Frequently Asked Questions

I help people with sex and relationship concerns. I offer in-person appointments at my office on Manhattan’s Upper West Side.  I’m also licensed to offer HIPAA-compliant TeleHealth video sessions for individuals and couples in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Florida, California, and Texas.

Unlike most sex therapists, I’m an MD. That can be important, since sex problems often involve both the mind and body.  

Most therapists will get to know a new client gradually, over several sessions. But people with sex and relationship concerns tend to need help more quickly.  As a physician, I’m trained to focus on what’s important in the here-and-now.  I like to schedule at least 90 minutes for a new consultation, to gather enough information so we can start with initial treatment right away. 

Most therapists aim to see clients weekly, in ongoing therapy.  I do see some individuals and couples in long-term treatment. But most sex and relationship problems can be helped more cost-effectively via solution-focused brief therapy, with an option to return later if further help is needed.   

I’m also (obviously) male, at a time when most sex and relationship therapists are women. Gender differences are often at the heart of male-female couples’ distress, and I often see couples where the female partner has chosen me knowing that as a man I’ll be able to speak her husband’s emotional language.

No, I don’t participate with any insurance plans. But you’ll get an insurance-compatible billing statement from me to submit to your insurer for reimbursement.

170 West End Ave, Suite 1-E, in a residential area between Amsterdam and West End Ave. Here it is on Google Maps
Best access is by either walking east from West End Ave, or by taking the long driveway west from Amsterdam.

My first appointment is usually at 8:00 or 9:00 am.
Monday through Thursday, I finish with my last patient around 9:00 pm. 
I don’t work on the Jewish sabbath.

A first consultation appointment usually lasts at least 90 minutes.  Subsequent appointments are usually 50 minutes for individuals / 60 minutes for couples.

My day is often split pretty evenly between individuals and couples. I also see many men and women who don’t have partners or are looking for help finding a partner.

I often consult with individuals or couples who are in ongoing therapy but need a fresh perspective about a sex or relationship issue.  Often the therapist themself makes the referral, because they know a sex or relationship therapy consultation can sometimes help  an individual or couple get “un-stuck.”

Yes. Most good sex therapists are.

Sex and relationship problems are usually complex, so it’s important not to be wedded to a single treatment model. I have experience with a wide variety of approaches. I favor treatments that are collaborative, results-oriented, and have clear goals.

That depends. You should come away from a first appointment with a better understanding of your problems—and having learned some specific things you can put into action right away.

Many sex and relationship problems lend themselves to quite brief treatment (1-5 sessions). Others take longer. It’s important to consult with an expert who knows the difference.

If you can manage a quick trip to NYC, I can offer you an “intensive”—where we meet several times within a day or two. Many couples have found this a useful way to get started. Call or text me 917 270 0384 if you’d like to discuss setting up an intensive.

You might also want to check out my book, LOVE WORTH MAKING: How to Have Ridiculously Great Sex in a Long-Lasting Relationship. The book summarizes most of what I’ve learned about sex, relationships, and sex therapy from 30 year of practice, working with over 1,500 individuals and couples. The book contains lots of practical advice that many individuals and couples have found useful, regardless of whether they ever ended up seeing a sex therapist or not.

Sex and relationship problems can be extremely distressing. I like it when someone leaves my office with a renewed sense of hope. 

I also enjoy working with patients whom no one else has been able to help or understand.

Just leave me a message on my contact page.