Yes, therapy has been proven to help people get better! Research indicates that people who have sought the help of professionals tend to feel better than those who struggle alone. The American Psychological Association states that therapy is effective in reducing symptoms and in managing emotional problems. Click here to learn more.
I provide a variety of psychological and counseling services to the individuals and families I treat. Individual therapy is more common, however, couples counseling and family therapy is something I also recommend, depending on your unique treatment needs and availability.
Therapy is a collaborative process and treatment duration really depends on a number of issues, including the individual's desire to feel better. Other factors play a role, such as social support, life stressors, willingness to change, and amount of insight. Some issues only require short-term treatment, such as simple phobias, while other problems may take longer to resolve. This might include such concerns as Bipolar Disorder or Personality Disorders. The most important thing to remember, however, is that it is "progress not perfection" that counts!
Most individual appointments are 45-minutes in duration. I may also recommend a 90-minute session for family or couples' therapy, because there is often more to cover!
No, not unless you give written permission for your private information to be released. I may, however, ask for your permission to share your information with other professionals, such as your psychiatrist, in an effort to provide continuity of care. Please note that your information is not shared with anyone inside or outside of my office without your permission.
If you would like for me to communicate with a doctor or someone else about your treatment, then you would sign a release of information stating who you would like for me to talk to and what you would like for me to say. The same holds true for employers, family members, or anyone outside of my office: they cannot have access to your records without your written permission.
Therapy is confidential with a few exceptions. That is, I am obligated to breach confidentiality any time danger to self or others is indicated. This includes harm to children or elders. If this is the case, then for safety reasons, I must break your confidentiality. Otherwise, what we discuss is confidential and private.
Please bring in anything that you feel would help me in formulating your treatment plan. This might include past psychological reports, grades, writing samples, or art work. If treatment is for your child, for example, then bringing in your son or daughter's Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is very helpful.
Yes, couples and/or family therapy is often an important part of an effective treatment plan.
I am currently unable to communicate via Spanish on a level that would be appropriate for therapy. While I am frequently working to sharpen my clinical skills, including my Spanish speaking abilities, I unfortunately do not presently provide this service. However, I know several well qualified professionals who are bilingual, and I would be happy to provide you with some proper referals.
I do not prescribe medication, but may assist you in obtaining medication from a licensed professional should you need this additional care. I know, have met, and work with several physicians in the local community who I trust with your medical needs.
ADD/ADHD?
School Frustration?
---Yes!---
