What kind of therapist are you?

Alpert Reviews


I work as both a pastoral counselor and a psychotherapist. Most of my counseling is short-term, and solution-focused. I have found over years that small changes in our lives can happen fairly quickly but last a lifetime.

A great deal of research has shown that short-term, focused counseling can provide long-term, lasting results ~ click this link to read some of it. 

The form of counseling I practice combines three ingredients:

  • a person-centered orientation;
  • solution-focused discussions;
  • cognitive-behavioral tasks.

For people who request it, counseling can also include a fourth ingredient:

  • spiritual guidance*.
*(This fourth ingredient is entirely up to you ~ it can be added if and only if you would like it included.)

What does it cost?

You should be able to feel better quickly and afford the fast help to get there. I am on a number of health insurance panels in New York ~ currently I take most plans plans under:
  • Affinity
  • AmidaCare
  • Anthem
  • Beacon
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • CenterLight
  • Cigna
  • Consolidated Health Plans (NYU)
  • Empire
  • Emblem
  • HealthPlus
  • MagnaCare
  • Medicare
  • MetroPlus 
  • MultiPlan 
This list gradually grows, so please feel free to get in touch if you are on a plan that is not listed. If I take your insurance, I will bill your health plan directly and you will pay only your copay. (The copay amount is usually in the range of $10 - $25 per visit, and it is listed in your insurance card, or I can find out for you.) 

For people who are paying privately for services, I use a sliding scale ~ generally people pay between $60 - $120 per appointment, though we can talk with you about fees if you are unable to afford anything in this range.

I want to work with you. I know that there is usually a fast and effective way to help many people who suffer with anxiety, depression, excessive worrying, and the emotional components of chronic illnesses.

Who will be helping me?

Here is some information about me:

  • I am a New York State licensed clinical social worker ~ I completed my graduate training in social work in 1983 (so I have been around for a while...).
  • I also have a doctorate in pastoral care and have completed training as a chaplain.
  • Before starting as a therapist on my own, I worked at nonprofit organizations in New York City, including the City's public hospitals ~ NYC Health + Hospitals.


Where would we meet?

I am based in New York City ~ my office is on 25th Street and Broadway (near Madison Square Park). The address is: 1115 Broadway ~ 11th floor, New York, NY 10010. 

Many of the people I work with are struggling with chronic illnesses and would have difficulty traveling ~ which is why connecting online, using a secure and free video service, is sometimes the best way to work together. Note that there are only a few insurance companies that pay for "tele-therapy," but I am glad to work with you to try to get your insurance company to cover our work together.


Can I get more information (and maybe get started)?

Alison Brody Alpert