What Does RBM Marriage & Family Therapy Offer, and Where Does It Serve Clients?
RBM Marriage & Family Therapy provides secure, online individual and couples therapy for adults across New York and Connecticut. The practice focuses on practical support for anxiety, relationship stress, burnout, grief, and major life transitions. This guide details the specific services offered, the geographic scope of care, and the evidence-based modalities used by the licensed team. It also explains how to access these virtual sessions and what to expect from the initial consultation process.
Online Therapy Delivery
RBM Marriage & Family Therapy operates as a fully virtual practice. This means all sessions are conducted via secure video platforms rather than in a physical office. The delivery model is designed to remove logistical barriers such as travel time, parking difficulties, and the need to take time off work for appointments. Clients can attend sessions from a private space in their home, a quiet office, or another location where they feel comfortable and safe.
Security and Privacy
Online therapy at RBM utilizes secure, encrypted video connections to protect client confidentiality. The practice adheres to strict privacy standards to ensure that personal health information remains protected during virtual interactions. Clients are required to be located within New York or Connecticut at the time of the session to comply with state licensing regulations. This geographic requirement ensures that the therapist is licensed to provide care in the client's jurisdiction.
Convenience and Consistency
The virtual format supports consistent engagement with therapy. By eliminating the commute, clients can more easily fit sessions into busy schedules. This accessibility is particularly beneficial for individuals managing chronic health conditions, caregiving responsibilities, or demanding professional roles. The practice emphasizes that the therapeutic relationship is built through the quality of the interaction, not the physical setting. While the medium is digital, the focus remains on creating a safe, supportive environment for emotional processing and growth. according to Marriage and Family
Service Offerings
Individual Therapy
Individual therapy provides one-on-one support for adults navigating personal challenges. Common areas of focus include anxiety, depression, burnout, grief and loss, anger management, and self-esteem issues. The practice also supports clients dealing with trauma, life transitions, and the emotional impact of chronic or terminal illness. Individual sessions offer a confidential space to explore thoughts, emotions, and behaviors without the pressure of managing a partner's reactions in the room.
Couples Therapy
Couples therapy, also known as marriage counseling, is designed for partners seeking to improve their relationship dynamic. The practice works with married couples, engaged couples, and long-term partners. Key areas of focus include communication problems, trust issues, recurring conflict, infidelity recovery, and intimacy concerns. The goal is to help partners understand the patterns that keep them stuck and to develop healthier ways of interacting. Whether the issue is a specific rupture like an affair or a gradual drift into emotional distance, the therapy aims to rebuild connection and safety.
Relationship-Focused Individual Work
Some clients seek individual therapy specifically to address relationship patterns. This approach helps individuals understand their attachment styles, boundary setting, and repeating unhealthy relationship dynamics. It is often a precursor to or complement of couples therapy, allowing one partner to do the internal work necessary for the relationship to improve.
Geographic Scope and Accessibility
RBM Marriage & Family Therapy serves clients throughout the states of New York and Connecticut. The practice is licensed to provide telehealth services in both jurisdictions, allowing residents in any part of these states to access care. This regional focus ensures that the therapists are familiar with the specific licensing laws and regulatory requirements of the areas they serve.
State Licensing and Compliance
Therapists at RBM are licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs) or licensed marriage and family therapy associates (LMFTAs). Their licensure allows them to practice in New York and Connecticut. Clients must be physically located within one of these two states during the session. If a client travels to a different state, they cannot participate in a session from that location. This compliance ensures that the care provided meets the legal and ethical standards of the client's home state.
Accessibility for Diverse Populations
By serving the entire state, the practice makes therapy accessible to individuals in urban centers like New York City and Hartford, as well as those in suburban and rural areas. This broad geographic reach helps bridge the gap in mental health care availability, particularly in regions where in-person providers may be scarce or have long waitlists. The virtual model ensures that location does not dictate access to high-quality, licensed therapeutic support.
