FAQ

Where are you located?
New York City, but I see clients by telehealth across New York State.
Do you do telehealth or in-person sessions?
At the moment, I’m only offering video telehealth sessions. Telehealth provides convenience and flexibility, making it easier to prioritize therapy in a busy world.
What are your hours?
My office hours are Monday – Wednesday, 10 am – 7 pm, and Thursday 10 am – 5 pm.
How long are the sessions?

For most clients, we’ll meet for 60 minutes – so a full hour. However, if you prefer a different time, we can chat about it.

Do you take insurance?
I am not in-network with insurance.
Why don't you take insurance?

There are a few reasons, but some of the major ones are that I’m not on board with some insurance companies dictating treatment and many requiring diagnoses. Labeling a client with a diagnosis that might stick with them at our first meeting doesn’t feel right.

Also, dealing with insurance plans involves a lot of bureaucracy and paperwork that takes away from the time and energy spent with clients.

Do you offer superbills?

Yes! I can easily provide you with monthly superbills.

I do offer the caveat that if you are looking for out-of-network reimbursement, I recommend that you contact your insurance company to determine if your plan will reimburse for psychotherapy services provided by an LMSW under the auspices of an LCSW.

How do I set up an appointment?

You can put time directly on my calendar for a free consult on the contact page, contact me through the contact form at the bottom of the page, or email me directly at ashlee@reillyhunttherapy.com to set up a free 20-minute consultation to see if we would be a good fit.

What is your cancellation policy?
I understand that life comes up, so I do not charge for canceling sessions. Please remember to cancel or reschedule 24 hours in advance if possible. If it happens twice that you do not show up for a session without 24-hour advance cancellation, I may no longer be able to offer you sessions.
With what age range do you work?
I work with all adults, 18+. That said, clients who get the best outcome from our work together tend to fall in the 20s-40s range.
Do you work with women? Men? Nonbinary? LGBTQIA+? Couples?

My goal is an inclusive practice. However, as a cis-gender woman specializing in body image, I may not be the best fit for cis-gender men looking to explore this topic, as the cultural pressures around body image differ. However, my services extend to all. I am gender-affirming and an LGBTQIA+ ally.

I’m only working with individuals. However, if it would benefit you to bring someone into one of your sessions as “collateral,” meaning they join you for a session or two, we can certainly discuss that. However, you would be the client, and the other person would not be there for treatment or diagnosis.

Do you work with people from diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, and religions?
Yes! I work with people from all different backgrounds, ethnicities, and religions. We are a kaleidoscope of diverse identities, and I honor and respect the unique journey that each person has taken to get here.
Do you give homework assignments between sessions?
It depends! I don’t have a hard-and-fast rule either way. I customize my technique to each client, so I can help you meet your unique goals and needs. Suppose I were to “assign” anything between sessions. In that case, examples might be to practice different techniques and skills we’ve discussed and report back on how it went, journaling, practicing mindfulness, or something similar. I don’t love worksheets because they remind me of “problem sets” from undergrad, but I have them if you think they’re helpful!
What modalities do you use?

I believe in creating a safe space where clients can explore their strengths and unique traits. My practice is rooted in a person-centered, strength-based, and trauma-informed approach.

My methodologies are eclectic and specific to my client’s unique needs and goals, pulling techniques from CBT, ACT, DBT, ERP, parts work, mindfulness, somatic work, intuitive eating, and more.

What is your professional training and experience?

I hold an MSW from Fordham University, an MBA from Johns Hopkins, an MA in Psychology from The New School, and a BA in Psychology from Johns Hopkins.

During my MSW, I completed a 12-month internship at a community mental health clinic in Harlem, where I provided therapy to clients experiencing various struggles. Beyond that, I have certifications as a Certified Trauma Professional, Intuitive Eating Counselor, and a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC).

I worked as an Intuitive Eating Counselor and Health Coach for two years before finishing my MSW. Previously, I worked in finance rating U.S. Banks and did psychological and medical clinical research.

