Frequently Asked Questions | Bergen County Psychologist Dr. Joseph Conerty

Can I have some appointments in person and others virtually?

Absolutely. Many clients find it helpful to switch between in-person and virtual sessions depending on their week. Having both options makes it easier to stay consistent with therapy, even when life gets busy.

How often are therapy sessions?

It depends on your needs, but most clients meet once per week. Some may adjust the frequency over time as therapy progresses and goals evolve.

Do you use AI or record sessions?

No. I don’t use any form of AI, transcription, or recording technology in my practice. While some healthcare providers rely on AI-generated notes from recorded sessions, I believe therapy should remain completely private and personal. Nothing in our work together is recorded or shared.

Can I attend a virtual session while in New York?

Yes. I’m licensed in both New Jersey and New York, so we can meet lawfully online from either state.

Where is your office located?

My office is in Waldwick, New Jersey, conveniently located near the Bergen and Passaic County border. Most clients come from nearby communities in Bergen and Passaic Counties, though I also work virtually with clients across New Jersey, New York, and Florida.

Do you accept insurance?

I’m an out-of-network provider, which means I don’t bill insurance directly. However, many clients use their out-of-network benefits for partial reimbursement. I provide detailed receipts (superbills) you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement, and I’m happy to help you understand how that process works.


What happens in the first session?

The first session is a structured, in-depth conversation. We’ll talk about what’s bringing you in, your history, and what you’d like to change. By the end, I’ll share my impressions and outline how we might approach therapy together. Most clients leave this first meeting feeling clearer about what’s happening and more hopeful about where to begin.

What kind of change can I expect from therapy?

Most clients start therapy feeling stuck, frustrated, or uncertain about why things aren’t working.

Over time, they begin to notice subtle but meaningful shifts which may include sleeping better, reacting more calmly, feeling clearer about what they want, and more comfortable in their own skin.

Therapy isn’t about becoming someone different; it’s about feeling more like yourself again. My goal is to help you understand what’s been standing in your way and to build the insight, skills, and confidence to move forward with intention.

Can AI replace working with a psychologist?

AI can be a helpful resource for learning about mental health symptoms, psychological conditions, and common treatment approaches. It may even accurately describe how an evidence-based therapy is typically carried out. However, understanding a treatment plan is different from successfully applying it to yourself.

A psychologist brings clinical training, professional judgment, objectivity, and an individualized approach to therapy. Your psychologist can recognize patterns, identify obstacles, monitor your progress, and adjust the therapeutic approach based on how you respond. AI can provide information, but it cannot replace the individualized therapeutic process and human relationship involved in working with a psychologist.

If AI can explain how therapy works, why do I need a therapist?

Knowing the steps involved in a psychological treatment does not necessarily mean you can effectively carry them out on your own. People may struggle to recognize their own patterns, challenge long-held beliefs, stay objective, or know when an approach needs adjustment.

A psychologist does more than explain what to do. Therapy involves applying psychological principles to your experiences, identifying barriers to progress, evaluating how you respond, and adapting the process over time. AI cannot do this. 

Is it okay to use AI to learn about my mental health?

AI can be useful for learning general information about mental health, symptoms, and different types of therapy. However, the information it provides is not the same as an individualized psychological evaluation or professional guidance.

If something you learn through AI raises questions about your own mental health, discussing those questions with a psychologist can help you understand how the information relates to your specific circumstances.

Can I use AI while I am seeing a psychologist?

Using AI and participating in therapy do not necessarily have to be mutually exclusive. You may use AI to learn terminology, explore general mental health concepts, or develop questions you would like to discuss during therapy. 

Your psychologist can then help you evaluate that information, put it into context, and determine what may or may not apply to you. Because AI platforms have their own privacy policies and data practices, you should also be cautious about entering sensitive personal or health information into these tools.

What is the difference between getting mental health advice from AI and going to therapy?

AI primarily provides information based on the question or information you give it. Therapy is an ongoing, individualized process.

A psychologist can ask follow-up questions, observe patterns over time, recognize inconsistencies or areas you may not recognize yourself, and modify the therapeutic approach as new information emerges. Therapy also provides accountability and a professional human relationship that you can't recreate simply by receiving instructions or information.

Can AI diagnose a mental health condition?

AI may provide information about symptoms commonly associated with psychological conditions, but reading a list of symptoms is not the same as receiving an appropriate professional evaluation.

Many mental health concerns share similar symptoms, and understanding what someone is experiencing requires considering the broader context of their life, history, functioning, and individual circumstances. If you are concerned about your symptoms, speaking with a qualified mental health professional is a more appropriate next step than relying on an AI-generated conclusion.