A good faith estimate is an estimate of expected healthcare charges based on information gathered from our initial meeting. It was initiated based on the “No Surprises Act” which began January 1, 2022 and is designed to protect patients from receiving unexpected medical bills. Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services. You can ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you may submit a dispute.  Be sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises. 

I understand that families undergo challenging times when dissolution occurs. It is the Practice’s policy that both parents/legal guardians consent to services in order for a child to receive services. At times, this may be challenging and certain circumstances may make this difficult. Please contact me with any questions or concerns about this policy and your particular situation.

I do not prescribe medication. However, there are several psychiatrists with whom I collaborate. I am happy to refer you to a trusted colleague who can help in this way. While often therapy can be sufficient, in some cases, medication can be a helpful addition. Research shows that psychotherapy can be just as effective as medication when it comes to most struggles people face. A combination of both has also proven to be effective for many. If medication is of interest to you, and only with your permission,  I am happy to facilitate communication and coordinate care with your current medical providers, and/or  provide an appropriate referral.

In some cases, a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action. Working with a psychiatrist or your medical doctor you can determine what’s best for you. It is well established that the long-term solution to mental and emotional problems and the pain they cause cannot be solved solely by medication. Instead of just treating the symptom, therapy addresses the cause of distress and the behavior patterns that interfere.  You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness.

I understand that life happens- I kindly ask that you provide at least 24 hours notice to cancel/reschedule. Due to the demand for sessions and respect of time scheduled, you will be charged the full fee for canceled sessions with less than 24 hours notice.

Licensure laws are intended to protect the public by limiting licensure to those persons qualified to practice psychology as defined by law. The state of Florida permits basically five types of mental health clinicians to become licensed and provide services to the public. Below are some basic descriptions of the various disciplines.

Licensed Clinical Psychologists (PhD & PsyD):

An individual who has earned a doctorate in clinical or counseling psychology and is licensed by the state as a psychologist. A psychologist can work in multiple therapeutic modalities (psychoanalysis, cognitive-behavioral therapy, marriage counseling, etc.), Psychologists are experts in the areas of human behavior, psychological assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. They employ empirically validated interventions to help patients adaptively change their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

Licensed Psychiatrists (MD or DO):

An individual who has earned a medical degree and is able to prescribe medication for mental health disorders (depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, etc.). Most psychiatrists only engage in medication management; however, some engage in psychotherapy (those who do on a regular basis tend to be also trained in psychoanalysis). Psychiatrists are commonly confused with psychologists. A psychiatrist attends medical school then branches off into the specialization of psychiatry. Psychiatrists hold a M.D. or D.O. with prescription writing privileges. Psychiatrists have limited training in psychotherapy and psychological assessment.

School Psychologists (Psy.S):

School psychology uses the same principles of clinical psychology but specifically focuses on helping school aged children succeed. Similar to clinical [child] psychologists, school psychologists conduct testing and therapy; they are trained on a variety of counseling techniques to meet various needs of youth. School psychologists are experts in determining a students eligibility for school services via psychoeducational testing, as their training focused on assisting students in the school system. Additionally, school psychologist can provide targeted treatment objectives and accommodations to support a students success in school. They also have experience working with educators in redesigning educational programs to better serve the needs of the student.

Psychoanalyst: An individual who has completed additional training in an intensive form of psychotherapy beyond his or her masters, doctorate, or medical degree. Psychoanalysts are trained to treat people in psychoanalysis and in psychoanalytic psychotherapy. Psychoanalysts can be trained in psychology, psychiatry, social work, counseling, or marriage and family therapy (as their primary degree).

Social Worker/Counselor/Marriage and Family Therapists:

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT): A LMFT is a therapist with a Master’s or Doctoral Degree in family/marital counseling and specializes in serving persons seeking assistance with interpersonal relationships.

Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC): A LMHC is a counselor with a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling or a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology and has received training in counseling and psychotherapy techniques.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW): A LCSW is a counselor with a Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work.  The social work framework is holistic taking into account not only the individual’s psychological makeup, but also societal and environmental factors that can impact mental health.

Non-licensed Counselors:

Life Coach: Life coaching is often a weekend course which is not a regulated practice meaning there are no education and training requirements or oversight by any licensure board. A life coach many have a Certification in life coaching without any other training/ clinical experience.

Therapy is an investment of time, money and energy- however it is an investment in yourself and your ability to become aware of negative patterns, an ability to engage in alternate perspective taking, the fostering of concrete psychological tools and interventions to foster new more effective thoughts and behaviors. This ability to think and behave more effectively– can profoundly and positively impact your future relationships, your work, your health, and even your finances. I view the investment in therapy as an act of self-care since it improves one’s overall well-being and perception of success in life.