Robert Caplan, LCSW
286 5th Avenue,
New York, NY 10001
Robert Caplan, LCSW
I'M ROBERT
I’m a licensed clinical social worker and psychodynamic psychotherapist offering individual therapy for adults seeking meaningful change
A Brief Introduction to my Background
My approach to therapy is to develop a safe, nonjudgmental and trusting atmosphere where you can freely express your thoughts and feelings. Together, we will collaboratively explore how your lived experience informs and maintains expectations and attitudes - about yourself, others, and the world - and how these may be supporting or thwarting your current efforts to meet your needs in relationships, reach your professional goals, and realize your innermost desires. Through the ongoing development of our therapeutic relationship, we will arrive at an in-depth understanding of your emotional world that enhances your sense of personal agency, vitality, and freedom so that you can live a more easeful, creative, and satisfying life.
Each therapy session will be guided by your most pressing motivations and needs. I will engage you in close and careful explorations of how your emotional processes are impacting your current experience to help increase your self-reflective awareness and support you in integrating your emotional experience into a more cohesive, stable and holistic sense of self.
Through the ongoing development of our therapeutic relationship, we will arrive at an in-depth understanding of your emotional world...”
I earned my masters in social work at Columbia University, where I completed internships in the fields of substance use and serious mental illness. Since then, I have worked in the city shelter system and as a psychotherapist at a community mental health clinic. I am currently undergoing post-graduate psychoanalytic training at the Institute for the Psychoanalytic Study of Subjectivity and was a recipient of the International Association of Psychoanalytic Self Psychology's 2023 Early Career Professional Scholarship Award.
What is your fee? Do you accept insurance?
My fee is $175 for a 45-minute therapy session. I don't accept insurance but will provide all documentation required to receive any reimbursements your insurance plan provides. I'm always available to discuss questions related to insurance and your health plan's coverage (see below). Payments are accepted through my website via credit card or through payment apps (Zelle, Venmo, Cash App) at the time of your appointment.
Since I don't accept insurance, I am considered an "out-of-network provider." However, your therapy costs may be eligible for reimbursement if you have out-of-network coverage with your insurance provider. Please check your coverage carefully by asking the following questions:
- Do I have mental health / behavioral benefits?
- Do I have out-of-network coverage?
- What is my out of network deductible and has it been met?
- How many sessions per calendar year does my plan cover?
- What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
Do you offer in-person sessions?
Yes. My office is located in the Flatiron District of Manhattan. My in-person availability is limited and cannot be booked directly online, so please specify your preference for in-person sessions when contacting me to ensure availability.
Do you offer virtual sessions?
Yes. I offer secure video sessions so you can access therapy from home or another private space.
What is your cancellation policy?
The therapy process involves a commitment to weekly appointments. Whether it's our first meeting or we have been meeting for some time, each appointment reflects a joint commitment of time to working together. If you're unable to keep your appointment on a given week and are unable to reschedule to a different time, I ask that you provide at least 48 hours of advance notice. If cancellations requests are received within 48 hours of the appointment start time, there is a cancellation fee equivalent to the session cost. If you require an extended absence from therapy for travel or other reasons, please just inform me in advance so that I'm aware of your need to cancel sessions for a period of time. If repeated, unexcused absences occur, I will address these with you so that we can assess together if we are in a position to continue our work.
What is psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is a collaborative process where you and your therapist work together to explore thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and patterns. The goal is to better understand yourself, address challenges, and create meaningful changes in your life.
How do I know if therapy is right for me?
If you’re experiencing stress, sadness, anxiety, relationship difficulties, or feeling “stuck,” therapy can be a helpful space to explore what’s going on and develop new ways of coping. You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy.
What happens in the first session?
The first session is a chance for us to get to know each other. We’ll discuss your reasons for seeking therapy, your history, and what you hope to achieve. You can also ask any questions about my approach or the therapy process.
How often will we meet?
When beginning our work together, we will meet no less than once a week for 45 minutes. If we choose to, we might meet more frequently. We’ll decide together on a schedule that works best for you.
How long will I be in therapy?
The length of therapy varies. Some people find a few sessions helpful for a specific concern, while others engage in therapy for months or years to explore deeper patterns. Your goals and progress will guide the process.
Is therapy confidential?
Yes. What you share in therapy is private and protected by law. There are a few legal exceptions—such as risk of harm to yourself or others—which I will review with you before we begin.
What's your approach to therapy?
I use a collaborative, personalized approach that draws from evidence-based methods, including psychodynamic therapy and cognitive-based approaches. My goal is to meet you where you are, with curiosity, and respect for your unique story and needs.
What if I'm nervous about starting therapy?
Feeling nervous is normal—whether this is your first time in therapy or if you're simply resuming your therapeutic journey with a new therapist. Many clients find that after the first session, they feel more comfortable and relieved to have taken a first step.