Telehealth Therapy in New York: What to Expect and How to Get Started
Joseph S. Volpe, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychologist
For many New Yorkers, the barriers to starting therapy have always been practical: a commute that adds an hour to an already long day, a schedule that doesn't bend around a 3 PM appointment slot, or simply the friction of sitting in a waiting room when you're already stretched thin.
Telehealth therapy removes most of those barriers. And the research — accumulated over more than a decade, accelerated by necessity during the pandemic — consistently shows it works.
What Telehealth Therapy Actually Is
Telehealth therapy is psychotherapy delivered via secure video. You connect with your psychologist from wherever you are — your home, your car, a private office — using a device you already own.
It is not a lesser version of in-person care. For the conditions most commonly treated in outpatient psychology — anxiety, depression, ADHD, and trauma — the evidence base for telehealth delivery is strong. Multiple randomized controlled trials have found outcomes equivalent to in-person treatment for these presentations.
Who It Works Well For
Telehealth is a particularly good fit if you:
- Live outside a major metro area — Long Island, the Hudson Valley, upstate New York — where access to specialized psychological care is limited
- Have a demanding schedule — early mornings, late evenings, and midday sessions are all possible without a commute
- Experience anxiety or agoraphobia that makes leaving the house difficult
- Value privacy — there's no waiting room, no chance of running into a neighbor
- Have previously avoided therapy because the logistics felt like too much
It's worth noting what telehealth is not ideal for: acute psychiatric crises, presentations requiring in-person assessment, or situations where a client's home environment is unsafe or not private. A good clinician will discuss fit openly.
What the First Appointment Looks Like
The intake process for telehealth is essentially the same as in-person care, conducted over video.
At Volpe Psychological Services, the first session is a clinical interview — a structured conversation about what brings you in, your history, and your goals. There's no pressure to have everything figured out before you arrive. Most people come in knowing something isn't working; the evaluation process helps clarify what.
For ADHD evaluations specifically, the intake is the beginning of a multi-session process that includes standardized testing and a detailed feedback session. All of it happens via telehealth.
Practical Questions People Ask
Do I need special equipment?
No. A smartphone, tablet, or laptop with a camera and a reasonably stable internet connection is sufficient. Sessions are conducted through a HIPAA-compliant video platform — you'll receive a link before each appointment.
Is telehealth covered by insurance?
Coverage varies by plan. Many major insurers cover telehealth psychology services at the same rate as in-person care, particularly since 2020. It's worth calling your insurer directly to confirm your benefits before scheduling.
What if I'm not comfortable on video?
Most people find that discomfort fades quickly. The first session tends to feel more natural than people expect. If video feels like a significant barrier, it's worth mentioning during your initial consultation — a good clinician will work with you.
Is it really private?
Yes, provided you have a private space for your session. Many clients use a home office, a parked car, or a room with a white noise machine outside the door. The platform itself is encrypted and HIPAA-compliant.
Getting Started in New York State
Joseph S. Volpe, Ph.D. is licensed in New York State and provides telehealth psychology services to adults and adolescents throughout the state — from New York City and Long Island to the Hudson Valley and beyond.
If you've been putting off starting therapy because the logistics felt like too much, telehealth may be the thing that finally makes it possible.
Ready to take the next step?
Dr. Volpe is accepting new clients via telehealth throughout New York State.
Schedule a ConsultationAbout Volpe Psychological Services, P.C.
Joseph S. Volpe, Ph.D. is a licensed Clinical Psychologist and School Psychologist with over 25 years of experience specializing in ADHD, learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, and traumatic stress. He is an ADHD Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP), a Board Certified Telehealth Professional, and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP). Dr. Volpe holds an Adjunct Professor appointment in the Department of Counseling and Mental Health Professions at Hofstra University's School of Health Services and is co-author of two nationally recognized crisis response guides used in schools and universities.
Dr. Volpe is the Executive Director of Volpe Psychological Services, P.C., which provides comprehensive psychoeducational evaluations and telehealth psychology services for adolescents and adults throughout New York State — including ADHD evaluations, learning disability assessments, and treatment for anxiety, depression, and traumatic stress. All services are delivered via telehealth, making specialized care accessible across Long Island, New York City, the Hudson Valley, and beyond.