Question: How long until I see a doctor? Are you taking new patients.
Answer: If you are in an emergency, do not wait: dial 911 immediately. In non-emergency situations, we are able to provide you with an appointment within 2-3 business days, sometimes less. Please contact us at (860) 502-4908 for an appointment. And yes, we are accepting new patients!
Question: I have never seen a psychologist before, what should I expect?
Answer: If you are seeking services for a child, you may anticipate that the first session will be held with you and other caregivers who will participate in the treatment. During the first session, the therapist will discuss confidentiality limits and obtain background information covering you or your child’s life history. It is often helpful to have available the names and dosages of current medications, copies of any previous psychological test reports, names of current doctors and teachers, a most recent report card, and anything else you feel is important for your therapist to review. Since each therapist structures their sessions with due concern for your needs, not everything may be covered during your first visit. The initial sessions are mostly getting to know you and your situation, and it often takes a few sessions before we can begin working on the issues at hand.
Question: What ages do you see?
Answer: We are able to provide psychologist testing for persons ages 2 through geriatric. Psychotherapy is available to toddlers, tweens, teens, adults and elder adults.
Question: Do you treat Autism? Bipolar Disorder? ADHD? Depression? PTSD? Aspergers? Selective Mutism? Anxiety? Social Phobia? School Anxiety? Work Stress? Marriage Stress? Family Problems? Sexual Dysfunction? Eating Disorders? _____?
Answer: Our clinical staff has training in a wide spectrum of psychological difficulties from mild stress through severe mental illness. Please contact us directly so we can discuss your concerns and help you decide whether we are the right place for you or your child.
Question: How do you do therapy with a four year old?
Answer: Like adults, children say more in play and actions than with words. With children play is not only a way of communicating but is a way of being in the world. Psychologists use play to explore and redirect a child in their experience of the world. Play is a means to teach and heal as well as to shape behaviors. The use of play therapy differs between therapists yet most will agree that play is used to express and master feelings as well as to work through traumatic experiences associated with these feelings. For more information about play therapy please consult with your clinician who can provide specific details regarding how treatment will address your child’s specific needs.
Question: Do you prescribe medication?
Answer: In general, Psychiatrists prescribe medication while Psychologists perform psychotherapy and assessment. When medication appears necessary we refer to a psychiatrist or other physician to consult with you further in that regard.
Question: How long does a therapy session last?
Answer: Psychologists usually meet for 50 minute sessions with their clients, and typically clients are seen once a week. For children, therapists may use some time from that session to meet with parents.
Question: How long will it take for us to see results?
Answer: Current research suggests that most people in psychotherapy experience relief from symptoms within four to six months in treatment. During the initial four to five sessions the therapist is gathering information and developing a basic understanding of the presenting issues and family dynamics. Several additional sessions then establish a strong therapeutic bond and alliance in the atmosphere of safety and trust which fosters growth and interpersonal development. With children, establishing a trusting relationship can take substantial time, especially if there is a history of trauma or mistrust. Yet as this foundation solidifies the therapeutic process takes hold and over time meaningful behavior and personality changes begin to unfold. Sometimes the benefits of psychotherapy are experienced very soon into treatment, and other times it is necessary to have patience and work closely with the child's therapist to promote personal change and growth as best as possible. Discussing these concerns further with your child's therapist is encouraged.
Question: What if I am late or do not call to cancel and do not show?
Answer: If you are late you will be missing out on valuable time that would have been used addressing your needs. Help us to help you by being here promptly at the scheduled meeting times. If you must be late, please phone ahead to your clinician to advise us as much in advance as possible. Unless extenuating circumstances apply, our policy is to apply a “NO-SHOW” charge for those who have scheduled appointments and do not attend. Not showing for your appointments takes time away from others who would have wanted that time to get help for themselves or their children. Please be respectful of your clinician and other people by phoning ahead when you must cancel, even if you must call at the last minute.
Question: How much does therapy cost? Will my insurance cover treatment costs?
Answer: Health Insurance Benefits vary so it is difficult to determine your out-of-pocket expense without researching your current policy and your needs. Visit our rates page for further fee schedule information.
Question: My child has a birthday party next week and we need to cancel, what do we do?
Answer: Although it is important for children to participate in fun and healthy activities, it is extremely important that you work with your therapist as much in advance as possible to reschedule your treatment appointments in order to avoid missing weeks between sessions. Missing appointments often weakens the continuity of care, especially when there is no anticipation or preparation for the missed appointment.
Question: My spouse and I are divorced. My spouse does not want my child in treatment what do I do?
Answer: Please let your clinician know as soon as possible when such circumstances arise. It is important for us to know when these needs arise and our clinicians will help you address these concerns in a way that is most effective for your child’s needs. Questions like these are really legal issues that are best addressed to an attorney.
Question: If my insurance does not cover the bill, what happens?
Answer: Ultimately you are responsible for your charges, and although insurance companies may provide reimbursement for services the financial responsibility is ultimately yours. Please work with our expert billing administrator to assist you in determining the limits of coverage for your insurance policy.
Question: Can I drop my child off for their sessions or at least leave them alone while they are in session and pick them up later?
Answer: We respectfully request that you do not leave your children under age 14 unattended. Very young children, especially during the earlier stages of treatment, are likely to need you to remain immediately present throughout the entire session. If you must leave for any reason please make arrangements with your therapist in advance.
Question: Do you see adults?
Answer: Yes. We provide testing children as young as age two, as well as adults and elders. We provide therapy to children ages 3+ as well as adults and elders also.
Question: Can you test for ADHD?
Answer: Yes.
Question: Can you test for Learning Disabilities?
Answer: Yes.
Question: Do you test for brain injury or impairment?
Answer: Yes.
Question: Can you test for ______?
Answer: Most likely, Yes. There are very few types of psychological / neuropsychological evaluation that cannot be performed here.
Question:Can you help me with parenting techniques?
Answer: Yes.
Question: Do you offer tutoring services?
Answer: Not yet... stay tuned!
