FAQ
If you are looking for an experienced, empathic clinician who can help you navigate the challenges you may be facing, you may have more questions about my practice which is located in Northwest Austin, Texas. Click the links below to jump to the categories you’d like to learn about:
TRAINING
What kind of training does a psychologist have?
In general, a psychologist has 5 to 7 years of training in psychotherapy and testing after completing college and has earned a doctoral degree, usually a Ph.D. This type of degree requires supervised clinical training, graduate coursework, research, dissertation, and two additional years of full-time supervised clinical training before pursuing independent practice. Psychologists then study for written and oral examinations by the Texas Board of Examiners of Psychologists. Licenses are maintained by paying an annual fee and attending continuing education classes every year.
Do you have any extra training or certifications you have pursued?
Yes. I completed a two-year Studies in Adult Psychodynamic Psychotherapy program through the Center for Psychoanalytic Studies. I have advanced training in Therapeutic Assessment (also called Collaborative Psychological Assessment), which was pioneered here in Austin. I regularly seek professional development in psychological assessment since the field is constantly evolving.
What health psychology experience do you have and why are you interested in health psychology?
When I was in graduate school, I helped my faculty advisor conduct research on stress and coping, which resulted in several presentations at national conferences. I did my dissertation research in the area of cardiac psychology, which resulted in publication in a professional, peer-reviewed journal. I also trained in providing psychotherapy and psychological testing to help people dealing with mental health issues that occurred with a great number of medical issues and diagnoses, including chronic pain, implantation of spinal cord stimulators, those considering bariatric (weight-loss) surgery, sleep problems, and cardiac or other chronic diseases. I have continued to work in these areas throughout my many years in clinical practice because I feel a great deal of empathy and sympathy for people dealing with so much. Sometimes they feel that other people don’t understand why they’re so stressed, and I’m very glad to be one who listens and can help them.
What is the difference between psychologists, psychiatrists, and other mental health professionals?
Licensed Psychologists have the training listed above. Psychiatrists, on the other hand, complete medical school, have an M.D. or D.O. degree and can prescribe medication. Some psychiatrists provide psychotherapy, but most choose to focus on medication as their main treatment tool. Licensed Master Social Workers (LMSWs), Professional Counselors (LPCs), and Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) are all professionals with a Master’s degree which takes about two years total of coursework and clinical training.
Can you prescribe psychiatric medication?
No. Psychiatrists and some psychiatric nurse practitioners prescribe psychiatric medications, such as antidepressants for depression or stimulants for ADHD. Medical doctors such as family physicians and primary care doctors also have prescribing privileges.
PSYCHOTHERAPY
Why don’t more people pursue psychotherapy to help them with painful or challenging parts of their lives?
Sometimes people minimize their problems, think that their problems aren’t a big deal, that things will get better by itself, or that they can just figure it out on their own. They should know that they don’t have to do it alone. Many people have experienced feelings like yours. You are NOT crazy or weird because of what you feel or think. Therapy doesn’t make anyone weak. Therapy is one way of finding that inner wellspring of strength, resilience, self-knowledge and power you have within.
What is one thing that most people don’t know about getting started with psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy has the ability to teach you things you didn’t know about yourself or weren’t aware of. It can help you build coping skills to make you more resilient in the face of life’s challenges. And lasting change is truly possible. While there may be times when it isn’t easy or comfortable, I’ve seen many, many clients discover they can endure, handle and cope with the painful parts of that process. And in the end, it was worth it.
What is therapy like?
In therapy, you will probably feel a good bit of relief at first, just the relief of being listened to, being able to vent about things, and that therapy isn’t too weird or torturous. Then, as you explore the difficulties you’ve had or are having, you may feel a little worse as you explore those; you may feel worse, at least intermittently for quite a while. But, you start to feel better, sometimes you learn a helpful coping strategy or you have an insight about how a way your mom or dad treated you when you were young has affected you for a very long time. So, you’ll feel a lot of ups and downs, but you feel better and better.
