Q: How can therapy help me?

A: There are many potential benefits to therapy. 
      *  Symptoms may be reduced or eliminated all together. 
      *  You will learn new coping methods. 
      *  You may feel more confident in your judgment and your decisions. 
      *  You may feel more comfortable "in your own skin." 
      *  You may experience healthier and more satisfying relationships. 
      *  You may discover or rediscover your unique gifts and strengths.

Q: Are there risks in therapy?

A: There are potential risks, and these need to be taken into consideration. 
      * You will likely experience some uncomfortable emotions - both during and between sessions. 
      * Sometimes things get worse before they get better. 
      * You may make major life decisions - such as changing jobs or ending a relationship. 
      * Some people in your life may not support the changes that you make. 
      * It is also possible that therapy may not help you make the changes you seek.

Q: I have limited time or money. How can I make the most of my sessions?

A: By being an active participant. I will invite you to try new behaviors and will sometimes assign homework. The more work you put into this effort between sessions, the more likely it is that you will see improvement.

Q: What exactly is a psychologist?

A: A psychologist has earned a doctorate degree in psychology and has met the requirements of the state Board of Psychologist Examiners for a psychology license. A typical doctorate program is five years in length. In Arizona, the requirements include a doctorate from an accredited university and a predoctoral internship. Also required are 1500 hours of supervised experience after the completion of the degree and a passing score on the Examination for the Practice of Professional Psychology.

Q: Do you prescribe medication?

A: No. Psychologists do not have prescribing privileges in Arizona. If I believe that you will benefit from a medication evaluation, I will refer to a physician. This may be your primary care physician, or a psychiatrist, depending on the complexity of your health and symptoms.

Q: Do you accept insurance?

A: I am currently on the following insurance panels: 

        * Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Arizona (PPO plans only). 
        * Aetna
        * Beechstreet  
        * Cigna

If you have another insurance provider, you may be able to seek reimbursement of your session fees. Please ask me for more information about this option.

Please be aware that using your health insurance requires that you give up some of your confidentiality. The insurance company may require a mental disorder diagnosis. The company also has the right to access your confidential information, including my files about your treatment. I also accept fee-for-service clients.

Q: What is fee-for-service?

A: This means that you pay for my services out-of-pocket at the time of the session. The primary advantage to this option is that you have greater confidentiality (see above) and that you and I make your treatment decisions. There is no insurance company to give input. An "in-between" option is to pay out of pocket, and then file for reimbursement from your insurance company. Please note that they may require a diagnosis for reimbursement.