(301) 335-1954
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
I expect and encourage that you ask many questions when choosing a Psychologist.
Here are some answers to the questions I receive the most. If you can’t find what you are looking for, please get in touch and ask.
What should I expect during the initial phone consultation?
Please allow 10 - 15 minutes for this telephone appointment. During the initial phone consultation, I’ll want to know what prompted you to seek help at this time and what type of help you are seeking. I will also ask you a few questions to learn about you as a unique individual and I will also answer any questions that you may have for me. If you feel that you would like to meet me and I feel that I can be of help, we can make an appointment for the initial session and discuss both in-person and secure videoconferencing options. I will also ask you to complete some forms for basic information prior to our initial meeting.
What should I expect during the intake session?
Our initial meeting is 60 minutes. During the initial phone consultation, I’ll want to know what prompted you to seek help at this time and what type of help you are seeking. I will also ask you a few questions to learn about you as a unique individual and I will also answer any questions that you may have for me. If you feel that you would like to meet me and I feel that I can be of help, we can make an appointment for the initial session and discuss both in-person and secure videoconferencing options. I will also ask you to complete some forms for basic information prior to our initial meeting.
Sometimes that first meeting can be the most difficult one as you may be talking about things that are emotionally painful or difficult to delve into. One of the most important aspects to an effective therapeutic relationship is feeling like you can talk openly with your therapist. It can take courage to open up to another person, but most people experience some sense of relief after that initial meeting.
Do you provide telehealth?
I provide online therapy to patients in Maryland and Washington, DC via videoconferencing. During the COVID public health crisis, all services will be telehealth unless both you and I agree to conduct one or more sessions in-person. I use doxy.me which is HIPPA compliant for all telehealth appointments. You will use your computer or mobile device to check-in to sessions using a link to my waiting room.
Are my sessions confidential?
Everything you share with me is strictly confidential. I am the only person who maintains your clinical record, answers my voice mail, and responds to e-mail. If you want something shared with another professional, institution, or person in your life, I will ask you to provide written consent and specify what you want communicated.
How long does therapy take?
Psychotherapy is a very individualized process and individuals move at a different pace. The duration depends on your presenting problems(s) and goals. Treatment varies from just a few sessions to several months. I endeavor to provide the most effective treatment in the shortest amount of time needed for you to achieve your goals. Sessions are usually once a week, but can be as often as twice a week during a crisis or just monthly as a check-in or "booster". My goal is to empower you to function better on your own and not to keep you as a patient forever. Some of my patients successfully complete treatment and return again months or years later after facing a new stressor to resume treatment.
What is your approach to psychotherapy?
I practice evidence-informed (research supported) psychotherapy approaches taking into consideration the unique needs of the individual or family that I am working with and their values, preferences, and strengths. I have been trained in cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal, emotion focused, and attached based psychotherapies as well as motivational interviewing which offers me a range of tools and techniques to work with you and your presenting problems in an effective way. I tailor your treatment to your individual needs.
My approach is flexible and my style is direct and engaging. Most of my patients experience me as warm, empathic, and attuned. I strive to really get to know you and figure out how I can be helpful to you.
I may intermittently suggest “homework” between sessions which may be as simple as reflecting more about certain things that we have discussed in the session or reading a book that I think may be helpful. Depending on your presenting problem, I may ask you to keep a diary of your thoughts, reactions, or interactions. As we progress, I will ask you to try out new ways of relating and responding with your partner, children, family, or co-workers. I may notice and bring up things that I observe in our sessions in order for you to achieve a deeper understanding of your thoughts and emotions.
I work well with a variety of different personalities and individuals from varied socio-cultural backgrounds. I am comfortable with and affirming of LGBT clients. My work with adolescents often includes family involvement.
Do you take insurance?
I am not an in-network provider with any insurance panels. I provide a statement of services monthly (also known as a "superbill") which you may then submit to your insurance company for reimbursement of my services as an out-of-network provider.
Have a question that was left unanswered? Get in touch with me today.