By Danit Schusterman
In an era marked by emotional stress due to terrorism, technological advancement, and changing societal norms, the field of mental health care is also adapting to better serve individuals in the frum community and beyond in seeking support.
One pioneer leading this transformation is Rabbi Daniel Schonbuch, LMFT, whose innovative online therapy company, MyTalkPlace.com, is revolutionizing how people access and engage with therapeutic services.
During these times of war and terrorism in Israel, there’s not only physical danger, but also hidden emotional scars, which can have a long-term effect including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Addressing these mental health challenges has become increasingly vital, and My Talk Place, founded by Rabbi Daniel Schonbuch, has emerged as a beacon of hope during these trying times.
Rabbi Schonbuch, an expert in treating trauma, depression, anxiety, and PTSD, has channeled his expertise and compassion into creating a sanctuary for those grappling with the emotional distress caused by the conflict in Israel and beyond.
MyTalkPlace.com specializes in providing therapy services that are acutely attuned to the unique needs of the Orthodox Jewish community, offering remote therapy sessions through Zoom and phone calls. Rabbi Schonbuch’s deep understanding of the intricacies of these mental health issues is underlined by the fact that he has personally trained and supervised all the therapists at MyTalkPlace.com, ensuring that each one is equipped to provide the highest level of care for those struggling with the emotional toll of these turbulent times.
Meeting Unmet Needs
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Israel has shed light on the urgency of accessible and convenient mental health services. Rabbi Schonbuch’s astute observation of individuals grappling with isolation and inadequate therapeutic support during this time fueled his determination to bridge this gap. Capitalizing on the growing acceptance of teletherapy, MyTalkPlace.com emerged as a beacon of hope for those seeking guidance and support from the comfort of their homes.
The benefits of online therapy quickly became apparent: enhanced privacy, eliminated travel requirements, and the absence of traditional office-related barriers led to a greater sense of comfort and openness. Rabbi Schonbuch’s realization of this demand for remote therapy compelled him to harness the potential of teletherapy, resulting in a surge of clients seeking solace and guidance.
At the helm of MyTalkPlace.com, Rabbi Schonbuch is redefining the landscape of therapeutic intervention. He says that, “We offer premier online therapy to the frum community and it was founded on the principles of inclusivity and accessibility. We accept all types of commercial insurance and offer low-cost payments for those without insurance”.
Notably, MyTalkPlace.com has partnered strategically with Yeshiva University (YU) Department of Marriage and Family Therapy. This collaboration has enabled the company to tap into the expertise of experienced therapists from YU, and expand its therapeutic offerings. According to Rabbi Schonbuch, “YU has a history of creating outstanding therapists and their MFT program offers a comprehensive understanding of therapy and the issues facing the Jewish community.”
Empowering a Team to Transform Lives
Joining the leadership team at MyTalkPlace.com is Dr. Latoya Attis, Director of Clinical Education and Community Outreach. Dr. Attis is also the Clinical Assistant Professor and Field Placement Coordinator at Yeshiva University. She has extensive experience in working with families and teenagers at risk.
“My experience working with Rabbi Schonbuch and My Talk Place has been great,” says Dr. Attis, “We are looking forward to expanding our service offerings to reach more individuals, families, and couples in need, as well as expanding our efforts to partner with universities and organizations to make mental health services in close reach to those who need it.”
Rabbi Schonbuch’s commitment to amplifying the impact of his therapeutic expertise led him to build a team of skilled professionals who shared his ethos. The team’s dedication to providing Torah-based therapy further expanded the scope of the company’s offerings, catering to individuals with strong religious beliefs.
The clientele at MyTalkPlace.com spans a wide range, from adolescents grappling with substance abuse and risky behaviors to couples navigating relationship challenges and parents seeking guidance. The company’s success stories serve as a testament to the transformative power of its therapeutic interventions.
At the heart of MyTalkPlace.com’s success is its personalized approach. Rabbi Schonbuch himself oversees the initial intake process, ensuring that each client is matched with the therapist best suited to address their unique needs. This attention to detail guarantees that clients receive tailored support that aligns with their individual journeys to healing.
A Holistic Approach to Healing
Rabbi Schonbuch’s vision transcends the boundaries of traditional therapy by embracing a comprehensive approach that addresses a spectrum of mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and relationship issues. Recognizing the significance of family dynamics in the healing process, the company’s therapists employ various modalities with a family-focused and family-centered orientation, all while adhering to the principles of the Torah.
Recognizing that mental health care should be accessible to all, MyTalkPlace.com adopts a flexible payment structure. For residents of New York, they accept commercial insurance making therapy accessible to individuals with various financial constraints. Additionally, for those without insurance, a four-session package is available at $90 per session, amounting to $360 per month.
The therapeutic interventions offered at MyTalkPlace.com are firmly rooted in evidence-based practices. Rabbi Schonbuch’s training in Logotherapy, a psychological approach founded by Viktor Frankl, equips him and his staff with the tools to guide clients in overcoming depression and discovering meaning in their lives. He believes that comprehensive therapy not only deals with issues in a person’s past, but also focuses on helping individuals find more meaning in their lives.
According to Rabbi Schonbuch his training program enables his therapists to draw upon modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered Therapy, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Somatic Experiencing, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Logotherapy, to ensure a comprehensive and holistic healing experience.
Rabbi Daniel Schonbuch’s MyTalkPlace.com is more than an online therapy platform; it’s a testament to the power of innovation and empathy in transforming lives. Through his pioneering efforts, he has not only provided a lifeline for those in need of therapeutic support but also created a blueprint for how technology and compassion can intersect to revolutionize mental health care. As his company continues to expand its reach and impact, it serves as a beacon of hope for individuals on their journeys toward healing and self-discovery.
For more information and appointments, visit www.mytalkplace.com
Legally, a therapist can only offer telehealth in the US to patients physically located in a state the therapist is licensed in. Why is there no information here about locations served?