What is the difference between a therapist and a psychologist?
The term "psychologist" is regulated by law and is reserved to individuals who completed a Doctoral degree in psychology (either a PsyD or a PhD) and have passed their state's licensing exam, awarding them a license to practice psychology. The term "therapist" is more general, and includes other mental health professionals such as social workers, marriage and family therapists, professional counselors, etc. Because the term "therapist" is not regulated by law, even individuals with no specific mental health training can call themselves a therapist. Before picking a therapist, make sure the person has been licensed to provide therapy.
What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?
Someone practicing psychology has earned a doctorate degree that is either a PhD or a PsyD, whereas someone practicing psychiatry is a Medical Doctor. Because psychiatrists are trained medical doctors, they can prescribe medications, and they spend much of their time with patients on medication management as a course of treatment.
Psychologists focus extensively on psychotherapy and treating emotional and mental suffering in patients by using behavioral interventions. Psychologists DO NOT prescribe medications in most states. Psychologists are also qualified to conduct psychological testing.
How to pick the right therapist for me?
After you have made sure that the person has basic credentials to provide therapy, the most important factor is "the fit" between you and the therapist. Do you feel heard and understood by your therapist? Do you feel that the therapists understands your goals and will help you progress towards them? Are you able to discuss with your therapist how things are going in sessions and make adjustments if something is not working? Overall, research demonstrates that the strong relationship between therapist and client is most predictive of your therapeutic success.
Do you prescribe medications?
No, I am not a Medical Doctor and do not prescribe medications. I do work closely with several psychiatrists in the area, and would be happy to provide a referral for you, if we decide that medication could be helpful in your particular situation.
Can you provide me with paperwork for my employer, disability, school, court, etc.?
Because my primary interest is to establish a therapeutic relationship with you, in order to help you live more balanced and happy life, I do not routinely fill out paperwork for disability, DFCS, lawyers, courts, schools, workplaces, etc. Of course, if in the course of our therapeutic work together a need for such paperwork arises, we can discuss this to see if I am the right person to assist you with such paperwork. However, I do not feel comfortable with filling out such forms or writing letters on your behalf unless I have had regular contacts with you over the course of at least 2 months (approximately 4-6 sessions).
What does a session cost?
$150 per 50-minute session. I accept BCBS (Blue Cross Blue Shield) and TRICARE insurance. I am out-of-network for other insurance providers. However, upon request, I can provide a superbill that you may use to file with your insurance for potential reimbursement and I can help you with this process.
What forms of payment do you accept?
All major credit and debit cards / HSA's.
What is your cancellation policy?
You will receive a text/e-mail reminder of your appointment at 10:00 am the day prior. Cancellations received after 3:00 pm the day prior will be charged a full session cost as the time scheduled for you is dedicated to you.
How do on-line sessions work?
The day prior to your session you will receive an e-mail with a link to use to enter the session.
Sessions can be accessed using a PC, tablet, or smartphone. There is no need to download any software or app - just click on the link provided in the e-mail. Google Chrome or Firefox are the recommended browsers. Sessions are conducted on a secure and HIPPA compliant software hosted by the Theranest practice management. If you will be using your phone to log in to the session, please put it on Do Not Disturb, as incoming phone calls will disrupt the session.
Although technology issues with the virtual sessions are rare, if the session is interrupted, disconnect from the session and I will call you at the number you provide or you can call my office at (706-399-2570). If we are unable to reestablish a virtual connection quickly, we might need to finish the session over the phone.
Because telepsychology sessions take place outside of the therapist’s private office, there is potential for other people to overhear our conversation. It is crucially important that you make sure to find a private place for our session where you will not be interrupted. It is also important for you to protect the privacy of our session on your cell phone or other device. You should participate in therapy only while in a room or area where other people are not present and cannot overhear the conversation. On my end, I conduct sessions from a private office with a sound machine outside my door to protect your confidentiality.
While I adore both children and pets, I have found that they can create a distraction from the therapy process. For this reason, I request that children and/or pets are not present in your room while you are in the session, unless you are certain that your pet will remain calm and unobtrusive during your session.
You may choose to join the session from your car, if this would be the best option for your confidentiality. However, as effective therapy requires your full presence and focus, I request that you not drive during a telehealth session.
I don't see the question I have listed.
Feel free to call us at 706-399-2570 or email ([email protected]) your question and we will be glad to answer it as soon as possible.
