Call us: 347-470-6565
e-mail: elona@steadystepscounseling.org
Contact Us Now

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Find answers to our most frequently asked questions below.

Getting Started

Therapy is right for anyone who wants to feel better, understand themselves more deeply, and build a life that aligns with their values. If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, navigating a major life change, or simply want an objective space to explore your thoughts, therapy can be an incredibly powerful tool. You don't need to be in crisis to benefit from support.

The first session is about connection and information gathering. It's a chance for us to meet each other, and for you to share what brought you to therapy. I'll ask questions about your history, your current challenges, and your goals. Most importantly, we'll discover if we're a good fit to work together. You can also ask me any questions you have about my approach. There's no pressure—it's a conversation.

The easiest way is to schedule a free 15-minute consultation call using my online calendar. This call is a chance for us to briefly connect, answer your questions, and see if we are a good fit. If we decide to move forward, we can schedule your first full session directly from there.

Logistics & Fees

I believe in accessible care. My practice operates on a sliding scale for standard 53-minute individual therapy sessions. This means fees are adjusted based on financial need to ensure cost is not a barrier to your healing. Please contact me directly to discuss my current scale availability.

Yes! I am currently in-network with a wide range of major insurance plans.
I proudly accept:

  • Aetna

  • Anthem

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)

  • Blue Shield

  • BlueCross and BlueShield

  • Carelon Behavioral Health

  • Cigna & Evernorth

  • EmblemHealth

  • Empire BlueCross BlueShield

  • Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey

  • Optum

  • Oscar Health

  • Oxford

  • UnitedHealthcare / UHC / UBH

These plans also include many of the subsidiaries and behavioral health networks under their umbrella.

What about Medicaid or Medicare?

I am currently in the credentialing process for Medicaid and Medicare.
I will update this page as soon as I am officially in-network.

What if I don’t see my insurance on the list?

I continue to expand my insurance paneling and expect to add more plans in the future.
If your insurance isn’t listed, please reach out—there’s a chance I may be joining your network soon.

Out-of-Network Option

If I am not yet in-network with your plan, we can still work together. I can provide a monthly Superbill that you may submit to your insurance for possible out-of-network reimbursement. Coverage varies, so I always recommend calling your insurer to ask about your specific mental health benefits.

I require 24 hours notice for cancellations. Sessions cancelled with less than 24 hours notice will be charged the full session fee. I understand that emergencies and illnesses happen, and I will always assess these situations with compassion and flexibility.

I accept all major credit cards, debit cards, and HSA/FSA cards. Payment is collected automatically through the secure client portal at the time of your session.

My Approach & Specialties

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) trained in and integrate several evidence-based approaches, including:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): For identifying and changing unhelpful thought patterns.
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): For building skills in mindfulness, emotion regulation, and distress tolerance.
  • Narrative Therapy: For separating your identity from your problems.
  • Solution-Focused Therapy: For harnessing your strengths and building a clear path toward your goals. I tailor my approach to fit your unique needs and personality.

  • Teens: Yes, I work with clients ages 16 and older.
  • Couples & Families: Yes, I offer couples and family therapy sessions. Please contact me to discuss your specific needs.
  • Groups: I will be launching both in-person and telehealth therapy groups in the near future. Please contact me to be added to the waitlist and be the first to know when registration opens.

The Practicalities

I am providing sessions via secure telehealth as well as limited availability for in-person therapy in Bergen County, NJ in the Paramus and Hackensack area. My office address is:

297 Kinderkamack Rd. Suite 212
Oradell, NJ 07649

A standard individual therapy session is 53 minutes long. Most clients begin with weekly sessions to build momentum and trust. As you progress, we may mutually decide to move to a less frequent schedule. The frequency is always based on your individual needs.

Texts, emails, and voicemails are welcome for administrative needs (e.g., scheduling, billing questions) or to briefly check in. I strive to respond to all messages promptly.
Please note: My standard response time is within 48 hours. I do not provide crisis support via text, email, or phone.

Once you are an active client, you will receive a secure link and login information for the client portal. The portal is where you can manage appointments, complete paperwork, and send secure messages.

I'm here to help. Contact me directly and I'll get back to you within 48 hours.