Frequently Asked Questions

What happens during the first therapy session?The first session is about orientation, for both of us. We'll talk about what's been weighing on you, what you're hoping might be different, and what's shaped your life up to this point. I'll ask questions, you'll ask questions, and by the end we'll both have a clearer sense of whether working together makes sense and what that might look like.You don't need to arrive with a polished narrative. You don't need to know exactly what's wrong. Showing up is the work. How do I prepare for my first appointment?There isn't a right way to prepare. If it helps, think about what has been most present for you lately, what you keep returning to, what you keep avoiding, and what you'd like to feel differently about. Beyond that, find a private space and give yourself a few minutes before the session starts to settle.You don't need notes, a summary, or a clear agenda. We'll figure out where to start together. How do I know if we're a good fit?A strong therapeutic relationship is one of the most reliable predictors of whether therapy works. The consultation is specifically designed to help you assess fit before committing. You'll get a sense of how I work, whether you feel at ease, and whether the approach sounds right for what you're carrying.If after the consultation or early sessions you feel we're not the right match, I'll tell you honestly and help you find someone who is. The goal is that you get the support you need, not that you stay out of obligation.What if we're not a good fit?It happens, and it's not a failure. If at any point it becomes clear that another provider would serve you better, that's a conversation we can have directly. The goal is that you get the right support, not that you stay in a therapeutic relationship that isn't working.

How often should I attend therapy?Most people start with weekly sessions. Weekly frequency creates enough continuity for the work to build on itself, you leave one session, something shifts, and you arrive at the next one with new material. As therapy progresses and goals evolve, we may adjust the frequency together.Bi-weekly sessions are sometimes appropriate for people further along in their work or navigating scheduling constraints. That's always a conversation, not a unilateral decision. How long does therapy last?It depends on what you bring and what you're working toward. Some people come with a specific concern and find that six months of consistent work produces meaningful change. Others are interested in deeper exploration and find therapy valuable over years.There is no predetermined endpoint. We revisit goals regularly so the pace of the work matches where you actually are, not where a timeline says you should be. How do I know therapy is helping?Progress in therapy is often not linear, and it doesn't always look the way people expect. You might notice that you react differently to something that used to knock you flat. Or that you can name what you're feeling instead of just sensing that something is off. Or that a relationship feels less charged. Or that you're making choices that feel more like yours.Progress also sometimes shows up as increased discomfort before relief, you're looking at things you've been managing by not looking at them. That's not a sign something's wrong. It's often a sign something's moving. I've tried therapy before and it didn't help. Can this still work?Yes. The single biggest predictor of whether therapy works is the quality of the relationship between the client and therapist. If a previous experience felt off, like you had to explain too much, or the approach didn't fit, or something was missing, that says something about the fit, not about whether therapy can help you.What I can tell you is that I don't work from a template. The approach is built around the actual person in front of me, not a predetermined model applied the same way to everyone. I'm overwhelmed but I don't know why. Should I still reach out?Yes. That's actually one of the more common places people are when they first come in. You don't need a diagnosis, a clear narrative, or a compelling explanation of your situation. Carrying something heavy without being able to name it is itself the kind of thing therapy is built for.

Do you offer online therapy?Yes. All sessions are conducted via secure video and are available to adults located anywhere in New York State. The format is the same as in-person work, same length, same structure, same quality of attention. What changes is the location.For more detail on how telehealth works, what you need, and whether it's the right format for you, visit the Online Therapy page.

What are your fees?Session fees range from $275 to $350 per 45-minute session. Fees are discussed before or during the first session. Payment is due at the start of each session.Accepted payment: all major credit cards, and Health Savings Accounts (HSA). Credit card payments carry a processing fee of 3 to 5 percent depending on card type. Do you accept insurance?Ally Psychological Therapy is not in-network with insurance providers. If you have a PPO plan, you may be eligible for out-of-network reimbursement. Sessions are paid upfront, and a monthly superbill is provided for you to submit to your insurer.Useful questions to ask your insurance company before your first session: What percentage of out-of-network mental health services does my plan cover? What is the maximum allowed amount per session for a doctoral-level clinician in ZIP code 10022? Do I have a separate out-of-network deductible? Is therapy confidential?Yes. Everything shared in sessions is protected by law and professional ethics. Information cannot be disclosed without your written consent. The only exceptions are the limited situations legally required to protect safety, imminent risk of harm to yourself or others, or suspected abuse of a child or vulnerable adult. How does the free consultation work?The free 20-minute consultation is a low-stakes conversation. We talk about what brings you in, what you're looking for, and whether working together feels right. There's no clinical intake during the consultation and no commitment required. If we're a good fit, we schedule the first full session. If not, I'm glad to help point you toward someone who might be a better match. Can I change how often I come to sessions?Yes. Session frequency is revisited regularly as your goals evolve. If you need to shift from weekly to bi-weekly or take a planned break, that's always discussable. Changes to frequency work best when we talk about them in advance rather than managing them through cancellations. What happens if I miss a session?Cancellations made with less than 48 hours' notice are charged the full session fee. No-shows are also charged the full fee. When possible, I'll try to offer an alternative appointment within the same week. Life happens, and there's flexibility, but because session time is reserved specifically for you, late cancellations affect that time regardless of the reason.Where are you licensed?Dr. Gary Dillon is licensed as a psychologist in New York State.

I’m feeling suicidal—what should I do? Call 911 or 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) immediately, or go to your nearest emergency room. In NYC, you can also call NYC Well at 1-888-692-9355, text WELL to 65173, or visit nycwell.cityofnewyork.us. I’m thinking about harming someone else—what should I do? Call 911 or 988 right away. You can also contact NYC Well for urgent crisis support. Can you help me during a crisis? I cannot provide real-time crisis intervention through email, text, or this website. If you are a current client, you may leave a message, but do not wait for my response—call 911 or 988 immediately. It’s urgent, but not life-threatening—what should I do?If you are distressed but safe:Call NYC Well at 1-888-692-9355 for free 24/7 support.Reach out to a trusted friend or family member.If you are a current client, you can leave me a message for follow-up. Who do I contact for concerns related to Domestic Violence, Substance Abuse, and Sexual Assault? National Domestic Violence Hotline Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)Text START to 88788Live Chat available – 24/7SAMHSA National Helpline Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357)Free, confidential support for mental health and substance use—available 24/7National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline Call 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)Free, confidential support for survivors of sexual assault— available 24/7