Questions You May Have About Psychological Counseling And Treatment

• What is psychotherapy?
  • Psychotherapy is a process of gaining insight and perspective so that you can learn to understand your behaviors and feelings and change those that are causing you distress. There are many different forms of psychotherapy, such as behavior therapy, group therapy, marital therapy, and children's play therapy. Your doctor has expertise in various forms of psychotherapy and will utilize the type of therapy, or a combination of therapies, best suited to your individual needs.
• How long does treatment typically last?
  • The length of treatment varies depending on the nature of the problem/diagnosis. For some people, brief therapy (6 to 20 visits) is effective. When problems have persisted over an extended period of time, treatment may take longer. After an initial evaluation—usually within your first few visits—your doctor will probably be able to give you an estimate of the length of treatment. We make every effort to keep your treatment as brief as possible while still providing effective, lasting improvements.
• Is personal information I discuss kept confidential?
  • We respect your privacy and the confidentiality of any personal information you discuss with us. We will not share information about you without your knowledge and consent, except in the unusual circumstance where not to do so could be dangerous to you or others. Your doctor will be glad to explain to you the legal restrictions on our professional commitment to confidentiality.
• What are the credentials/professional preparation of a clinical psychologist?
  • After four years of college, a clinical psychologist receives at least another four years of graduate school training for the Ph.D. degree plus at least one year of supervised internship training in a hospital or other health care setting. Most states, including Virginia, require still another year of postgraduate residency training. This training is followed by extensive national and state examinations and licensure. In addition, our staff members participate in continuing education programs to keep abreast of the latest developments in diagnosis and treatment.
• What is expected of me in the treatment process?
  • We ask that you become an active participant in the healing process and invite any questions that will further an understanding of your treatment. Together, we will work toward building a comfortable, professional relationship of mutual trust and respect so that we can set realistic expectations and achieve the best possible outcomes.
• Is there flexibility in the scheduling of my appointments?
  • We will make every effort to schedule your visits at a time convenient to you. During your initial consultation, you and your doctor will determine a schedule of appointments that best suits your needs. Usually your appointments will be set for the same day and time of each week, in sessions of 45-50 minutes.
• What are the costs of treatment?
  • The costs of treatment will vary according to the types and frequency of services recommended. We expect that you will want to discuss the financial aspects of treatment and we'll be glad to fully explain our costs and billing procedures. We can also assist you with information regarding how your insurance may cover some of the costs of treatment.

If you have any other questions, please ask us. We're here to help.