What should a client know about how you practice psychotherapy?
I always make therapy a safe place for clients to talk about whatever they need or want to talk about. They won’t find judgment from me. At the same time, this doesn’t mean that I won’t, on occasion and only after learning much about you, your past, and your current situation(s), challenge how you think or suggest a new way of thinking about it.
TESTING
How is psychological testing different from assessment or evaluation?
Yes, these terms are similar and often used interchangeably. The terms “assessment” and “evaluation” are sometimes used to describe times when psychological tests are administered and sometimes to describe times when they’re not. For example, sometimes a diagnostic interview can be considered an “assessment.” I prefer to use the term “psychological testing” to reduce confusion.
What is psychological testing?
Psychological testing, in general, involves administering tests to you to find out information about your emotions, abilities, and strengths and weaknesses. When I do psychological testing, I use a collaborative approach where you and I work together to use psychological tests to help answer questions or address concerns you have about yourself. It also might involve questions your therapist, primary care doctor, or psychiatrist have about you.
How does psychological testing help?
These techniques can be used to answer all types of questions, including about a possible diagnosis, such as “do I have PTSD?” or “do I have an anxiety disorder?” or “do I have depression or an attention problem?” People also often have questions about other specific difficulties they’re having, such as “why am I having problems getting along with co-workers, friends and family members” or other questions about emotions, behavior, how you’re coping, personality, and intellectual or academic strengths and challenges. It is also useful in ruling out potential causes of concern, and providing treatment recommendations.
What problems or challenges can testing help with?
In general, I perform testing to help address or explore a number of issues, including:
- To determine psychological diagnosis, such as ADHD, depression, bipolar disorders, anxiety, or symptoms of psychosis.
- Understanding stress or the effects of trauma.
- For pain patients: helping understand if psychological/emotional factors are influencing how they’re experiencing pain.
- Pre-surgical evaluations for people considering having bariatric surgery, spinal surgery, or spinal cord stimulator implantation.
APPOINTMENTS
How do I make an appointment?
Contact me directly at 512-627-3583 to schedule your appointment. I offer appointments on Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
What forms of payment do you accept?
I accept cash, check and credit card. Electronic payment options are available.
How do I tell if you and I are a good fit to work together?
I offer a complementary, 15-minute meeting by phone or in person so we can get to know each other, and so you can receive answers to your questions before we begin working together.
Do you accept insurance?
I currently* accept Seton Health Plan (Ascension Smarthealth), Medicare, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas PPO. If you have other insurance, I am happy to provide an itemized statement so that you can be reimbursed for my services as an out-of-network provider. You’ll need to check with your insurance company for specifics about their out-of-network coverage. *as of September 30, 2020
Do you accept those without insurance?
Yes. Those who wish to pay out of pocket are welcome. I can provide an itemized statement if you plan to use a Health Savings Account (HSA) or a Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
Are there forms I should complete before my first appointment?
Yes, here are links to my Client Intake Form and my Consent Form. You can print these, fill them out, and email to me or bring them to your first appointment if you’d like. If not, please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment time to complete them. Be sure to read What to Expect at your first visit.
Do you have a cancellation policy?
Yes. We request 48 hours notice to reschedule or cancel an appointment. A minimum of 24 hour notice of cancellation is required. Appointments cancelled less than 24 hours prior to a scheduled appointment will be billed at my full fee rate.
What is your privacy policy?
The confidentiality of client records and your privacy are very important to me. When you come for your first appointment, you will receive a copy of my privacy practices that gives detailed information about this. In general, I will not reveal any information about my clients unless they authorize me to do so or if there’s some identifiable and imminent danger of harm to themselves or others. I am fully compliant with HIPAA privacy regulations and with the ethical code of the American Psychological Association.
What number should I call in an emergency?
If you are in crisis, and are having trouble reaching me, call 9-1-1 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately.