THERAPY
What should I expect with therapy?
Therapy will start with an initial consultation that involves a thorough review of the client's background history and by conducting a comprehensive assessment that identifies psychological difficulties. If therapy is warranted, following this visit, we will discuss a treatment plan that is tailored to improve the client's quality of life and reduce their distress. Typically, we will schedule weekly therapy sessions that last 50 minutes. As treatment proceeds, we will assess progress and may reduce the frequency of visits.
How do I get the most out of therapy?
To achieve the best results, clients should plan to practice the skills learned in therapy in their daily life. Like learning anything new; this may be difficult at first, but over time these new practices will become second nature. It is in this way, that a client may become their own therapist and be able to manage whatever challenges that they face.
Will I be in therapy forever?
No. The therapy that I practice is intended to be short-term (i.e., 12-20 sessions), however, the duration of treatment can vary quite a bit depending on the treatment goals and severity of the presenting problems. We will discuss an estimate of treatment duration during the treatment planning process.Once clients have learned the relevant skills and their symptoms have improved, treatment usually shifts towards "relapse prevention." In other words, we will prepare for future stressors that may cause an increase in symptoms (e.g., transition to college; starting a new job).
Do you accept insurance?
My practice does not contract with any insurance companies. Some insurance plans (i.e., PPO plans) offer partial reimbursement for out-of-network services. Clients should contact their insurance companies to determine what out-of-network coverage they have. I will provide you with a detailed receipt with the necessary diagnostic and billing codes to submit for out-of-network benefits.
What are your fees and payment policies?
Please contact me directly for the fee schedule. Payment is due at the time of service. Checks, cash, and credit cards (Mastercard, Visa, and Discover) are accepted for your convenience.
What is CBT?
There are many different forms of psychotherapy. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (often referred to as CBT) is one type that helps patients understand the relationship between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. By better understanding these inter-relationships, patients develop the freedom to respond differently to upsetting thoughts, difficult emotions, or habitual behaviors. This is a present- and symptom-focused approach, meaning that the emphasis is on the "here and now" and the clinician helps patients reduce the functional impairment caused by their symptoms.
EVALUATIONS
What is the process for an evaluation?
Testing begins with an intake to obtain background information and to assess areas of concern. We will then schedule the testing session which is usually completed in one day. The length of the testing session may vary but I typically start them in the morning, and they last until the early afternoon. We use standardized measures and assessment tools and take breaks as needed. Parents are asked to complete questionnaires and forms are typically sent to teachers to complete as well. After testing is complete, we schedule a feedback session to discuss the results and recommendations. At this time you will receive the detailed written report.
How much does an evaluation cost?
The rates for an evaluation are determined based on the extent to testing required. Fees are determined based on the time in the office spent with you and your child (initial session, testing session, feedback session), time required for scoring and interpreting the test results, and time spent writing the final report. Before scheduling the intake session, we will discuss the cost for the evaluation.
I am considered an out-of-network provider and do not take insurance directly. However, many clients are able to use their insurance benefits for testing. I will provide you with receipts with all the necessary procedure and diagnostic codes that insurance companies require for reimbursement. If your insurance company requires pre-authorization, I am happy to complete these forms for you.