(917) 607-5250

FAQ

Where is the office located?

I have two offices. My primary office location is 41 Union Square West (on the NW corner of 17th street and Broadway in Manhattan). It is accessible by all subway trains to Union Square or the F train to 14th street.

My other office is 346 1st Street (between 5th and 6th avenues) in Park Slope Brooklyn (closest to the R train Union Street subway stop).

What are your office hours?
My office hours at the Union Square Office are Mondays (12 pm – 8 pm), Tuesdays (12 pm – 8 pm), and Thursdays (9 am – 5 pm). I meet on Wednesdays (9 am – 5 pm) at my Park Slope office.
Do you offer phone or video sessions?
Yes, I offer both. I always prefer to meet in person, but when we cannot do so, we can do a session over the phone or via video. There is more about this in my section on telehealth.
How long is a typical session?
My sessions usually are 50 minutes. Sometimes when we do EMDR work, we might do two sessions back-to-back (110 minutes).
How do I pay?
You can pay by cash, check, credit card, HSA cards, Venmo, or Zelle. I usually receive payment at the beginning of each session.
Do you accept insurance?

I am an out-of-network provider for most insurance companies that offer out-of-network mental health benefits. I can help you submit the paperwork to get reimbursed from your insurance company. You may collect up to 80% reimbursement depending upon your insurance carrier.

Here are some questions to ask your insurance company: Do I have out-of-network behavioral health or mental health coverage (outpatient)? What is my deductible? Has any of it been met yet? What is my coinsurance? (This is the percentage of the fee that you must pay.) Do I need a pre-approval?

What is your cancellation policy?
My cancellation policy requires 48 hours of advanced notice. If you must cancel at the last minute, I will try to reschedule your session within the same week, if possible. There is a cancellation fee if we are unable to reschedule that week. Clients who do not cancel their sessions within 48 hours of the scheduled appointment will receive a charge for the total session rate.
How can I set up an appointment?
The best way to set up an appointment directly is by telephone or text (917) 607-5250, or you can email me at susan@susanpollacktherapy.com.
With what age ranges do you work?
I work with individuals from ages 19 to 99.
How often do I come to therapy?
We can decide this together. Usually, what works best in therapy is coming weekly.
How long do I need to be in therapy?
The length of time a person stays in therapy depends on the individual. It depends upon your individual goals and what you hope to get out of therapy. Treatment is more effective when the client attends weekly sessions
Who needs therapy?

Therapy can be for anyone. Therapy aims to provide a safe, compassionate space where people can explore what is going on in their lives and bring about a change. It’s for anyone who wants support in growing. Coming to therapy does not mean “there is something wrong with you.”

What can I expect in the first session?
The first session is a time for me to get to know you and for you to get a sense of me as well. I usually take notes and ask you about your history and why you want to come to therapy now. I will often help you define your goals and learn what you need from therapy. I explain how the process works and answer any questions you may have.
Is our work confidential?
Yes. The only time it is not confidential is if you were suicidal or a danger to yourself or others. Under those circumstances, the law mandates me to let family members know or help you get to a hospital for your safety as well as the safety of others.
What if I see you in public?
If we pass each other on the street or see each other on the subway, I will not greet you. Not welcoming you is to preserve our confidentiality. If you approach me to say hello, I will say hello back, definitely!
Do you prescribe medication or tell me to go on medication?
No, I am not a medical doctor (MD), so I cannot prescribe medication. If you are interested in taking medication, we can discuss it, and I will refer you to a psychiatrist if you want to try it.
What is Internal Family Systems (IFS)?

Internal Family Systems are a way to connect to the different parts of who you are and get to know those parts better.

Those parts include our angry or panic attack parts, parts that need to control things, the part that drinks too much on Saturday nights, or our creative parts. As humans, we have an unlimited number of parts. Sometimes, we have parts that annoy us, and we don’t know how to get rid of them.

IFS therapy is a way of working with our parts, talking to them directly and having them talk back to us and tell us why they are here. They are often protectors created in childhood to help us get through some family trauma. We work with them in a way to understand ourselves better and release some of the traumas or struggles that hold us back.

What is AEDP?

AEDP stands for Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy. This therapy aims to help the client develop skills to cope with their emotional traumas instead of going into their defensive behaviors.

Through the undoing of aloneness, we explore how you and I communicate or do not communicate at the moment. This approach allows you to process in-depth emotional and relational experiences here and now.