Frequently Asked Questions

Can patients speak with Dr. Savedoff before scheduling an appointment?

Yes. Dr. Savedoff offers a no-charge 10-minute telephone consultation to answer specific questions and help determine whether he is an appropriate option for treatment. If a patient chooses to move forward after the call, a questionnaire will be emailed to complete before the first meeting.

What is the fee?

All sessions are up to 45-50 minutes and are billed at a flat rate of $550, including the initial consultation. The fee is charged on the day of the session.

How does payment work?

Payment is collected at the time of the session. Accepted forms of payment include credit, debit, HSA, and FSA cards; cash and personal checks are not accepted. Patients receive a receipt and invoice for each session. There are no additional fees for therapy sessions, brief telephone calls, prescription refills, or sessions involving family members or significant others. Controlled substances are not refilled without an appointment, in keeping with patient safety and DEA requirements.

Is insurance accepted?

Dr. Savedoff does not participate with insurance plans. Many patients receive partial or full reimbursement if they have out-of-network benefits. Superbills are provided for submission to insurance companies, and guidance is available on how to complete this process.

Why does the practice not accept insurance?

By not relying on insurance for payment, Dr. Savedoff is able to provide a higher level of care with longer appointment times, greater scheduling flexibility, independence in shaping treatment plans, and maximum privacy and confidentiality of personal health information.

Does Dr. Savedoff provide medication, therapy, or both?

He provides either medication management, psychotherapy, or a combination of both. As a psychiatrist, he is trained in psychopharmacology and in multiple therapy approaches, including dynamic therapy, family therapy, supportive therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Research shows that combined treatment can be more effective than either approach alone, medication may provide more immediate relief while therapy addresses underlying issues for long-term progress.

What if a patient already has a therapist?

That is welcome. Dr. Savedoff will communicate and collaborate with an existing therapist to build an effective treatment team.

What if a patient wants a separate therapist?

Dr. Savedoff works with a trusted network of therapists and can help identify a good fit based on individual needs and preferences.

How long are sessions?

The initial session may last 45-60 minutes. Subsequent psychotherapy and medication sessions are up to 45 minutes or less. Shorter sessions are available upon request; all sessions are billed at the same rate.

How frequent are sessions?

For medication management alone, appointments typically occur every 1-3 months, with more frequent visits during the early phase of treatment (for example, every two weeks for the first 1-2 months). Psychotherapy sessions may be scheduled weekly, twice weekly, or every two weeks.

What if an appointment must be missed?

There is a 24-hour cancellation policy. Missed visits or late cancellations are charged the full session fee.

What happens in the first session?

The initial consultation lasts 45-60 minutes depending on the complexity of concerns. Dr. Savedoff gathers a thorough medical and psychiatric history, discusses current difficulties, and offers treatment recommendations at the end of the visit. This may include a referral to another setting when appropriate. Medication prescriptions are sometimes, but not always, provided during the first session.

Are home visits available?

Yes. Home and office visits are available within Manhattan and occasionally outside Manhattan depending on location. This option can be helpful for individuals who are unable to leave work, have difficulty leaving home due to mental or physical illness, or are visiting New York and unfamiliar with the city. A home visit may address concerns more promptly and comfortably than an urgent care or emergency room visit. The fee and duration (45-50 minutes) are the same as office visits and are collected in advance. Home visits are not a substitute for calling 911 in an emergency.