Serving Greater Boston, New York, and surrounding areas | mbloom@ptbtherapy.com | (617) 863-7162
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of clients do I work with?
I specialize in working with individuals who are open to exploring the therapeutic process and are ready to embrace new perspectives, adopt healthier behaviors, and foster personal growth. I typically work with clients in their 20s to early 40s, but I’m happy to collaborate with anyone who feels we’d be a good fit.
My therapeutic approach is particularly beneficial for those dealing with anxiety, relationship challenges, life transitions, and self-esteem concerns. If you’re struggling with these issues or looking to make positive changes, I’m here to help.
For more details on my areas of expertise and how I can support you, please visit my specialties page or feel free to contact me directly.
How do I make an initial appointment?
To schedule your initial therapy appointment, the best way to get started is by reaching out to me via email at mbloom@ptbtherapy.com. You can also contact me directly by phone or text at (617) 863-7162. I will respond as soon as possible to set up a time that works for you.
Whether you’re seeking support for anxiety, relationship difficulties, or self-esteem concerns, I’m here to guide you through the process of getting started with therapy.
What is the point of an initial consult?
An initial consultation is a free, no-pressure conversation designed to help you learn more about my therapy approach, ask any questions you may have, and discuss your goals for therapy. It’s also an opportunity to share any concerns or specific needs you have regarding your mental health journey. This consultation ensures we’re a good fit in terms of the type of support you’re seeking and the therapeutic goals you have in mind.
If we both feel confident moving forward after the consultation, we can discuss the next steps and schedule your first therapy session.
What to expect during my initial intake?
During your initial intake session, we will take time to get to know each other and start the intake process. I use a semi-structured approach to intakes, meaning I will ask open-ended questions in a flexible and conversational manner. This gives me an opportunity to learn more about you, understand what brings you to therapy, and assess whether we’re a good fit for working together.
We will also collaborate to set clear therapy goals and outline the steps to help you begin making progress toward those goals.
If, after the intake session, I determine we’re not the best fit for your mental health needs, I will refund the intake fee and provide you with a list of referrals to other trusted providers.
Where are you located? Do you offer in person or virtual sessions?
I offer both in-person and virtual therapy sessions that are HIPAA-compliant for your privacy and safety. Sessions can be conducted fully in-person, fully virtual through secure telehealth platforms, or in a hybrid model, depending on your preferences and needs. I am happy to be flexible with session formats (e.g., switching from in-person to virtual due to scheduling conflicts, or vice versa) with sufficient notice.
My office is located at:
22 Hilliard St., Suite 3, Cambridge, MA 02138.
If you prefer virtual sessions, I provide secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth therapy from the comfort of your own home.
How long is a session and how often will I see you?
At the beginning of therapy, weekly 50-minute sessions are typically recommended to help build trust and establish a strong therapeutic relationship. Consistent sessions create a safe and supportive space where we can work together effectively on your mental health goals. If needed and mutually agreed upon, sessions can be scheduled twice a week to provide additional support.
As therapy progresses, we will regularly assess whether weekly sessions remain the most beneficial for your progress. The frequency of therapy sessions is flexible and can be adjusted based on your evolving needs to ensure that you’re making consistent, meaningful progress.
How much do sessions cost and how do I pay?
The cost for a 50-minute individual therapy session is $225. If you require a longer or shorter session, the fee will be adjusted accordingly to reflect the time spent.
Payment is due at the time of service, and I accept a variety of payment methods for your convenience, including credit or debit cards and Zelle. This allows for secure and easy payment processing.
Do you take insurance?
I do not accept insurance directly, but I can provide you with a detailed receipt (also known as a superbill) that you can submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement. Before submitting, please check with your insurance provider to confirm whether they offer out-of-network coverage for therapy services.
If you need assistance with understanding the process or how to navigate insurance reimbursement, I’m happy to help! You can also click the “Check Your Out-of-Network Benefits Here” button below for a detailed list of questions to ask your insurance provider.
No Surprise Act and Good Faith Estimate
Under the No Surprise Act, you are entitled to receive a Good Faith Estimate outlining the expected costs of your therapy services. This estimate includes the anticipated charges for each session, ensuring transparency and helping you understand the potential costs upfront. If there are any significant changes to the estimated charges during treatment, you will be notified.
The goal of this law is to protect you from unexpected medical bills, including out-of-network costs, and to provide clarity around billing.
If you have any questions about the cost of services or the Good Faith Estimate, feel free to contact me directly. For additional information about your rights under the No Surprise Act, you can visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises/consumers, email FederalPPDRQuestions@cms.hhs.gov, or call 1-800-985-3059.