| Frequently Asked Questions What kind of therapist are you? What difference is there between a psychologist and other kinds of therapists? I am a state-licensed psychologist. In Idaho, a psychologist must have a doctorate degree in psychology (or closely related doctoral degree). Psychologists are trained in the practice of psychotherapy or counseling. In addition, they are specialists in the scientific evaluation of clinical data. They are also trained to both use and understand specialized tests for psychological measurement and testing, such as I.Q. tests or personality inventories. (If you want to know what kind of therapist I personally am, please see my r�sum�.) Psychologists try to understand human behavior in an integrated, multi-dimensional fashion. How do I know if I need therapy? How do I choose a therapist? Therapy and counseling are sought for numerous reasons: an immediate problem, mandate from a government agency, personal self-exploration, among others. Usually this question is asked when someone feels they already need some kind of help, but aren't sure if their problems are either normal, will go away, or are capable of self-solution. I have noticed that people will live with a lot of pain before they seek help from someone. Going to see a therapist is a sign of personal strength and wisdom, a recognition of the importance you give to yourself and your well-being. The stigma of seeking psychological help is unfortunately part of what we are typically taught in this society, but in therapy you will find acceptance, as well as, hopefully, the help you desire. Of course, you can always try self-evaluation inventories found in numerous magazines or books. I have one on Depression elsewhere on this website. I also have information on this site about coping with stress and anxiety. The bottom line is that if you bothered by problems with emotions or behaviors, if your ability (as Freud once noted) to love and/or work are being negatively affected, then you may need some kind of mental health intervention. Millions of people seek or have sought this kind of help, with very positive results. Choosing a therapist is a very personal decision. I suggest checking out the APA's brochure on this topic, "Talk to Someone Who Can Help". (You can order it by clicking on the link in the previous sentence.) From my standpoint, a therapist should be professional, honest, easy to understand, non-judgmental, and non-punitive. There may be some special quality or characteristic you desire in a therapist. Try to give the new therapy relationship a little time before you make up your mind about whether it's for you or not. Give feedback to your therapist, and see how you feel about the dialogue that ensues. Listen to your feelings. Therapy can be challenging and even at times seem threatening. The quality of the feedback from the therapist, the safety he or she provides, will probably go a long way in helping you decide whether that therapist is right for you or not. (And, by the way, seeing multiple therapists at the same time is not a good way to make the best decision. In my experience, it's confusing for both client and therapist(s), and interferes with producing the kind of atmosphere and relationship with a professional helper that is conducive to positive change.) How much does therapy cost? Isn't it expensive? And by the way... how much do you charge? Do you accept insurance? I charge $105 per consultation hour. I do not offer "free" first sessions (though, after our initial consultation, if you are unhappy or don't want to work with me, I won't insist you pay for that first hour). I think therapy is a bargain, but why should you believe me? Well, read on and see what you think. Most people get their maximum benefit from therapy in anything from one session to three to six months of therapy. (See Consumer Reports (1995), "Mental health: Does therapy help?" pp. 734-739). Therapy at a low-fee clinic may be had for as little as $25-$35 an hour -- though often there is a waiting list, or the therapy is with trainees, and there is usually a time limit. What about insurance? While I believe third-party payers, such as insurance companies, can potentially interfere with effective treatment and raise issues around confidentiality, I usually will accept indemnity insurance, such as Blue Cross sometimes offers. I am also a Preferred Provider on panels for Blue Shield . Also, I cannot promise that other insurance or HMO policies will reimburse any fees or costs incurred in treatment with me. Please read your insurance policy carefully or contact your insurance provider so you know what your benefits do and do not provide. Do you do couples therapy? (And what if my spouse, partner, etc., doesn't want to go!?) I regularly work with couples, both married and not, who are struggling with issues of intimacy, jealousy, commitment, anger, and trust. I usually have evening hours, as often one or both partners work. My orientation is to increase understanding of the couple's relationship patterns, and decrease destructive (but all-too-human) tendencies to focus on blame and guilt. My work with individuals in a relationship is non-judgmental. There is no relationship that is not without its problems. I have found that working with couples in counseling to achieve better understanding, better communications, and acceptable expectations can profoundly affect the quality of the relationship. But, there is no guarantee that couples therapy will heal old wounds or patch up a crumbling relationship. Expectations about the therapy are discussed at the outset. Participants can be expected to be treated as two adults, with respect for the life course and goals of each of the partners. Couples therapy can be very challenging, even an adventure in self-discovery. (See my web page on Relationship Problems.) If you wish to discuss this more, please feel free to call me at my office: 208-743-4680 How do I make an appointment? Call us directly at 208-743-4680. If you leave a message, give me a phone number to reach you at, and a couple of good times you are available to talk (the better to avoid "phone tag"). We will return your call usually within a few hours, at minimum within 24 hours. Or you can e-mail us at [email protected] We check our e-mail at least once a day, but we may not get back to you as quickly as by phone. Generally, We will be able to see you the same week as you call. We have office hours days, evenings, and on occasion Saturdays. Do you do psychological assessments (testing)? Yes, we do. . Fees for testing are generally higher than for therapy, as this work requires time outside of the testing hour (for scoring, evaluation, writing up results, etc.). Testing is usually done to evaluate mental and emotional functioning, memory, learning disabilities, and personality characteristics. Testing is often required to document certain kinds of disability (e.g. court-ordered evaluations, workers compensation, etc.). http://geocities.yahoo.com/http://geocities.yahoo.com/javascript:;javascript:;javascript:;javascript:; |