network benefits, I can provide you with a superbill (a detailed receipt) for services rendered. You may submit the superbill directly to your insurance carrier for possible reimbursement. Please note that reimbursement rates and eligibility vary by plan, and clients are responsible for contacting their insurance provider to determine available out-of-network benefits, reimbursement rates, deductibles, and any authorization requirements.

What happens during the first session?

For those attending sessions in person, my office is on the main level. If my office door is closed, it is because I am still in session with another client. Please make yourself comfortable in the waiting room, and I will be out as soon as I have completed that session.

For those attending sessions via telehealth, the sessions can be accessed in the TherapyPortal, accessed by the “Patient Portal” link at the top of the page. When you join the session, you will be placed in a virtual waiting room.

During our first session, we will spend 45-90 minutes together. During this time, we will talk about what brought you to therapy, what you are experiencing now, and what you hope will change in the future. We will also review the screening tools completed during the intake paperwork.

Before we end our first session, we will develop a plan for therapy. This will include how often you wish to meet, what goals you would like to prioritize, and scheduling your next session.

What is the late arrival and cancellation policy?

Please note that all cancellations must be received at least 24 hours in advance. Failure to provide at least 24 hours notice for a cancellation will result in a $30 missed appointment fee. If you will be late to an appointment, please provide notification as soon as possible. Arriving 15 minutes or later for a scheduled appointment without providing notification will result in a $30 missed appointment fee. Please note that any late arrival will result in a shorter session time in order to maintain other scheduled appointments.

** Please note the missed appointment/late cancellation fee will increase effective 01/01/2027. **

What is the No Surprises Act?

Starting in 2022, new protections were signed into law that prevent people from receiving surprise medical bills. The No Surprises Act protects people covered under group and individual health plans from receiving surprise medical bills from emergency services received, out-of-network providers at in-network facilities (such as a specific specialist or laboratory) and out-of-network air ambulance providers. The No Surprises Act also establishes a independent dispute resolution process. For more information, you can visit https://www.dfs.ny.gov/consumers/health_insurance/surprise_medical_bills.

Private pay clients will receive a Good Faith Estimate annually and as changes occur reflecting the approximate cost of therapy services for the year based on their session length and frequency.

Is what is said in therapy sessions confidential?

The simple answer is yes and no. Generally speaking, what is said in a therapy session remains confidential between the therapist and the client. There are two major exceptions -

1. Social workers (and most other mental health professionals) are mandated reporters. This means that if we become aware of suspected child, dependent adult, or elder abuse we are mandated to file a report with the appropriate protection agency (such as child protective services or adult protective services).

2. Social workers have a duty to warn if the client indicates that they are planning to harm themself or commit suicide, as well as if they are planning to harm or kill someone else. In instances where the client is planning to harm someone else, this can include informing that individual (if possible) and law enforcement (when necessary).

Other instances where information discussed in therapy may be disclosed is if the client requests care coordination, such as communication with a primary care physician or a psychiatrist, or if the client’s insurance company requests additional documentation to process claims. In these instances, the information to be disclosed will be discussed with the client and, when necessary, the client will sign consent for any disclosures. Finally, information may be requested by subpoena. If requested by subpoena, a discussion will occur with the client to determine next steps.

How do I pick a therapist?

Finding a therapist is kind of like finding a partner. Not every therapist is a good match for every client. To truly see a benefit from therapy services, a client needs to find a therapist who they feel comfortable with and who provides the type of services which they need and/or would benefit from. This is why a free 15 minute consultation is available - to ensure that I seem to be a good match for your current needs. If I am not a good match, I will be happy to try to provide referrals to providers who may be better able to match your needs.

What if I am in crisis?

If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, call 911, call or text 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline), or go to your nearest emergency room.

Below are additional resources for more immediate support:

National Maternal Mental Health Hotline - 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262)

Postpartum Support International Helpline - 1-800-944-4773

Please note that Find Your Anchor Counseling Services contact forms, social media messages, emails, voicemails, and text messages are not monitored continuously.