Q: Are sessions in-person or online?
A: All counseling sessions are conducted online via a HIPAA-compliant (confidential) and easy-to-use video system. Some clients may opt to do telephone sessions.
Q: How will I know if the therapist I meet with is right for me?
A: Like other relationships, it takes time to get to know each other. Sometimes people know pretty quickly while others need more than a few sessions – there is no wrong or right. Listening to how you feel inside may offer information. Feel free to ask your therapist questions and offer feedback about how it is going. If you decide to no longer continue with sessions, we will provide you some names of other therapists. The goal is to help you even if you decide it’s not with us. We respect your process and will work with what feels best for you.
Q: Is online counseling right for me?
A: It depends on the person. A discussion with a therapist about this may be helpful. Online counseling can be convenient and more comfortable. It requires having a secure and private space, some knowledge of using technology/internet, as well as good internet quality.
Q: What can I expect from therapy?
A: It’s normal to still have some concerns about therapy, even after you make a decision to start. Therapy is about having a good connection with a therapist that listens to you, ask you questions, and that gives you unbiased feedback. Your therapist will help you in the ways you allow. Feedback may be provided in sessions and if you would like ideas on things you could do outside of session we can help with that as well. Remember: there is no “wrong or right” way to engage in therapy. Sometimes it’s different even session to session. This is your time and your space.
Q: What happens during the first session?
A: During the first session you and your therapist will work on getting to know each other. They may ask questions to get to know you and you are welcome to do the same. They go over confidentiality and other parts of therapy. You are never forced to answer a question and you have the right to decline answering.
Q: How long do appointments last?
A: First session is 60 minutes. Typical follow up appointments are 45 minutes. They may be shorter or longer depending on your needs.
Q: How often will we meet?
A: Typically the therapist will let you know their thoughts after a better understanding your situation at the end of the first session. We want to hear what you need as well. Feel free to discuss questions/concerns with your therapist about this. Consistency in meetings at the beginning helps to build a close connection and helps you to begin to move towards progress. You and your therapist can check in as you go along in therapy about how often to keep meeting.
Q: How much do you charge?
A: Out of pocket fees can be discussed on the telephone and will be sent to you in writing prior to starting treatment. Please know that if you use your insurance, the insurance tells therapists what the charge is. Please see the insurance page for more information.
Q: Do you accept insurance?
A: Cigna, Aetna, and United Healthcare/Oxford are accepted. Some Blue Cross Blue Shield plans are accepted. Please see the “insurance page” for more information.
Q: What forms of payment do you accept?
All major credit cards and HSA/FSA are accepted through a HIPAA compliant confidential system for virtual sessions. All you have to do is add the card and we charge the card the day of session - no additional work for you! There are no hidden fees for using your credit card either. You can earn your cash back/rewards/points on your credit card if you accrue them by doing therapy! You will get a message every time your card is charged or refund so you can keep track of charges as you wish.
Q: What is your work background?
A: Check out my Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulinalevinzon
Q: What kind of therapy do you do? What if I am looking for a specific kind of therapy?
A: Please let your therapist know what you are looking if there is something specific you have in mind. It is ok if you are not sure what you need, too. Please know not every has the same training/skill set. My extensive experience has led me to understand that “one size fits all” does not work in therapy. Having a connection where people safe as well as accepted in therapy seems to be valuable. Clients time and time again have said that they have benefitted from some forms the therapy with Four Seasons Counseling Group LLC that they have not had in previous therapies. Therefore, I use many different approaches a therapist based on what you are going through and what you need.
Q: Do therapists prescribe medication?
A: Masters levels social workers, clinical mental health counselors, licensed marital & family therapists, licensed clinical alcohol & drug counselors, as well as psychologists cannot prescribe medications in New Jersey. Medications are typically prescribed by psychiatric APNs and medical doctors (psychiatrists, family doctors, etc.).
However, we do believe in working with you and your doctors as a team. If you give your therapist permission they will communicate with your providers to best support you.
Feedback
"I very highly recommend Paulina Levinzon as she is a top-tier
counselor and an expert in the field of trauma treatment and other
areas"- Roman Petrocelli, PhD, LPC
"Very down to earth and passionate about helping others. Very
knowledgeable about trauma based work and treatment."
- Samantha Notaro