Frequently Asked Questions

The short answer is that although there are some differences in our training, clinical social workers can provide many of the same services as a clinical psychologist with the exception of testing. Psychiatrists are medical doctors and are the only one of the three who can prescribe medication*. As a network of collaborative psychotherapists, many of whom are social workers, we have an interest and belief in a systems approach to treatment which focuses on the person in environment. You can learn more about a systems approach to treatment on this site by clicking here.

As Licensed Clinical Social Workers, we can provide a number of services to assist those in need. These can include:

• Perform initial assessments of clients' mental health and emotional well-being.

• Develop a treatment plan or interventions, possibly involving other professionals.

• Diagnose behavioral issues, mental health and emotional disorders.

• Offer individual, partner or family counseling as part of comprehensive treatment.

• Teach strategies and skills that help individuals or families overcome challenges.

• Provide clinical referrals and treatment for mental health disorders or addiction

A Licensed Master of Social Work (LMSW) may provide all of the aforementioned services under the supervision of an LCSW. Social workers are frequently employed in independent practices, by local governments, schools and treatment facilities.

For more information about the practice, licensure and requirements for social work practice in New York State, visit the New York State Education Department Office of the Professions website.

*There are a few states in which psychologists may prescribe medication, but New York is not one of them.

Briefly, twice-exceptional refers to individuals who are both gifted and disabled, usually in reference to being gifted and having a learning disability. For a more in-depth explanation, please see our page on Understanding 2e.

We serve children, youth and adults, five years old and above.

When you schedule an appointment, we will send you a link to access intake documents to be completed and submitted before your first session. If you have additional information, such as prior assessments or records you would like to send in addition to these, you can. If you are seeking services that may require additional background, such as reports or evaluations, please let us know when you reach out so we can let you know if you need anything else.

Yes, we can provide support while navigating your child’s school experience. We can review and make recommendations for an Individualized Education Plan, attend school meetings to advocate for your child’s needs, and fill out any needed documentation to help them access services. We can also meet with families to navigate the process, provide referrals for additional support, and recommend any relevant external resources that may help with school.

This practice doesn’t take in-network insurance but can provide a superbill for out-of-network coverage.

First, check if you have out-of-network coverage either by logging into your account or calling the company. Then, check what your benefits are. This may include an out-of-network deductible and the percentage they will cover. After a session, you will pay the entire fee upfront. We can then provide a superbill that you can send to your insurance company digitally or by mail so you can get a refund for the part of the cost they covered, if eligible.

You can click here for a more in-depth explanation on navigating out-of-network benefits.

Please contact us to discuss fees for services. Sliding scale prices are available on an as-needed basis.

During the first session, the therapist will review practice procedures, answer any questions, and conduct an initial assessment of your or your child’s needs to help determine treatment goals.

Sessions are as often as clients need and are able to attend. We typically recommend clients have one session a week at a regularly scheduled time, but some can have them once every other week or more than once a week. The frequency and timing of your sessions can be worked out with the therapist.

Clients can reschedule or cancel up to 48 hours before a session without being charged. If they cancel within the 48-hour window then they will be charged the full session fee.

Yes, we provide HIPAA-compliant telehealth services for individuals, couples and families. If you have specific questions about our approach to telehealth, please reach out.

To have an effective teletherapy session, we recommend the following:

• Check your internet connection to ensure it is stable and able to support video calls

• Charge the device you will be doing the call from or have it plugged into the charger while in session

• Make sure you or your child can do the session from a private, safe place where no one will disturb them or overhear

• Close or minimize tabs on your computer that have anything that could distract from the session

• Silence your cell phone or put it out of reach so you can focus on the session

We provide many services for parents and families. We offer individual, couples, and family therapy as well as workshops and groups. All of these services are informed by B.E.S.T., the Sornik model for healthy relationship-building. To find out more about upcoming groups and workshops see here and to find out more about the B.E.S.T. model see here.

We can help individuals develop social skills in several ways. Within the individual therapy, we can work on any issues that may affect social skills such as emotional regulation, anxiety, and communication skills. Additionally, the Talent Development Connection (TDC) regularly has groups that work on developing social skills through role-playing games, such as Dungeons and Dragons, which you can find out more about here. TDC also hosts additional programs where young people can interact with each other and develop social skills in a safe environment, including the Collaborative Creativity Lab and KidsTalk. You can find out more about these programs and future programs here.

We can help with the development of executive functioning skills in several ways. Within individual therapy, we can work with your child on strategies to address specific issues and also any emotions that may contribute to executive dysfunction such as anxiety or overwhelm. Additionally, we offer Body Doubling Workspaces, which provide support and accountability for young people to complete tasks within the timeframe of the session. You can find out more about the benefits of these spaces and how to register here.

Individual therapy can help to promote emotional regulation through many means. It can help individuals to better identify their emotions and how to cope with them. For those who may struggle to communicate their emotions verbally, we also offer art therapy. You can find out more about our art therapy services here.

All practitioners in our network have an affirming approach to LGBTQIA+ youth and adults and knowledge about the experiences of those who are neurodivergent and queer or trans. We also offer support groups for LGBTQIA+ tweens and teens, which you can find out more about here.

The Smart Practice Network is a group of programs and initiatives that have been developed specifically for neurodivergent individuals, including those who are gifted and twice-exceptional, and their families. The network includes both the clinical practice of Melissa Sornik, LCSW PLLC and the Talent Development Connection. It is also a network of independent providers who work in collaboration to support a population with specific and unique needs.

You can recognize associated programs online as Smart Practice Network or SPN.