top of page

frequently asked questions...

What's the best way to contact you for services?

Sometimes folks are apprehensive about reaching out for mental health services if they've never done so before.  That's completely normal. We're trying to break down barriers and stigma of mental health problems to level the playing ground.  No one thinks twice about calling a doctor for high blood pressure or weight issues, or calling a dentist because a tooth was knocked out.  Dr. Carew offers a complimentary 15 minute phone consultation to discuss the reason for your interest in services, what services might be appropriate, and whether she can be of help to you or not.  Feel free to contact her at  (856) 2696-6273, send a message via this website, or email her at drcarew@carewpsych.com.  

What kind of treatment 

will I receive?  

There are a number of treatment modalities (Psychodyamic, Client-Centered, Humanistic, etc.) as well as different providers of mental health services such as clinical social workers, professional counselors, and marriage and family therapists. Dr. Carew is a licensed clinical psychologist trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) which is an evidence-based treatment modality effective in treating depression and anxiety.  Dr. Carew also utilizes Trauma Focused CBT with youth and young adults suffering from traumatic loss, abuse victimization, and complex/repeated trauma.

What populations do you treat?

The majority of patients are in their 20's to late 40's.  Dr. Carew also sees a fair share of adolescents and older adults in her practice.  Although Dr. Carew has provided treatment to individuals who are high functioning on the Autism Spectrum, she does not have specialized training in this area.  Dr. Carew treats youth ages 12 and up as she does not specialize in play therapy or any other specialized child-specific model of treatment.  However, she is willing to provide referrals to professionals in the area that provide such care. 

How long are sessions and what should I expect at the first one?

Your initial session and all subsequent sessions will be approximately 60 minutes in duration.  You will complete intake forms or, if filled out prior to your initial session, review the information on the intake forms together.  From there, you and Dr. Carew will identify specific areas of need and set goals for treatment which will be implemented into a treatment plan.  

How many sessions will I need?

The length of time that one receives services is specific to the individual and his or her needs.  Treatment may require anywhere from a few visits to multiple visits over a period of time.  Duration of involvement is dependent on factors such as the severity/frequency of a client's concerns, client motivation and willingness to be actively involved in treatment, and progress towards treatment goals.  

How private is my information kept?

Psychologists are bound by state law to protect the privacy of patients and are expected to uphold the ethical expectations of the New Jersey Board of Psychological Examiners.  Clients have a right to file complaints to the state board if they believe confidentiality is breached, or another violation has occurred.  The exception to this is if a psychologist has a strong reason to believe their patient poses an imminent risk of danger to him or herself, or is at risk of harming a specific individual(s).

What insurance plans are accepted?

Dr. Carew is in network with commercial Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare, and Aetna plans.

Is Medicaid accepted?

No.  Dr. Carew is not in network with any medicaid plans (Horizon NJ Health, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan,  WellCare, Amerigroup NJ, or Aetna Medicaid,  Anyone wishing to see Dr. Carew would be required to pay out-of-pocket, but may be considered for a sliding-scale payments.

For all other insurances, she is an out of network provider.  As such, she can see anyone who has insurance with out of network mental health/behavioral benefits. Therefore, please call your insurance company to inquire about these benefits as some plans cover out of network providers while others do not. 

For patients with out of network benefits, payment is due in full at the end of each session from the patient.  Dr. Carew will provide you with a "super bill" invoice for reimbursement or can file a claim on your behalf to have you reimbursed.  

How do out of network benefits work?

What if I don't have insurance?

Dr. Carew will work with you to set a mutually acceptable fee by using a sliding scale formula in which a discount can be applied in the cases of significant financial strain.  Additionally, scheduling can be adjusted to accommodate a client's ability to pay.  For example, a reduced fee may be set for every other week sessions to make treatment as flexible, affordable, and as feasible as possible.

Dr. Carew can also provided you with referral and resource information if services need to be sought elsewhere.

How are virtual
appointments done?

All online/virtual visits are held via a HIPAA-compliant virtual platform on Simple Practice practice management software.  Patients can download the Telehealth app from either Google Play or the Apple iTunes store for free to access their virtual visit.  A reminder is sent to patients about 20 minutes before the virtual appointment begins.  Insurance claim visits are filed in the same fashion as in person visits.  Any cost-sharing copays, coinsurance, deductibles, or out of pocket fees are required after each visits as well.  Please note that the late cancellation/no show policy also applies to virtual visits.  

It is important to know that all patients must be physically in the State of NJ for their virtual appointment per State licensure regulations and must be in a fixed location (e.g., not driving or out running errands).  It is highly advised that patients find a quiet/private space for their appointment to maximize the benefit and privacy of each appointment. 

bottom of page