Psychotherapy

Approach

I specialize in psychoanalytic psychotherapy with more frequent sessions to enable greater depth of treatment. Therapy with me begins by reflecting on your experiences while trying not to judge them. I take a compassionate approach to understanding your problems, your desire for change, and your difficulties in making changes. Better understanding your thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and relationships could enable you to make more informed life decisions.

I am flexible and collaborative in my approach, looking for ways to work well together. I provide brief consultations when people need a little help thinking through specific problems, want a professional view, or desire assistance in developing problem-solving strategies. When people are struggling in their attempts to do things differently, I aim to help figure out what is getting in their way, which can sometimes take more time to work through.

A therapeutic relationship with someone you trust could be helpful in understanding yourself and providing relief. Therapy can be a very personal experience, so it is important to feel like you work well with your therapist. Please feel free to contact me to see if we might be a good fit.  

Specialties

• Healthcare providers

• Undergraduate and graduate students and academics

• Professionals struggling with aspects of work and/or relationships

• Adults with medical conditions

• Religious and spiritual persons seeking psychological treatment

• People from diverse backgrounds

What to Expect

• At least the first session is a consultation/evaluation and not a commitment to working together. 

• Therapy sessions are typically 45 - 60 minutes.

• We will spend some time discussing your interests, strengths, and struggles.

• I will ask you to complete some paperwork.

• We will discuss treatment options.

• Please contact me to discuss rates.

Insurance

I would be happy to assist you in using your health insurance. I am currently in-network with Mass General Brigham (Employee Plan only), Student Resources (Boston College and Tufts University), and Blue Cross Blue Shield. I am out-of-network for all other health insurance plans. Many insurance companies offer out-of-network benefits that can significantly assist in payments. You may wish to contact your insurance company to determine your out-of-network benefits. I am happy to provide you with an invoice you could use to submit for reimbursement for out-of-network benefits. The following questions might be helpful if you speak with your insurance:

Do I have out-of-network behavioral health benefits?

What is my deductible and has it been satisfied?

How much are my copays/coinsurance?

Is a referral required to see an out-of-network provider?

How many sessions per calendar year does my plan cover?

How much does my plan pay for out-of-network psychotherapy sessions? 

No Surprises Act Notice

If you are not using insurance to pay for services, you have the right, under law, to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost. Before we meet, I will provide you with a Good Faith Estimate you can save. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.

Hipaa Notice

Joel Simons, PsyD    Psychologist     Lexington, MA