What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?

Psychiatrists generally handle medication. Some psychiatrists may do brief psychotherapy. Psychologists do psychotherapy (counseling), and psychological testing. Counselors do some psychotherapy and some assessments. 

How do I schedule an appointment? Can I just do it over the internet?

The easiest way is to call our office. We have a live person answer the phone – they will be able to check any insurance you are using, discuss times and dates available, give directions, etc.

Why are therapy (counseling) and psychological evaluations so expensive?

The training and experience needed to become good at psychotherapy and to understand psychological testing requires many years of schooling and practice. When you are in psychotherapy or the subject of a psychological evaluation, you are benefiting from what may be decades of professional experience.

My psychologist does not take my insurance, why is that?

Each professional chooses what insurance companies they contract with, and some insurance panels are not taking any new professionals as providers. If your psychologist chooses to not be on an insurance panel, it may be because the fees paid are low, it takes too long for that company to process payments, etc. If an insurance panel is closed, your psychologist may not have an option to take that particular insurance. There may also be a service that your psychologist provides that is not covered by insurance at all – generally this is EEG based Biofeedback, educational assessments, or court referred psychological evaluations.

I got my paperwork from my insurance company, and it looks like they have taken months to process my therapy bills – did your office send them in much later?

When you use your health insurance to pay for therapy, we are providing those services with the hope that your insurance company will process the bills as soo n as they come in. Often it takes insurance companies weeks or months to take care of those bills. 

I wanted to bring my child in to see my therapist as well – but the counselor declined – why?

Some psychologists/therapists choose to see only one member of a household/extended family/friend group. Your counselor will try to maintain your privacy about what you talk about during sessions, and your therapist will certainly learn plenty about you - it may be too complicated to keep your matters separated from your family member’s.

When out in public I saw my psychologist, but they acted like they did not know me.

Professional ethics for psychologists guide our behaviors. We are not allowed to let anyone know that you are our patient – unless you give us permission in writing. 

I have been in counseling for a few weeks, how long does it take for my depression to go away?

Everyone is different. How long it takes for your depression to clear up depends on many factors. Do not be afraid to ask your psychologist questions about what to expect. 

Recently I needed more time to keep talking about my troubles, but my psychologist said we had to stop for the day. I thought that sessions would end when I felt better.

Please remember that you have a standard therapy hour (45-50 minutes), and that after you leave the office your psychologist will write a short note in your chart, then probably greet another patient. 

I think that I need counseling sessions in my home, or over the phone, is that available?

Arrangements vary by insurance plan, and your psychologist’s preference. Most psychologists do not make house calls, as travel time between appointments would eat up half a working day. 

Are first appointments free?

Generally, your psychologist will bill for each session, including the intake.

I thought that my insurance paid for all the fees . – Almost all insurance includes copays or deductibles. That means that you are responsible for part of the fees for sessions. 

My psychologist asked me to do ‘homework’ – I wasn’t expecting that.

In order for psychotherapy to work well, it takes effort on your part. One hour a week of work on your issues is not enough – to make changes in your life, it will probably be necessary for you to practice new habits every day. 

I believe that I need several sessions a week, because I am in crisis.

Often, psychologists will offer weekly appointments, at the most. If your case is unusual and more frequent sessions may help – insurance generally will not pay for the extra sessions.

I have heard about EEG based Biofeedback, is it too good to be true?

You are welcome to contact Dr. Molly Allen if you would like more information about EEG based Biofeedback (Neurofeedback). It can be a helpful method for addressing traumatic brain injury effects, mood problems (depression, anxiety), emotional trauma, sleep issues, chronic physical pain, irritability, etc.