Family Counseling

Family therapy sessions are available to all people, regardless of your family structure, however, custodial parents will need to provide consent for their children under the age of 18 to engage in therapy.

For family work, it is important that everyone in the family has buy-in. An intake specialist will be in contact with the members of the family to make sure that each person knows what to expect from family therapy and is open to family therapy.

Sessions are 45-60 minutes in length and are typically scheduled weekly, though biweekly sessions are also an option that you can discuss with your therapist. Both telehealth and in-person therapy options are available, though in-person availability is more limited.

How to get started

Step 1: Phone Intake: When you reach out to us, we’ll schedule a phone intake. Phone intakes typically take 30-45 minutes and include demographic questions, questions about what is bringing you to therapy, and any prior experiences with therapy, and what you’re looking for in a therapist.

Step 2: Consent Forms: After completing your intake, we will send you a welcome packet via email (or postal mail if email is not available). The packet includes our privacy practices, your rights, consent, acknowledgment, and fee forms. The packet consists of eight pages, three of which require a signature. Each family member needs to sign these forms.

Once you have reviewed the packet, please sign the required forms and return then via email pcn@drostemhservices.org. For people under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign as the legal representative. If your packet was sent via postal mail, you can returned the signed required forms to Droste Mental Health Services, Inc. 171 Madison Ave., Suite 400, New York, NY 10016.

Step 3: Matching Process: Once we receive your signed forms, we will match you with a therapist based on your preferences. Once a match is identified, you will receive an email with the name and phone number of your therapist. The therapist will then contact you within 48 hours to schedule your first appointment.

Your Questions, Answered

  • You get six sessions through the PCN program.

  • Each session is a $10 copay which you pay directly to your therapist. The therapist will instruct you on know how to make that payment.

  • After the six sessions are completed, your therapist will review your progress with you and discuss next steps. For some individuals, the six sessions may be sufficient to meet their goals, and no additional therapy may be needed at that time.

    If ongoing support would be helpful, your therapist may recommend continuing therapy as a private client, either through health insurance and/or self-pay. If your needs would be better met elsewhere, your therapist may also provide referrals to outside providers or additional resources.

  • It’s important that you feel safe, heard, and supported in therapy. If you find that your therapist does not feel like the right fit, please know that this is okay and more common than you might expect. Seeking support is a personal journey, and finding the right connection matters.

    If you feel comfortable, we encourage you to share your feelings with your therapist. This conversation will not hurt their feelings, and in some cases, your therapist may be able to adjust their approach to better meet your needs. If a different therapist would be more helpful, your therapist will understand and support that decision.

    We recommend beginning by speaking with your therapist, who can then reach out to the PCN Program Manager to help connect you with another available provider. Our goal is to ensure you receive care that feels supportive, respectful, and aligned with your needs.

  • If you are unable to attend a scheduled session, please contact your therapist as soon as possible and at least 24 hours in advance to reschedule. We understand that unexpected situations can arise.

    Because PCN offers a limited number of sessions, repeated late cancellations or missed appointments affects the ability for therapists to serve others. If two sessions are canceled or missed with less than 24 hours’ notice, eligibility for services through PCN may end.

  • If sessions are held virtually. Please make sure you are in a private, quiet location free of distractions during your sessions. For your safety and to ensure a focused therapeutic experience, sessions cannot take place while driving, in a car, or when caring for children.

    For in-person sessions, please plan to arrive on time and attend your appointment in a quiet, respectful setting within the therapist’s office. Sessions are held in a private, professional environment designed to support safety, confidentiality, and focused care.