Q+A

Working hard to ensure people have access to any help they need

Posted

Amy Baron has been providing psychotherapy in Long Beach and the surrounding areas for over 12 years, and since the pandemic, says there has been a significant rise in individuals reaching out for support with anxiety, depression, relationship and parenting challenges, difficulty adjusting to changing life circumstances and a desire to increase self-esteem and feel more fulfilled.

With her Heal and Grow Psychotherapy Group, she aims to ensure people know what kind of help they can get, and, ultimately, that help is out there.


Q: What trends do you see in people seeking help?

Amy Baron: One key trend I’ve noticed is a sharp increase in parents seeking therapy for their children and teens. Many families are struggling with the stress of changing dynamics, and there’s been a greater recognition of the importance of early intervention. I am seeing a rise in school and social anxiety which we have successfully helped our clients navigate and manage. Additionally, there’s been a noticeable rise in couples and families coming in for help to resolve conflict, improve communication and strengthen their relationships. 

Another interesting shift is the growing number of people who, in the past, might have been resistant to seeking therapy—particularly men and those in first responder professions. There’s been a reduction in the stigma around mental health, and people are becoming more open to reaching out for support, recognizing the value of therapy in addressing their challenges and improving relationships and overall well-being.

 


Q: Are there any hurdles people face in seeking help?

Baron: While more people are reaching out for therapy, there are significant barriers.  Many don’t realize how difficult it can be to find a therapist until they begin the search.  Many therapists do not have availability and have long waiting lists. Just yesterday, I received calls from two different mothers who shared their frustration after months of trying unsuccessfully to find a therapist for their children.  Fortunately, we were able to help. 

Another challenge is that many therapists only offer telehealth sessions. While virtual therapy is convenient and has its place, there are many situations where in-person therapy is essential for providing effective care. Being physically present in the same room creates a unique dynamic that fosters connection and a deeper therapeutic process, which can be difficult to replicate on a screen. I firmly believe that the experience of sitting together in a shared space has a profound impact that cannot always be achieved through virtual sessions.  

Additionally, many therapists opt to work with self-pay clients only, rather than accepting insurance. This can make therapy financially inaccessible for many people who rely on insurance to cover their mental health care.

 


Q: What is your practice doing to ensure people get the help they need?

Baron: In response to the overwhelming demand for mental health services, Heal and Grow Psychotherapy Group is undergoing a significant expansion. We’ve recently moved to a larger office on Park Avenue and welcomed several new therapists specializing in various areas, including child and adolescent therapy, marriage and family counseling, adult therapy, and parenting support. We will be offering group therapy sessions covering an array of topics and will host special events and workshops designed to provide valuable tools, education, and support for individuals, couples, and families.

To accommodate busy schedules, we’ve extended our hours to include more evening and weekend appointment times. For clients unable to attend in person, we continue to offer telehealth. And to make therapy more financially accessible we work with numerous insurance plans in and out of network and handle all paperwork and claim submission.

 


Q:
Can you tell us about your connection to the community?

Baron: I was born and raised in Oceanside and later raised my children in Baldwin before moving to Long Beach about 12 years ago. When I settled here, I opened my private practice to provide psychotherapy to Long Beach and surrounding towns. Many of our therapists also have strong ties to the area too. Elena Montemurro grew up in Oceanside and Rockville Centre, Marja Ganesh lives in Baldwin, and Emily Magni was raised in Merrick, where she currently resides.

Throughout our time in practice, we have worked closely with local schools and medical providers to better support the mental health needs of our clients. Having such strong connections to Long Beach and surrounding communities allows us to understand the unique challenges people face and offer more integrated care.