Agoraphobia Treatment...

Agoraphobia is a type of anxiety disorder that can cause an intense fear of becoming overwhelmed, unable to escape a situation, or be able to get help. Because of these symptoms, people with agoraphobia often avoid new places and unfamiliar situations. This can include large open areas, enclosed spaces, crowds, and more. The intense anxiety associated with agorophobia may cause a person to self-isolate in their home and fear going out. Even daily activities such as shopping, taking public transportation, or meeting with friends and family can be overwelming. Unfortunately, panic attacks often accompany agorophobia and can make the person feel as thought they are having a heart attack or "going crazy". These symptoms have a devastating effect on the ability to work and maintain relationships. The good news is that cognitive behavioral psychotherapy has been proven to be highly effective in the treatment of agoraphobia.

As a psychologist, I do not prescribe medication but I recognize that some clients may respond best to a combination of medication and psychotherapy. If I believe you are likely to benefit from this combined approach, I will discuss this with you. The choice to take medication or not is yours. I consult with several psychiatrists in the Rockland county area and would be glad to make a referral. If you are already under the care of a psychiatrist, I would be pleased to work with them to coordinate your care.

In my practice, an individual therapy appointment typically lasts 45 minutes and the fee is $200 per session. I maintain a non-managed care practice and do not routinely provide information to insurance companies or seek authorization from them. I will, however, provide documentation requested by the client "going out of network" and seeking reimbursement from their insurer. This reimbursement typically ranges from 50 - 80%, after meeting a deductible. (Note: Before seeing any out-of-network provider, it is recommended that you contact your insurance company to determine your mental health coverage). Appointments are most often scheduled once per week and the number of sessions varies based on the needs of the client.

If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of agoraphobia, contact me to see how I may be able to help.