Question 1

What are some of the services offered by a psychologist?

Accepted Answer

Individual Psychotherapy:  adults, adolescents, children age 5+, all genders and races. Couples/Family Therapy:  Marital, premarital, couples, and families Group Therapy:  specialized treatment groups for adolescents and adults including anger management, parenting, stress management, theft diversion, alcohol & substance abuse, and depression. Psychological Evaluations:  Court Ordered, Custody, Forensic (NGRI, Competency, CSB), Learning Disability, Attention Defecit for adults and children, Disability, Diagnostic Clarification, Personality Assessment, and others.

Question 2

How long does therapy last?

Accepted Answer

Treatment can last anywhere from one or 2 sessions to several years depending on the nature of the issues that we choose to address.  Most people find they need 8-12 sessions.

Question 3

What is the first session like?

Accepted Answer

Typically, the first session focuses on getting information to assess the nature of the problem.  The second and third sessions typically refine the information and come up with strategies for addressing the problem, called a Treatment Plan.  Then we start implementing the plan!

Question 4

How does Therapy work?

Accepted Answer

Therapy helps you learn new skills and ways of looking at behaviors, feelings, thoughts, and situations that you find problematic. By doing this, therapy helps you resolve the problem, reduce it's effects, or improve your ability to deal with it.

Question 5

How will I know when I'm done?

Accepted Answer

The most important thing in determining how well therapy is working, how far along in the process you are, and when you will be done is coming up with clear, measurable Treatment Goals.  We'll start this right away, and will review and adjust as necessary while we work.  The key to success in treatment is both of us being on the same page about what you are trying to achieve and how we both will know when that has happened.

Question 6

Is there a difference between Psychologists, Psychiatrists, Counselors and Therapists?"

Accepted Answer

The short answer? Yes!      Psychologists have a doctorate in psychology (or sometimes education, or counseling).  They are trained in assessment using psychological tests, diagnosing problems with feelings, thinking, and actions, and treatment using several strategies or techniques.  Psychologists have Terminal Degrees meaning that they are licensed to work without receiving outside supervision.   They do not prescribe medication, but do often work closely with their client's physicians to make recommendaitons and referrals should medication be deemed of possible benefit.
 Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in how various medical conditions and medications affect and can treat one's thinking, behavior, and mood.  They typically have limited training in non-medical methods of treatment.
 School Psychologists typically have a Master's degree in education and work in school settings.  They are trained in educational assessments and have some training in diagnosisng and treating school-related difficulties.
 Counselors typically have a Bachelor's or Master's degree in counseling, psychology or social work.   They are not able to diagnose independently and not trained in interpreting psychological testing independently, but they are skilled at conducting counseling.

Question 7

Do you prescribe medication?

Accepted Answer

No.  
However, if you have a trusted Family Doctor or General Practicioner you regularly see, I am happy to work with them to help determine what symptoms you may be having that could benefit from medication, and confirm your diagnosis with any required psychological testing.

Question 8

Who else will know if I am coming to see you?

Accepted Answer

It's very important that you feel comfortable and safe in our work together.  What you tell me in our work together will remain between us.  This is known as doctor-patient confidentiality. There are some limits to this confidentiality: If there is a threat of harm to you or someone else then I am mandated by State Law and APA ethics to take some type of action to reduce the risk of harm
 If I suspect there is a risk of child or elder abuse, or that such abuse is currently happening
 Upon receipt of a legal court summons
 If you are the client and seeking couples counseling, then I ask that you be willing to extend confidentiality to your partner so that they are covered under the same conditions of disclosure that you are.
If the client is a minor (under 18 years of age), then only a parent or guardian of the child can give consent for information sharing.

Question 9

Can I tell anyone about what is discussed in our sessions?

Accepted Answer

As the client, it is your right to tell whomever you wish any of the details of what is said in an individual or family session. If you are a member of Group Therapy, you will be asked not to reveal the names of any other group members and that you only discuss with others what is said by you or by me.

Question 10

What if I need someone else to know some of the information regarding my treatment?

Accepted Answer

If you need others to receive information or give information to me that you and I believe may be helpful in providing you with effective treatment, or if you are mandated by some outside agency (such as the courts), you can sign a release of information form.  You and I will discuss exactly what information can and cannot be shared prior to that information being sent.

Question 11

Why are there so many forms and tests to fill out?

Accepted Answer

I know that filling out these forms will take a lot of time and effort.  Thank you. You and your situation are unique.  The better I understand you, the more assistance I can provide.  
Unfortunately we only have a limited amount of time during our sessions, so it's important to use it in the most productive way possible.  By filling out these forms and tests, we get the most amount of information in the least amount of time.

Question 12

What is your goal in treating me?

Accepted Answer

I want to help you reach the point where you no longer need my services, in the shortest amount of time possible.   I enjoy my work immensely.   That being said, the way that I know I'm doing my job is when you are able to proudly walk away from me and this office, into independence.    Yes, really.

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