Common Inquiries

How do I start?

You can begin by reaching out via email at DrJoannafava@gmail.com or by phone at (914) 468-4624 for a free 15-minute consultation call or to set up a time to meet for an intake evaluation.

Do you accept insurance?

As an out-of-network provider, insurance is not accepted. However, a monthly superbill is provided, which you can send to your insurance company, and they may reimburse you a percentage of the overall cost of therapy. To find out how much you would be reimbursed:

Call your insurance company
Ask for the behavioral health department
Tell them the service code(s) (listed below), and they can tell you how much you may be reimbursed for various services.

2. Codes

90791: Psychiatric Diagnostic Evaluation (intake appointment), 1 hour, $400
90853: DBT Group Therapy, 90 minutes, $150 per session
90832: Psychotherapy, 30 minutes, $200
90834: Psychotherapy, 45 minutes, $275
90837: Psychotherapy, 60 minutes, $350
90846: Family Psychotherapy without patient present, 45 minutes, $275
90847: Family Psychotherapy, with the patient present, 45 minutes, $275
0001: Consultation, 60 minutes, $400
0002: Consultation, 45 minutes, $350
0003: Consultation, 30 minutes, $200
0593T: Speaking Engagement- Mental Wellness, 90 minutes, $600
90875: Other Psychiatric Services or Procedures, 50 minutes at $100
GX: Missed Group passed 2 session limit, 90 minutes, $150

Do you offer sliding scale rates?

Sliding scale rates are available for those who do not have out of network benefits and who demonstrate a need for reduced fee. Only a certain number of spots are available at a lower fee so please call to inquire.

Do you have a cancellation policy?

No fee if canceled 24 hours in advance for individual therapy
For group therapy, you can miss two sessions free of charge but will be charged for the following sessions that you miss in a given module. After four missed sessions, your enrollment in the program will be jeopardized.

What does the intake entail?

An intake is an initial appointment before starting group or individual therapy. It is 60-75 minutes long, and provides an opportunity to assess whether I am the right fit for your goals and needs, and what the treatment recommendations are based on diagnostic and clinical impressions.

How long will I be in group therapy?

There are four modules taught in the adult DBT group: Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation, and Interpersonal Effectiveness. Each module lasts from 3 - 6 weeks, and in that time you will learn specific skills related to that module. One full cycle of DBT skills group is approximately 18-22 sessions. Two cycles of DBT therapy are recommended, as per the current DBT research regarding efficacy, although two cycles are not required. At the end of one cycle, your treatment team will discuss with you whether a second cycle is warranted or recommended.

How long will I be in individual therapy?

This varies with each client based on the type of treatment you are receiving. Certain treatments are very specific while other treatments can be ongoing depending on how the treatment is working and whether additional problems come up during the course of care. Your treatment is ultimately up to you and you can discuss the course of your treatment at any time.

If I am in group therapy, do I need an individual therapist as well?

It is highly recommended to have an individual therapist while doing the DBT skills groups. To be getting adherent DBT, you must be getting individual and group DBT, as well as have access to phone coaching. Your clinician should also be part of a DBT consultation team to ensure you are receiving the best possible care. Dr Fava participates in a DBT consultation team and provides comprehensive DBT. If you would like to attend DBT skills group, but would like to remain seeing your outside individual therapist, that is possible in many situations. Just understand that if you are attending DBT skills group but seeing an individual therapist who is not trained in DBT, you are not actually getting DBT. You are doing DBT skills group to learn coping skills. You are not doing DBT in its full, evidence-based format.

Are your services in-person or virtual?

All groups are virtual at this time. For individual therapy or evaluations, in person sessions are available on Mondays in the Scarsdale office. All other days of the week are virtual, so either option is possible.

Types of payment accepted

Visa, Mastercard, cash, and check are accepted. If you are meeting virtually, you will save your credit card information to the secure client portal and will be charged automatically after each session.