Clinical Approaches and Modalities
The therapists at RBM Marriage & Family Therapy draw from a range of evidence-based approaches to tailor treatment to each client's needs. The practice does not rely on a single modality but integrates techniques from several well-researched frameworks. This flexibility allows the therapist to adapt their style to the client's preferences and the nature of the presenting issue. according to Marriage and Family
Evidence-Based Modalities
The practice utilizes several key therapeutic models. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps clients understand the relationship between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is often used in couples work to address underlying emotional needs and attachment patterns. Internal Family Systems (IFS) explores the different parts of the self that may be in conflict. The Gottman Method provides research-based tools for improving relationship stability and communication. Psychodynamic and person-centered therapies are also employed to support deeper self-exploration and personal growth. according to Maryland Department of
Practical and Relational Focus
The overall approach is described as practical, relational, and tailored. This means that while the therapy is grounded in clinical theory, the focus is on actionable strategies and real-world application. Clients are encouraged to develop coping skills that they can use in their daily lives. The relational aspect emphasizes the therapeutic alliance and, in the case of couples therapy, the dynamic between partners. The goal is to help clients better understand patterns, build healthier coping skills, and create more stable, connected relationships.
Insurance and Access
Access to therapy is often influenced by cost and insurance coverage. RBM Marriage & Family Therapy accepts many major insurance plans for clients in New York and Connecticut. This includes plans such as Aetna, Anthem, Carelon Behavioral Health, Cigna, Harvard Pilgrim, Meritain Health, Optum, Oscar Health, Oxford, UMR, and UnitedHealthcare. Accepting a wide range of insurers helps reduce the financial barrier to entry for many clients.
Self-Pay Options
For clients who prefer not to use insurance or whose plans do not cover behavioral health services, self-pay options are available. This allows individuals to choose a therapist based on fit and expertise rather than insurance network restrictions. The practice provides clear information about fees and billing to help clients make informed decisions about their care. according to Marriage and Family
Consultation Process
To get started, clients can schedule a consultation. This initial meeting allows the client and therapist to discuss their goals, concerns, and expectations. It is an opportunity to determine if the therapist is a good fit and to outline a potential treatment plan. The practice encourages clients to reach out via their contact form or by phone to begin this process. The consultation helps set the stage for a productive therapeutic relationship.
Key Takeaways
- RBM Marriage & Family Therapy is a fully virtual practice serving adults and couples in New York and Connecticut.
- All sessions are conducted via secure video, requiring clients to be located in NY or CT at the time of the session.
- The practice offers individual therapy for issues like anxiety, burnout, grief, and trauma.
- Couples therapy addresses communication, trust, conflict, infidelity, and intimacy challenges.
- Therapists use evidence-based modalities including CBT, EFT, IFS, and the Gottman Method.
- The practice accepts many major insurance plans in both states, as well as self-pay.
- Therapists are licensed LMFTs or LMFTAs, ensuring compliance with state regulations.
- Initial consultations are available to help clients determine fit and set goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does RBM Marriage & Family Therapy serve clients?
RBM Marriage & Family Therapy serves clients located throughout New York and Connecticut. Because the practice is fully virtual, clients can attend sessions from any private location within these two states.
Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?
Research suggests that online therapy can be highly effective for many individuals and couples. The key is the quality of the therapeutic relationship and the fit between the client and therapist. RBM focuses on building a strong, supportive connection through secure video sessions.
What insurance plans are accepted?
The practice accepts many major insurance plans, including Aetna, Anthem, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and others. Clients should contact their insurance provider to confirm their specific benefits and coverage for behavioral health services.
Who is the owner of RBM Marriage & Family Therapy?
RBM Marriage & Family Therapy is owned and directed by Rachel Chernyavskiy, MA, LMFT. She leads a team of licensed marriage and family therapists and associates who provide care across the practice.
What types of issues do you treat in couples therapy?
Couples therapy at RBM addresses a wide range of issues, including communication problems, trust issues, recurring conflict, infidelity, intimacy concerns, and major life transitions. The goal is to help partners rebuild connection and develop healthier interaction patterns.
Do I need to be in a specific city to see a therapist?
No, you do not need to be in a specific city. As long as you are located within New York or Connecticut, you can attend your virtual session from home or another private location. The practice serves the entire state, not just specific metropolitan areas.
How do I get started with therapy?
To get started, you can schedule a consultation by using the contact form on the website or by calling the practice. This initial meeting helps you discuss your goals and determine if the therapist is a good fit for your needs.
Conclusion
RBM Marriage & Family Therapy offers a comprehensive, virtual-first approach to mental health care for adults and couples in New York and Connecticut. By combining a wide range of evidence-based modalities with a practical, relational focus, the practice provides a flexible and accessible option for those seeking support. Whether you are navigating personal challenges like anxiety and burnout or working to strengthen your relationship, the licensed team at RBM is equipped to help. To begin your journey, you can to schedule a consultation and explore how online therapy can fit into your life.