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Are you a college or graduate student feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of academics, social relationships, or the uncertainty of the future? You’re not alone. Many students face these challenges, and seeking therapy can be a vital step toward finding balance and well-being.I offer specialized therapy services designed to help you navigate this transitional period and develop healthier approaches that will benefit you into adulthood.
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I Help College Students With:
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Anxiety
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Managing academic stress
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Depression
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Relationships with family or friends
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Identity exploration
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Self-confidence
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How do I get started with therapy?Please send me an email to tell me a little bit about yourself! I will ask you some questions and you will have an opportunity to have your questions answered. We will discuss fees and scheduling. If we determine we might be a good fit, we will schedule an initial intake assessment.
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What should I do prior to my first appointment?I will send you a consent form that summarizes my fees and policy and requests some basic information about you. You can complete the form on your own and bring it to our first session.
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What happens in ongoing sessions?The first session is 50-60 minutes. Ongoing sessions are 45 minutes. Sessions occur weekly, or in some cases, biweekly. You will likely have a regular weekly slot, and in some cases I can be flexible and accommodate different times.
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What should I expect during the first few sessions?We will have one to two meetings that will involve gathering information. You will have a chance to describe your primary concerns and receive my impressions and recommendations. This may involve a conceptualization of your situation or a formal diagnosis, if one applies. We will then put together a personalized plan for treatment and schedule a time for regular ongoing sessions. This will also give you a chance to decide if you are comfortable and if we are a good fit. If your needs do not align with my expertise, I will help connect you with another provider in the community who is better suited to help.
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Do you take insurance?Like most private practitioners in New York City, I am an out-of-network provider. That means I do not accept any insurance directly. However, I make the reimbursement process as simple as possible by providing all the necessary paperwork, including receipts and diagnosis codes, in a timely fashion. The first step is to call your insurance provider and ask about their policy on out-of-network behavioral health care. You will need to know (1) the amount of your deductible, (2) what percentage of behavioral health services they will reimburse for out-of-network providers, and (3) whether there are limits on the number of visits per calendar year. Should you choose to come to me for treatment, you will be required to pay for each session in full at the time of service.
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What is your cancellation/rescheduling policy?Cancellations or rescheduling of appointments must be made at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled appointment to avoid a full fee charge. This allows me to offer your appointment time to another patient. Medical emergencies or other extenuating circumstances are taken into consideration for rescheduling requests.
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Will I get reimbursement from my insurance company?In my experience, most patients are reimbursed for 50% to 80% for the cost of their sessions if they have out-of-network mental health coverage. It is helpful to call individual insurance providers to determine level of coverage in advance. Many patients are pleasantly surprised. At the end of each month I will provide a statement of services in person or via email. This form should be submitted to your insurance company, along with a health insurance claim form, to receive payment. Most insurance carriers process each claim like any other medical claim.
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What is the Good Faith Estimate Law for people not using insurance?Under the law, health care providers need to give clients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services. You can ask your healthcare provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service, or at any time during treatment. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, or how to dispute a bill, see your Estimate, or visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.
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Can I be seen in person or virtually?Whichever you prefer! I see clients in-person at my office on 85th and West End Avenue on the Upper West Side of NYC, near the 1 train station. If you prefer teletherapy, virtual sessions are also available. I offer teletherapy to residents of New York and Florida. If you are a college student whose family lives in New York, teletherapy is also available. I use Google Meet for online sessions.
Studying In New York City Is…Unique
Living in New York City as a student presents challenges like nowhere else. Balancing academic demands with the fast-paced city lifestyle can be overwhelming.
I understand these pressures and can help you navigate issues such as financial stress, lifestyle adjustments, social pressures, housing and roommate issues, burnout, and feeling overwhelmed by the city, or wherever you are studying!
I provide a space for you to explore your concerns, develop resilience, and discover strategies to thrive both academically and personally in NYC and beyond.