The term "psychologist" is regulated by law and is reserved to individuals who completed a Doctoral degree in psychology (either a PsyD or a PhD) and have passed their state's licensing exam, awarding them a license to practice psychology. The term "therapist" is more general, and includes other mental health professionals such as social workers, marriage and family therapists, professional counselors, etc. Because the term "therapist" is not regulated by law, even individuals with no specific mental health training can call themselves a therapist. Before picking a therapist, make sure the person has been licensed to provide therapy.
What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?
Someone practicing psychology has earned a doctorate degree that is either a PhD or a PsyD, whereas someone practicing psychiatry is a Medical Doctor. Because psychiatrists are trained medical doctors, they can prescribe medications, and they spend much of their time with patients on medication management as a course of treatment.
Psychologists focus extensively on psychotherapy and treating emotional and mental suffering in patients by using behavioral interventions. Psychologists DO NOT prescribe medications in most states. Psychologists are also qualified to conduct psychological testing.
How to pick the right therapist for me?
After you have made sure that the person has basic credentials to provide therapy, the most important factor is "the fit" between you and the therapist. Do you feel heard and understood by your therapist? Do you feel that the therapists understands your goals and will help you progress towards them? Are you able to discuss with your therapist how things are going in sessions and make adjustments if something is not working? Overall, research demonstrates that the strong relationship between therapist and client is most predictive of your therapeutic success.
Do you prescribe medications?
No, I am not a Medical Doctor and do not prescribe medications. I do work closely with several psychiatrists in the area, and would be happy to provide a referral for you, if we decide that medication could be helpful in your particular situation.
Can you provide me with paperwork for my employer, disability, school, court, etc.?
Because my primary interest is to establish a therapeutic relationship with you, in order to help you live more balanced and happy life, I do not routinely fill out paperwork for disability, DFCS, lawyers, courts, schools, workplaces, etc. Of course, if in the course of our therapeutic work together a need for such paperwork arises, we can discuss this to see if I am the right person to assist you with such paperwork. However, I do not feel comfortable with filling out such forms or writing letters on your behalf unless I have had regular contacts with you over the course of at least 2 months (approximately 4-6 sessions).
What does a session cost?
$150 per 50-minute session. I accept BCBS (Blue Cross Blue Shield) and TRICARE insurance. I am out-of-network for other insurance providers. However, upon request, I can provide a superbill that you may use to file with your insurance for potential reimbursement and I can help you with this process.
What forms of payment do you accept?
All major credit and debit cards / HSA's.
What is your cancellation policy?
You will receive a text/e-mail reminder of your appointment at 10:00 am the day prior. Cancellations received after 3:00 pm the day prior will be charged a full session cost as the time scheduled for you is dedicated to you.
How do on-line sessions work?
The day prior to your session you will receive an e-mail with a link to use to enter the session.
Sessions can be accessed using a PC, tablet, or smartphone. There is no need to download any software or app - just click on the link provided in the e-mail. Google Chrome or Firefox are the recommended browsers. Sessions are conducted on a secure and HIPPA compliant software hosted by the Theranest practice management. If you will be using your phone to log in to the session, please put it on Do Not Disturb, as incoming phone calls will disrupt the session.
Although technology issues with the virtual sessions are rare, if the session is interrupted, disconnect from the session and I will call you at the number you provide or you can call my office at (706-399-2570). If we are unable to reestablish a virtual connection quickly, we might need to finish the session over the phone.
Because telepsychology sessions take place outside of the therapist’s private office, there is potential for other people to overhear our conversation. It is crucially important that you make sure to find a private place for our session where you will not be interrupted. It is also important for you to protect the privacy of our session on your cell phone or other device. You should participate in therapy only while in a room or area where other people are not present and cannot overhear the conversation. On my end, I conduct sessions from a private office with a sound machine outside my door to protect your confidentiality.
While I adore both children and pets, I have found that they can create a distraction from the therapy process. For this reason, I request that children and/or pets are not present in your room while you are in the session, unless you are certain that your pet will remain calm and unobtrusive during your session.
You may choose to join the session from your car, if this would be the best option for your confidentiality. However, as effective therapy requires your full presence and focus, I request that you not drive during a telehealth session.
I don't see the question I have listed.
Feel free to call us at 706-399-2570 or email ([email protected]) your question and we will be glad to answer it as soon as possible.
