What is Alka’s clinical style?

Alka’s clinical style is warm and direct, yet grounded in compassion. Alka balances an exploration of the present with an understanding of the past, helping clients untangle what no longer serves them while building tools for the life they want to create now. She especially loves helping people think about themselves in new ways, with less judgment and greater kindness.

You can expect her to meet you where you are and align your treatment to meet both your wants and needs.

Are sessions in person or virtual?

Both! Alka’s offers virtual sessions for individuals who are located in New York or New Jersey. Please note that due to licensure restrictions, individuals must be physically in New York or New Jersey during their session time. At this time, Alka also offers in person sessions (individual, couples, and group therapy) through New Perspective Psychological Services in Brooklyn, New York.

What is the no show/cancel/rescheduling policy?

Cancellations and rescheduling must occur with 48 hours notice. Please note if you cancel your session with less than 48 hours notice, you will be billed your full session rate. This policy is in place due to high demand for additional session slot availability: it is important to have at least 48 hours to inform someone of a last minute opening so they can plan accordingly.

How long are sessions and how often do we meet?

Individual and couples therapy sessions are 45 minutes, beginning with a 90-minute intake session. To start, weekly meetings are typically recommended. DBT skills groups meet for 90 minutes each week. Executive functioning coaching sessions range from 30 to 90 minutes, with frequency tailored to your needs. Clinical supervision is offered in one-hour weekly sessions, with flexibility to adjust as needed.

Is insurance accepted?

Alka does not accept insurance directly. This allows her to provide care without the restrictions insurance companies often place on therapy, such as requiring a diagnosis or access to private records. By choosing this model, Alka can give her full presence and thoughtfulness to each session.

She also reserves a limited number of sliding scale spots to keep high-quality care accessible. For clients with out-of-network benefits, Alka is happy to provide a superbill to help with reimbursement.

How much do sessions cost?

Session rates reflect the level of care and attention brought to each client. Please reach out directly for current fee information. A limited number of sliding scale spots are reserved to support accessibility for those with financial constraints.

How do I know if I have out-of-network benefits?

Many people have out-of-network benefits, meaning your insurance will reimburse you for a portion of your sessions. Many insurance plans reimburse 60%-80% of their session rate after meeting the deductible. It's possible that you've already met your deductible through other healthcare expenses!

To see if your insurance will reimburse you for sessions, call your insurance provider and ask the following questions:

• Do I have out-of-network benefits that apply to mental health/behavioral health services?

• Do I have a deductible that applies to out-of-network appointments and if so, how much is left?

• After meeting the deductible, what percentage will I get back? Up to what cap? (e.g. 80% of $300)

Please note that executive functioning coaching and clinical supervision are not reimbursable by insurance.