What to Expect in Therapy With Dr. Bacow
Often, therapy involves examining how past experiences shape your current behavior and thought patterns, identifying those that no longer serve you, and adjusting them for a healthier future.
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as my primary approach in therapy.
CBT is a well-researched and highly effective method that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. With CBT techniques, we will explore and address the causes of your anxiety, helping you reframe negative thoughts, reduce stress, and build resilience. This approach empowers you to take control of your mental health, providing you with the tools and insights needed to navigate the complexities of college life and young adulthood with confidence and calm.
Through evidence-based techniques, I help you understand your emotions, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and build a stronger sense of self. Our sessions will involve discussing your experiences, identifying the causes of your challenges, and developing strategies to cope and overcome them.
My therapy is centered around you—focusing on your unique needs and goals.
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In our sessions, you’ll find a safe and supportive environment where you can express your thoughts and feelings without judgment. Honesty and authenticity are key to addressing the root of your issues.
Often, short term treatment can do the trick. I see young adult clients for as little as a handful of sessions to several months to resolve the crisis and get you on the path to feeling better.
My College Student Therapy Is Built For Results
In therapy with me, you’ll develop skills that might not have been modeled for you or taught in a healthy way. These include:​
Problem-solving
Better self-understanding
Emotional regulation
Effective communication
Many of my college clients report significant improvements in their mental health, academic performance, and relationships. Everyone has the potential to thrive, and my therapy services are designed to help you navigate life’s challenges with greater ease and confidence.I am dedicated to helping college students and young adults navigate their unique challenges and build a fulfilling and balanced life.
Whether you’re dealing with academic stress, relationship issues, or identity exploration, I provide the support you need to thrive.
About Dr. Terri Bacow
I provide therapy for college students across New York & Florida adjusting to their next chapter.
For over 15 years, I've guided individuals through life's challenges. As a licensed psychotherapist specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), I've witnessed the transformative power of self-understanding and change, even when it feels out of reach.
My experience is vast. I've worked extensively with students, parents, professionals, creatives, and individuals from all walks of life. This allows me to tailor therapy to your unique needs, whether you're navigating the challenges of college and/or graduate school life, managing overwhelming anxiety, or seeking better balance between academic and personal endeavors.
My approach is rooted in evidence-based practices, honed through years of clinical experience and research. Together, we will explore these core experiences to understand their impact on your daily life and mental well-being.
Through this exploration, we'll identify core needs, anxieties, and coping styles. This newfound understanding will help you turn towards self-compassion and build a foundation of resilience.
Ready to reclaim your peace of mind? I offer a safe space for college and graduate students and young adults to heal and to grow. Reach out for a consultation today to begin your journey towards a calmer, more balanced life.
Credentials
Education:
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B.A. in Psychology from Brown University, Magna Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa
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Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Boston University, trained at the Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders
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Postdoctoral Fellowship at Mount Sinai’s Department of Psychiatry
Professional Experience:
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Clinical Instructor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai since 2008
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Director of Clinical Training at the Hallowell Center in NYC (2012-2021)
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Adjunct Instructor at NYU’s Department of Applied Psychology since 2018
Affiliations:
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New York Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Association (NY-CBT)
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Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT)
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Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA)
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Clinical Instructor - Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
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Adjunct Instructor - New York University Department of Applied Psychology
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Publications:
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Author of Goodbye Anxiety: A Guided Journal for Overcoming Worry published by Spruce Books, an imprint of Sasquatch Books/Penguin Random House
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Author of 50 articles in publications like Vogue, Psychology Today, Scary Mommy, Oprah Daily and Women’s Health, and contributor to 12 scientific, peer-reviewed journals
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For an example pertaining to young adulthood, check out my thoughts about maintaining mental health in the college years as well as coping with panic attacks and performance anxiety.
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Author of a blog in Psychology Today, titled Goodbye, Anxiety: How to Unfollow Your Worry, Let Go of Stress and Find Self Compassion
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Guest on numerous podcasts related to mental health
DR. BACOW HAS BEEN FEATURED IN:
