“Joy is the emotional expression of the courageous YES to one's own true being.”
Paul Tillich
First steps
How do we get started? Before we schedule our first full session, I offer a free 15-minute video consultation. This is a chance for you to share what you’re looking for, ask questions, and get a sense of whether we might be a good fit.
How do I know if you’re the right therapist for me? During our consultation and early sessions, consider whether you feel safe, understood, and supported, and whether my style aligns with your needs. I welcome your feedback at any point.
Fees and insurance
What are your fees? My fees are standard for New York City, and we can discuss the fee structure in our consultation. Limited sliding scale slots are available. I am committed to making therapy affordable, and we can discuss concerns in the consultation.
Do you take insurance? I am an out-of-network provider, so I am not in-network with any insurance panels. If your insurance plan offers out-of-network mental health benefits, I can provide a monthly “superbill” for reimbursement.
Can you help me understand my insurance benefits? Yes, I can help you determine your out-of-network benefits, including your deductible, coinsurance, and out of pocket maximum, so you’ll have a clear sense of your total out of pocket costs.
Sessions
Do you offer in-person or virtual sessions? I primarily offer in-person sessions in Manhattan, and also offer virtual (telehealth) sessions through a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform for people residing elsewhere in New York State and New Jersey. Whenever possible, I recommend in-person work, with flexibility for occasional virtual sessions as needed.
How long is a session, and how frequently will we meet? Most sessions are 45 minutes long, and most people meet with me once or twice per week, depending on their needs and goals.
How long will therapy take? It depends. Therapy can be shorter term when you’re addressing a specific problem. It can be longer term when you’re working on self-esteem, relationships, or coping with stress. Patterns that took years to develop often take time to change, and longer-term work often lasts a year or more.
Is therapy confidential? Yes. Your privacy is protected by federal and state laws, as well as professional ethics. There are specific legal exceptions, including instances involving risk of harm or abuse, which we will discuss during our first session.
©2026 Brian Lillard, LMSW | contact@brianlillard.com | (917) 426-3247