Frequently asked questions:

1. How do I know if my child or family would benefit from therapy or counseling?

Therapy is always beneficial. When a child has inappropriate behavior, behavioral management techniques can help shape his or her behavior into more appropriate behavior. Therapists can determine and differentiate between normal and inappropriate behaviors. If you or your child is unhappy, anxious, or emotionally distressed or going through a difficult time such as a divorce, therapy would be incredibly beneficial. The goal of therapy is to enable a family or an individual to function normally by receiving the support he or she needs. If you still aren’t sure about therapy, I offer a 30 minute phone consultation at no charge.

2. What should I expect from our first contact?

After you get in touch with me, we will schedule a phone consultation. During this conversation, we will discuss your background and your needs. During this consultation, you can also ask me questions about my work and methods. At the end of this conversation, we will set up an appointment to meet with me if you are interested.

3. What should I expect from the first session?

For the first session, I recommend that the individual (the child or adult) come in with their family or support system. The first session is longer than a usual session so that I can get to know you or your child and so that I can address any questions that you might have for me about the process of therapy.

4. What is your theoretical orientation (therapeutic approach)?

My therapeutic approach is multidimensional - I use psychodynamic, family systems, interpersonal, relational, behavioral, cognitive behavioral, and play therapy (with young children) approaches. Understanding the individual and his or her background is the most important factor in being able to address his or her needs via therapy.

5. Why do you assign homework between sessions?

There a few things that I ask the patient to do each week so that what we cover in therapy is further reinforced and enhanced.

6. How often will we need to come to therapy?

I usually meet with patients on a weekly basis. If the patient is a child, then I might choose to meet with the parents every other week as well.

7. How long will treatment last?

Therapy is an ongoing process. It often takes some time to remove the problems that have been developing over a long period of time. It is difficult to say exactly how long treatment will last, but by our third session, I will have a treatment plan with target dates for certain goals. After these goals are met, then we will meet monthly a few times to make sure that everything is going well. After we ascertain that things are going as they should, we can cease to meet regularly. Of course, even after this, if you feel you need anything else, you can always come back.

8. Do you bill the insurance company for the services ?

Yes, we do. However, if the insurance does not cover the services or if there is a deductible the person is responsible for the payment.

9. Do you provide telehealth services?

Yes we do offer telehealth services.

10. What is the difference between a psychologist, psychiatrist, social worker, and a licensed professional counselor?

The main difference between these is the level of education achieved. A licensed psychologist, such as myself, has earned a doctorate degree in psychology, has passed the three licensing exams, and has completed 2 years of post doctorate supervision. Only after these requirements have been met does the state of Texas allow someone to work as a licensed psychologist. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can prescribe psychopharmacology (medication). A social worker and licensed professional counselor usually have masters degrees and have their own requirements for licensing.