What else must I know to get the most out of working with you?

Come into this with an open mind and remember to give yourself grace throughout this process. It can be hard work, and this journey is not always straightforward. It also can take longer than you would like, but remember, these thoughts and feelings have often been part of you for a long time.

You’ve been getting messages about what you should look like, how you should act, what you should feel (or not), and what boxes you should fit in since you were born. But like any skill, you won’t be perfect until you’ve learned what you’re doing and practiced. And even then, remember perfect doesn’t exist, even though it might feel necessary.

The most important thing you need to know is that you’re not alone, and this journey is worth it. Just imagine how great it will feel when you rediscover your innate worthiness, reconnect your mind and body, and cultivate a life where you can thrive rather than survive.

Are you one of those therapists who will sit, nod, and agree with me?

If you’re looking for a therapist that just rephrases what you said, validates you, and is a “blank slate,” I’m probably not the therapist for you right now. That’s not to say I will push my opinions and advice on you if they’re not wanted. But I’ll challenge you where it’s appropriate, point out patterns that I notice that you may not have yet, hold good boundaries, and be my authentic self with you.

Sometimes, we need cheerleaders to yell, “DEFENSE!” For example, if I see you walking into what looks like a scam, I will probably say, “Hold up. Does this sound like it might be too good to be true? Let’s look at it and discuss it together.” Ultimately the decision will be yours to make, but I want you to be able to make it in an informed way. Being passive can be as harmful as being too pushy. Let’s be honest people together.

Do you prescribe medications?
I do not. I provide psychotherapy services. While I know common medications prescribed for different mental health diagnoses, as an LMSW, I do not have the medical training to prescribe medicines like a Psychiatrist, MD, or Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. However, if you are interested in using medication to supplement our psychotherapy sessions, I can help you find someone who does prescribe medications.
Do you take notes during sessions?
Taking many notes during sessions can make it seem like I’m not as present with what you’re saying, so I don’t take frequent notes. I might jot down the occasional thing, such as an essential name, so I can be sure to know who we’re referring to in future sessions, etc. For my reference, I also briefly write notes on each session after the meeting.
Are you on social media? Can I follow you? Will you follow me?

I very, very recently set up a professional social media account. I’ll be honest – I’m not sure how I feel about it and being on social media in general… We’re all human here; even professionals get caught up in certain traps they must work through!

That said – it’s @reillyhunttherapy on IG. 

I do also have a private, personal Instagram that I mostly use to look at videos of cute animals and cool things that people create.

My policy is that I don’t accept invitations to follow me from clients on my personal account, but my professional account is public. I do not follow my clients on social media from either my personal or professional accounts.

I would love to discuss your experience with social media, if something you saw, posted, or read on social… or just social media in general brought up some stuff for you. Social media can be one of those mediums that feed poor body- and self-image.

Have you ever been to therapy?

Hell, yes – I practice what I preach! I have a great therapist that I see weekly. We can all benefit from having someone in our lives to listen to us and as a “third party” who is on our side but can call us on our bullshit when necessary. By having my therapist, I can best show up for you as your therapist.

How do you feel about swearing?
I’ll take my cue from you, but I’m not afraid of the occasional swear word or F-bomb. If you tend to swear, I want you to be your most authentic self in our work together.
What's your favorite color?
I love green, intense forest green. You’ll see in our telehealth sessions that the wall behind me might be that color. It’s much more fun than a blank white wall!
What's your favorite thing in your office?
I waffle between several things – my vintage phrenology head that I bought on the street in Brooklyn, my quartz crystal ball, my life-size brain model, or my many books.
If all your sessions are teletherapy, do you always have PJ pants/sweats/leggings on?
I’ll be candid that some days are comfy pants days! But it’s also hard to beat a good pair of well-worn jeans. I can guarantee I’m not sitting here in work slacks, though. That ship sailed as soon as I left the corporate world!