Does Dr. Wuyek participate with insurance? How does payment work? 

Dr. Wuyek does not participate directly with insurance plans.  This means that fees are paid at the time of service and you will be provided with an itemized receipt.

 

If you have out-of-network benefits as part of your insurance plan, you may submit these receipts to your insurance company for partial reimbursement.  The amount of reimbursement depends on the specifics of your individual policy.  Dr. Wuyek is happy to provide you with any information needed for reimbursement.

 

Payments can be made with check, cash, or credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover). Checks may be mailed or processed electronically. 

 

Please contact Dr. Wuyek at lw@lwphd.com or 718-702-4027 for more information about current fees.

 

Are sessions virtual or in person?

Services are currently virtual though in person will be an option in the future.

 

What age range does Dr. Wuyek see?

Dr. Wuyek works with adults, starting at age 18 and out of high school. 

 

What is CBT?  What is ERP?

The gold standard in psychological treatment of OCD and anxiety is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) called Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP).  Most forms of CBT include education about symptoms and patterns, challenging thoughts, and changing behaviors to reduce symptoms.  ERP focuses specifically on changing thoughts and behaviors that inadvertently maintain OCD and anxiety symptoms.  This is done primarily through gradual exposure to feared thoughts, sensations, and situations while learning to respond to them differently. 

 

ERP is highly tailored to each individual.  In your evaluation, Dr. Wuyek will ask you questions to get a better understanding of current fears and ways of responding to them.  When discussing recommendations, Dr. Wuyek will share what an individualized ERP approach could look like when tailored specifically for you.   

 

How long does treatment last?

While every person is different, average length of treatment is 12-20 sessions.  Length of treatment tends to depend most on severity of symptoms and the practicing of new skills.  “Booster sessions” are also available for patients who have completed treatment but would like periodic check-ins to help maintain their gains.

 

How do I become a new patient? 

Dr. Wuyek’s evaluation process is designed to determine whether working together is the right fit for you. Generally, the first step is to call or email in order to get some additional information and then set up an initial evaluation.  In the evaluation, Dr. Wuyek will ask you primarily about what you are having the most difficulty with at this time, along with questions about history and goals for treatment.  You and she will both determine whether working together is a good fit for your needs.  At this point, if Dr. Wuyek seems to be a good match, you will set up treatment appointments to start working together on reducing symptoms and moving toward your goals.  

 

Can I see my current therapist or another therapist while I work with Dr. Wuyek?

Generally yes.  Dr. Wuyek specializes in OCD and anxiety disorders, and this is the primary focus of treatment.  Often other issues come up and are addressed within the therapy, but it is fairly common for patients to see Dr. Wuyek for specialized treatment while they continue to work with a therapist on other issues.  She is happy to collaborate with other therapists whose focus is outside of OCD or anxiety (including supportive therapy, mood disorders, eating disorders, couples therapy, etc.).   

 

Does Dr. Wuyek prescribe medications?

Dr. Wuyek focuses on teaching patients to decrease anxiety and problematic symptoms through new skills and changes in behavior.  She does not prescribe medicine, but is happy to collaborate with your current psychiatrist or refer you to psychiatrists in the area.  While ERP can be quite effective on its own, often a combination approach is taken.  Dr. Wuyek is happy to help connect you with resources.   

 

What is the cancellation & rescheduling policy?

Please provide at least 48 hours notice by email or phone if you are unable to attend your appointment.  Because time is reserved exclusively for you, the full session fee will be charged in the event of a missed appointment or late cancellation (i.e., within 48 hours).  If cancellation is due to severe weather or documented emergency, the fee may be waived.  Please note that most insurance carriers do not cover or reimburse for missed sessions.

 

How is Dr. Wuyek’s name pronounced?

Great question!  It’s pronounced WHY-eck.