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    347 Lincoln Avenue East | Cranford, NJ 07016
    michael@michaelbarmak.com | (908) 276-8191

  • Michael Barmak

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    FAQs

    1. Does insurance cover online counseling?
    In response to the Covid pandemic, Aetna has been waiving deductibles, copays and coinsurance for some plans until December 31, 2020.

    2. Who do you work with?
    I work with individual partners, couples and families.

    3. When you work with couples do you always see both partners together?
    I often meet with both partners separately to focus on each partner’s own issues that are affecting their relationship.

    4. How long will it take to get healthier?
    Partners who are open to learning about them self and their partner, are willing to take personal responsibility for their feelings, thoughts and behavior, truly value and take care of themselves consistently, set loving boundaries and don’t take their partner’s behavior personally are more likely to achieve their goals in a shorter amount of time. I can help you learn these loving behaviors and qualities.

    5. Does insurance cover couples/marriage counseling?
    As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, my services may be reimbursable if your insurance covers couples/marriage therapy for out of network providers.  I am currently only in-network with Aetna Insurance Company.

    6. What if my partner doesn’t want to join me in counseling?
    When one partner changes the relationship changes. By taking better care of yourself you model the joyful possibilities for your partner. You never know how your partner will respond to your positive changes.

    7. Can you ‘fix’ our relationship?
    Only you and your partner can ‘fix’ your relationship. I can provide you with skills, feedback and guidance. Each of you needs to be open to learning, willing to take personal responsibility and commit to doing whatever it takes to create a joyful, intimate and passionate relationship based on trust.

    8. What is the first session like?
    During the first session, I’ll do a very brief assessment, have you identify what you want to accomplish with counseling and your intention for our first session together and for counseling.  You’ll experience a different way of communicating called the Couples Dialogue.  You’ll share how this experience was different than the way you typically talk with each other and if afterwards you’re feeling more hopeful and believe that I can help you, we will schedule your next session.

    9. How soon will I know if working with you will be helpful?
    You will know in this first session if I’m the right person to help both of you achieve your goals.  Trust your intuition.

    10. Do I need to complete any paperwork?
    Yes.  Before your first appointment, I will send you the HIPAA Notice of Privacy, my Informed Consent/Office Policies, a Telehealth Informed Consent and a Credit Card Authorization.   You’ll both sign these and send them back to me along with a copy of your ID.



    347 Lincoln Avenue East Cranford, NJ 07016

    (908) 276-8191 michael@michaelbarmak.com
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    Michael Barmak, MSW LCSW LLC
    michael@michaelbarmak.com | (908) 276-8191

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