• FAQs •

• What is a Psychologist?

• What are your hours?

• What are your fees?

• How long will I be in therapy?

• Will I be required to take psychological assessments?

• What about confidentiality?

• Will you be in contact with other professionals

involved in my care?

• Do you accept insurance?

 

• What is a Psychologist? BACK TO TOP

A psychologist is an individual with a Psy.D, or Ph.D. in psychology. There are many different psychology specialties; however, the overall goal of psychology is to utilize science and research to gain knowledge that will improve the human condition. To practice as a licensed psychologist, a person must have a doctorate, many hours of academic training along with supervised experience and must pass the state board examinations. On average, a psychologist will have spent 10-11 years of education and training to earn a doctorate. In California, we are required to obtain 36 hours of continuing education every 2 years.

People often confuse psychologist with psychiatrist and psychotherapist. A psychiatrist is an M.D.—they are trained to use medicine to treat medical conditions. A psychotherapist usually has a master’s degree in psychology or social work and is licensed as an LPC, licensed professional counselor. They do not have the same amount of education as a Psy.D./Ph.D. but are often very experienced and knowledgeable in their field.

 

• What are your hours? BACK TO TOP

Currently I make regular appointments on Monday-Friday from 8:30 AM until 12:30 PM.

I can work with you on additional days of the week when necessary. Together we can structure the day and time that best fits both of our schedules.

 

• What are your fees? BACK TO TOP

My fees are based on type of service and length of session. Most sessions are held via computer (video) or telephone. There are instances in which I travel to schools, athletic events, businesses, and conferences.

 

• How long will I be in therapy?  BACK TO TOP

This is one of the most commonly asked questions. Unfortunately, there is no direct answer. Therapy may be brief, long-term or somewhere in between. The length of time you will be in therapy depends on a number of factors including the severity and nature of the problem you are experiencing and how long it has been an issue. I believe as with most things, you will get out of therapy what you put into it. Reaching your goal is a collaborative effort that takes place over time and your participation is paramount.

Therapy is a resource for dealing with life’s pressures and obstacles. I believe wise people utilize the resources of therapy for the purpose of enhancing their life. They use therapy to work on certain issues. When these issues are improved they stop therapy but may resume again at a later time when new challenges arise.

Because a therapy session is a small portion of time compared to all the hours in a week, I often assign “homework.” Your effort inside my office as well as outside will have a direct impact on your progress.

How long is each session and how frequently do I come in?

Again, this depends on you. Typically, a session is 45 minutes. Some people find this length of time to be too short, especially for couples. If this is the case, together we discuss this and arrange for longer sessions. We will also discuss how often to come in. Once per week is common. However, for some it works best to come in more frequently, especially when first beginning. If time constraints make weekly appointments difficult, we will find a frequency that works best for your situation and schedule.

 

• Will I be required to take psychological assessments?  BACK TO TOP

Often when you visit a doctor, you will be asked to take some tests. I do this as a way of gathering knowledge and supplementing the information you give me. This information is shared with you and is designed to make optimum use of your therapy. Most people desire to learn about themselves and this is one more tool. If you are uncomfortable with this we can discuss your needs and how to best proceed.

 

• What about confidentiality?  BACK TO TOP

Your visits with me are confidential. However, there are certain situations involving abuse, neglect or the intent to harm oneself or others which I am legally obligated to disclose. If I am seeing your child, I will discuss with you and your child the confines of confidentiality and how it relates specifically to your situation.

 

• Will you be in contact with other professionals involved in my care?

BACK TO TOP

I believe in a team approach to your well-being. With your permission I will contact any physician, psychiatrist, coach, teacher etc. that should be involved in your care. I believe it is important that all professionals involved work together to provide the best possible treatment. I will not contact anyone without your written permission.

 

• Do you accept insurance?  BACK TO TOP

The good news about insurance is that more and more insurance companies are responding to the needs of their clients. As a backlash to the days of stringent managed care when insurance would only reimburse if you saw an “in-network” provider, insurance companies are loosening the reigns and reimbursing for “out-of-network” providers as well. Unfortunately, there are still drawbacks to using insurance. We can talk about the advantages vs. disadvantages and you can decide how you would like to proceed.

Full payment is expected at the time of service. Check with your insurance carrier directly to obtain information about your benefits and remember to get information on out-of-network benefits as well. Insurance can be confusing. I am happy to assist you in any way I can.