Question 1

What does therapy look like?  What is CBT?  What is DBT?

Accepted Answer

My approach to therapy is collaborative and action-oriented. I have trained intensively and am experienced in providing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). These are evidence-based psychological treatments proven effective at addressing a wide range of problems. They work by focusing on the relationship among your thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. I will also teach you and your child effective tools to manage his or her emotions. 
Homework is assigned between sessions. By practicing skills learned in session, you will reach your goals as quickly as possible.
Please note that I offer CBT and DBT-informed treatment. I no longer offer comprehensive DBT, which includes phone coaching and a skills-training group.

Question 2

How often will I attend therapy?    How long will treatment take?

Accepted Answer

Therapy is generally most effective when a client attends weekly, 45-minute sessions. However, some children and adults benefit from twice-weekly sessions. Regular attendance is key to your success in treatment. Therefore, online sessions are available, when needed, to help us meet during your more hectic weeks. Online therapy is also an effective option for people located outside New York City.
People vary in how long treatment takes. Throughout therapy, you will have a treatment plan with therapeutic goals. I strive to give you the tools to effectively manage your mental health independently, in as short a time as possible.

Question 3

How do I know if you are the right therapist for me?   What do you treat?

Accepted Answer

I specialize in treating children, adolescents, and adults with ADHD and anxiety disorders. I also specialize in helping children with enuresis and encopresis. I am skilled in helping children and adults with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), depression, trauma, sleep difficulties, interpersonal difficulties, low frustration tolerance, low self-esteem, and trichotillomania (hair pulling). Furthermore, I target behavioral disorders, using both individual therapy and parent training. 
Is your child often disorganized, easily distracted, or struggling to complete long-term assignments? Are your child's ADHD symptoms making it challenging for her to complete schoolwork? Executive functioning weaknesses may be keeping your child from reaching his potential. I specialize in addressing these.
Please call 917-254-9770 (tel:917-254-9770)or email info@drjohannab.com (mailto:info@drjohannab.com)to arrange a free consultation. If I believe another psychologist can better address your concerns, I will provide a referral.

Question 4

How do I begin?   What do I need to know before starting therapy?   Do you take insurance?

Accepted Answer

Often in life we take the first step on a new path feeling uncomfortable and that is okay. If you're contemplating therapy, please call so that I can help address your concerns.  I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation and will gladly answer any questions. 
While I do not take insurance, I work as an out-of-network provider.  Many health insurance policies partially reimburse for services, sometimes as much as 80% of the session cost. I recommend confirming your benefits with your insurance provider prior to scheduling your first session. 
I am passionate about helping people find a therapist within their budget. Therefore, I reserve a limited number of hours at sliding scale fees for people in need.

Question 5

Do you have evening or weekend availability? Where are you located?

Accepted Answer

In addition to daytime appointments, I offer afternoon and evening appointments both at my Upper West Side office and via teletherapy. I also have Sunday availability. 
Address: 65 Central Park West, Suite 1D, New York, NY 10023
Cross Streets: W 66th Street and W 67th Street
The entrance to my office is one door North of the 65 Central Park West building awning.
Directions by Subway: 1 train to West 66th Street Lincoln Center or B / C train to West 72nd Street
Directions by Bus: M66, M72, and M10

Question 6

I still don't know what to do. Would seeing a psychologist really help my child?

Accepted Answer

Many parents are unsure whether their child needs to see a psychologist. If you feel that something just isn't right and you are concerned about your child's well-being, I recommend listening to your instinct and addressing your concern with a professional. A great way to start is by talking with your primary care doctor. I am also available to discuss whether your child may benefit from seeing a psychologist.  
 
Often in life, taking the first step on a new path brings feelings of uncertainty. That’s understandable. I offer a free phone consultation and will gladly do my best to answer any questions. If I believe another psychologist can better assist your child, I will give you a referral. I’m here to help.

Question 7

Does my child need therapy?

Accepted Answer

People often don't realize that, in addition to problems that raise serious concerns, psychologists also treat problems that are mild to moderate in severity. Maybe you've noticed that your child is avoiding her peers and you aren't sure why. Or, you’ve noticed that your child is easily frustrated, often distracted, frequently fighting with her peers, or starting to engage in risky behaviors. I'm available to address these concerns.
 
Psychologists are available to teach more adaptive skills, including skills to help with interpersonal difficulties, managing emotions effectively, addressing unhelpful thinking patterns or behaviors, and handling conflict effectively. Therapy often helps children improve their abilities to tolerate distress, problem solve, communicate assertively, and confront their fears. Every session is also an opportunity for increased self-awareness and self-acceptance. 
 
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Question 8

How do I determine my out-of-network benefits?

Accepted Answer

Call the number on the back of your insurance card. Ask to discuss your mental health benefits. State that you are interested in seeing Dr. Johanna Berger (NPI #1932551694).
The following questions may be helpful to ask:
What are my mental health benefits? 
Do I have a deductible? If yes, how much of it has been met to date? When did the deductible year begin? Make sure to specify that you are checking for out-of-network benefits.
What percentage of my bill will be paid by the insurance company? 
Is the percentage of my bill paid by the insurance company based on the actual charges or is it based on usual, customary, and reasonable (UCR) schedules? What is the usual and customary amount? Rates are charged primarily for the following CPT codes: 90834, 90791, and 90837. Families may also want to check coverage for 90847 and 90846.
How many sessions per calendar year does my plan cover?
Does my policy have an out-of-pocket maximum? When this amount is reached, will my insurance reimburse my therapy at 100% of the cost?
What is the process for submitting my claims for reimbursement?

Frequently Asked Questions