How Can I Help You?


       Some problems can be significantly improved with short-term help. Other problems will require a longer term commitment to therapy. It is difficult to predict the course of therapy without an in-person assessment. In your initial assessment I will spend approximately 75 minutes with you exploring the problems you are facing and developing a treatment plan for you.

 



How Do We Get Started?

       I offer a comprehensive assessment to help you decide what treatment would be most helpful and to outline both the potential benefits and risks of considering psychological therapy. I may not always be the best resource for you in which case I will make a referral to the best treatment option. In some cases, clients will need both psychological help (which I provide) and psychiatric medications (which need to be prescribed by a psychiatrist by referral).
 



What Can I Expect?

     You will be asked to provide some initial information over the telephone to help me evaluate your best treatment options. You will then be scheduled for an initial 75 minute assessment session.

     Please arrive at my office about 30 minutes before your first appointment. You will be asked to complete some initial information including a questionnaire. You will be asked to review and sign a form describing important office policies such as handling of emergencies, protection and use of confidential information and limits to confidentiality as well as a "Notice of Privacy Practices" which tells you about how your information can be used.

     In the initial session I will spend time getting to know you, try to answer any questions you have and will review basic assessment and psychotherapy procedures and expectations. A part of this initial discussion will be about client confidentiality and the legal limits to protected confidential information.

    After two to three initial meetings I will summarize the problems we have been discussing and will discuss possible treatment options for you. I am interested in developing a collaborative helpful relationship with you in which we try to decide together what kind of treatment would be best for you. However, not every problem will be best suited for continuing therapy with me. I will make decisions based on what I believe will be best for you and make any referrals that are needed.

 To maximize your benefit from our first session please visit my First Session page for more information.
 



What Is "Evidence Based" Psychological Treatment?

       I am dedicated to providing "evidence-based" psychological treatment. What does this mean? This means that I use the most effective approaches to treatment based upon the best scientific evidence available. As an academic, clinical and research psychologist associated with the Pacific Graduate School of Psychology, I keep up to date on the newest and most effective treatments available.
 



What Is The Cost For Psychological Services?

       I provide an extended 75 minute initial assessment at a cost of $225 and ongoing psychotherapy sessions (45-50 minutes) at a cost of $150 per visit.