Frequently Asked Questions
Payment, Insurance & Your Investment
We believe in transparency, especially when it comes to the financial investment in your well-being.
Do you accept insurance for therapy? Why are you "private pay"?
Long Island Counseling is a "private pay" practice, which means we do not accept insurance directly and are not "in-network" with any insurance panels.
This is a deliberate choice. It ensures the highest quality of care and it also protects your privacy. When clinicians accept insurance, the insurance company—not you or your therapist—dictates the length treatment—how many sessions you’re “allowed,” the length of each session, and the type of therapy you will receive. The insurance company also requires a formal mental health diagnosis, which becomes a permanent part of your health record.
By operating as a private pay practice, all aspects of your treatment, as well as your diagnosis, remain strictly confidential between you and Lisa Lempel-Sander. As a result, you remain in control of your own therapeutic journey.
How can I get reimbursed for my sessions?
Many of our clients are able to get a significant portion of their therapy fees reimbursed by their insurance provider using their "Out-of-Network" (OON) benefits.
Here’s how it works: You pay for your session at the time of service, and at the end of each month, we provide you with a detailed invoice (called a "superbill"). This superbill contains all the necessary information (service codes, diagnosis codes) for you to submit directly to your insurance company. They will then reimburse you according to your plan's OON mental health benefits.
We recommend calling the member services number on the back of your insurance card and asking, "What are my out-of-network benefits for mental health (or psychotherapy)?"
What are your fees for marriage counseling and individual therapy?
Please contact our office directly for a current schedule of fees for sessions with Lisa Lempel-Sander. We are committed to full transparency and will discuss all fees with you during your initial, complimentary phone consultation so you can feel clear and comfortable moving forward.
Is investing in private pay therapy "worth it"?
This is a question many people ask, and it's a valid one. We believe the investment in specialized, private pay therapy is one of the most valuable investments you can make in your long-term happiness and the health of your relationship.
When you choose Long Island Counseling, you are investing in:
- Specialized Expertise: You are working directly with Lisa Lempel-Sander, a licensed psychoanalyst and psychotherapist with over 30 years of dedicated experience.
- Proven Methods: You are not getting generic "talk therapy." You are receiving care grounded in evidence-based psychoanalysis, a structured and highly effective approach for both individuals and couples.
- Absolute Privacy: Your journey is 100% confidential, free from the mandates and data-sharing requirements of insurance companies.
This specialized focus often leads to more profound and lasting change than a "one-size-fits-all" approach.
About Our Services & Specialties
Our practice is built on a foundation of proven methods and deep experience with a diverse range of clients.
How Does Couples Therapy Work?
The goal is to give you a "roadmap" for a stronger, more resilient partnership.
We are a [Same-Sex / Mixed-Race / High-Conflict] couple. Can you help us?
Yes. Lisa Lempel-Sander has extensive experience and specialized training working with the unique dynamics of same-sex couples, mixed-race or multi-cultural couples, and high-conflict couples.
We understand that your relationship may face specific external pressures (from society or family) and internal dynamics that require a nuanced, affirming, and culturally sensitive approach. Our practice is a safe, non-judgmental space for all couples to heal and grow.
Do you have experience with [Multi-Cultural issues / Gender Identity issues / Blended Families]?
Absolutely. A significant part of our practice is dedicated to providing expert, compassionate support for:
- Multi-Cultural Issues: Navigating differences in cultural background, values, or family expectations.
- Gender Identity Issues: Supporting individuals and couples exploring gender identity, transitioning, or navigating a partner's transition.
- Blended Families: Addressing the unique complexities of stepparenting, co-parenting, and merging two family systems.
Lisa Lempel-Sander brings deep sensitivity and specialized knowledge to these areas, helping you navigate your unique situation with confidence.
What is the difference between marriage counseling and psychotherapy?
This is a great question.
- Marriage Counseling (or Couples Therapy): Focuses specifically on the relationship between two people. The "client" is the partnership itself. The goal is to improve communication, resolve conflict, and strengthen the bond.
- Psychotherapy (or Individual Therapy): Focuses on the individual's internal world. The "client" is the individual. The goal is to explore emotions, thoughts, past experiences (like trauma), and behaviors to improve personal well-being (e.g., managing anxiety, depression).
As both a licensed psychoanalyst and couples therapist, Lisa Lempel-Sander is uniquely qualified to understand how individual issues like anxiety or trauma impact the relationship, and vice-versa. She often helps couples figure out whether individual therapy or couples counseling would best serve them.
I'm not in a relationship. Can I see you for individual issues like anxiety or depression?
Yes. While renowned for her couples work, Lisa Lempel-Sander is an experienced psychotherapist who also provides individual therapy for adults. She effectively treats individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, addictions, and eating disorders.
Location & Logistics
We serve clients across Long Island and New York State, both in-person and virtually.
Where is your counseling office located?
Our practice, Long Island Counseling, is centrally located on Long Island, making it easily accessible for clients from both Nassau County and Suffolk County. We also serve many clients who travel from Queens for in-person sessions. Please contact us for our precise address and directions.
Do you offer marriage counseling for clients in Nassau County and Suffolk County?
Yes. Our practice is dedicated to serving couples and individuals throughout Nassau County and Suffolk County. Our location is convenient for residents of both counties seeking specialized couples therapy.
Do you provide therapy for clients in Queens?
Yes. We welcome clients from Queens for in-person therapy. We also find that our virtual therapy sessions are a highly effective and popular option for many Queens residents, as it eliminates commute time while providing access to specialized care.
Do you offer remote therapy or virtual couples counseling?
Yes. We offer secure, confidential, and highly effective virtual therapy (telehealth) sessions for clients located anywhere in New York State. Virtual couples counseling using the Gottman Method is just as effective as in-person therapy and provides flexibility for busy schedules, couples with children, or those who prefer the comfort of their own home.
How do I schedule my first appointment?
Getting started is straightforward. The first step is to call our office or fill out the secure contact form on our website. We will then schedule a brief, complimentary phone consultation with Lisa Lempel-Sander to discuss your needs, answer any more questions you have, and ensure our practice is the right fit for you.
What to Expect
We know the first step can be the hardest. Here’s what you can expect from our work together.
What happens in a first marriage counseling session?
Your first session is part of a multi-step assessment process. It is not about blaming or finding fault. The primary goal is for Lisa to understand your story—the history of your relationship, the specific challenges that brought you to therapy, and what you both hope to achieve.
This initial phase is designed to create a clear roadmap for your therapy. It's also an opportunity for you to see how you feel working with Lisa and to build a foundation of trust.
Will you blame me or my partner?
Absolutely not. Our approach is a "no-blame, no-judgment" model. We do not take sides.
Lisa Lempel-Sander acts as a neutral guide, helping you both understand your unique strengths and weaknesses and the patterns created from them, and gives you the tools to work with it to bring about change. Our therapy room is a safe space focused on empathy and connection.
How long does couples therapy usually take?
The duration of couples therapy is different for every couple. It depends on your specific goals, the level of distress you're in, and how consistently you're able to apply the tools you learn in sessions to your daily life.
Some couples find the tools and clarity they need in a few months of focused work. Couples with more deep-rooted, long-standing conflicts may benefit from longer-term therapy. After your initial assessment, Lisa will discuss a recommended treatment plan with you so you have a clear expectation.