Psychotherapy for individuals, couples, and groups
Working with an experienced, licensed clinical psychologist, who is able to support you is a powerful experience. What should a person look for when seeking professional help? One who takes notice of assumptions, clarifies certain patterns and then poses questions designed to provide a richer and more meaningful life experience. Although no perfect remedy, the practice of psychotherapy helps us recognize how family and our social circumstances shape and affect us. It provides a language to discuss important and oftentimes difficult topics in a safe and confidential environment. By helping us better understand our human condition, we learn to address significant life changes such as aging, death, and the many facets of intimacy with a clearer perspective.
No matter how much we prepare, life has a way of reminding us we have very little control over the people, places and environments surrounding us. We do, however, have full control over how we react to the situations in which we find ourselves. Behavioral patterns that may have worked at one time may later lead to confusion and hardship. A trained professional who is able to understand and provide appropriate support is crucial to dealing with, and moving beyond, life’s challenges.
The presenting issues I have treated include: anxiety, depression and bipolar disorders, substance use/abuse/dependence, family conflicts, personality disorders, self-esteem issues, sexual issues, LGBTQ+ concerns, gender concerns, behavioral issues, coping problems, divorce, eating disorders, infertility, loss and grief, relationships troubles, self-harming behaviors, spirituality struggles, schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. I also facilitate career counseling and life coaching sessions, and am qualified to conduct multiple-battery assessments, specific testing and/or evaluations.
It’s my intention to focus on the various aspects of love, work, and play when treating individuals, couples and groups.
Services, Fees & Appointments
Psychotherapy
Individual: $350 per 55 minute session.
Couples: $375 per 55 minute session.
Group: $80 per person. Groups run for 90 minutes; 5-8 members.
Psychotherapy supervision: $125 per 55 minute session.
Assessment
Rates vary, however the rate for a basic assessment battery consisting of a cognitive, projective, personality, and achievement test is $2000. If you are interested in specific tests please contact me for pricing information.
Insurance
am considered an in-network provider for most Blue Cross Blue Shield and Aetna plans, however you should call the member number located on the back of your insurance card just to be certain before making an appointment.
For all other plans, I am considered an out-of-network provider for most insurance providers, meaning you may be able to obtain reimbursement from your carrier. Full or partial services may be covered by your health insurance or employee benefit plan. You will be provided with a statement to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. Psychotherapy is typically covered by pre-tax Medical Savings Accounts (MSAs) or (FSA). Please check with your carrier or HR representative by asking the following questions:
- Do I have mental health insurance benefits?
- What is my deductible and has it been met?
- How many sessions per year does my health insurance cover?
- What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
- Is approval required from my primary care physician?
Payment & Cancellation Policy
Cash, check, credit card, debit, Venmo, Zelle and PayPal.
If you miss your scheduled therapy appointment and have not notified us of a cancellation 24 hours in advance, you will be charged a $75 fee.
Bio & CV
I was born and raised in southern Connecticut. I hold a BA in Communications from Loyola University. I earned an MA in Marketing from Emerson College and afterward, worked in the advertising industry with a focus on marketing research, graphic design, and print/web production. My communications career led me to recruiting and eventually career counseling for executives in the marketing, advertising and design industries. It was career counseling that led me to pursue psychology as a profession.
My undergraduate training in psychology was received at The University of Pennsylvania. In 2003 I received my Master’s in Counseling Psychology from Temple University. In 2010, I completed my Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Howard University. My clinical postdoc was attained at Drew University. Currently, I am licensed in the state of New York (#019554) and Connecticut (#003723.
I have worked in six college counseling centers conducting individual, couples, and group psychotherapy. Additionally, while serving as a medical psychologist for multiple general public hospitals, I gained experience in psychiatric emergency rooms as well as long-term psychiatric inpatient settings. I have also conducted various psychological assessments including IQ testing, personality testing, and neuropsychological testing. In addition to maintaining a private practice, I have worked in outpatient community health centers and clinics specializing in sexual assault trauma and have supervised doctoral-level psychology interns. I continue to supervise practicing psychotherapists.
As a trained research scientist, I have published work in professional journals and presented at various professional conferences. I have done community outreach through many organizations and college campuses and have led panel discussions. Because of my rigorous academic training, I have taught undergraduates as an adjunct professor at six universities.
My clients come from very diverse backgrounds in terms of age, culture, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, as well as wide-ranging issues people are confronted with. Working primarily with adults and adolescents, I conduct individual, couples, and group psychotherapy, assessments, and supervision. The majority of my work is conducted at my offices in Manhattan and Connecticut as well as virtually through many of the online encrypted platforms. Feel free to email me at d@damianelias.com or call 646.450.9369 with any questions or concerns. My pronouns are He and Him.
