Welcome to My Office
The following is general information about myself, the therapy phases, and office policies. Please feel free to ask any other questions you may have.
About Myself:
I have been a licensed psychologist practicing in San Antonio since 1988. I earned a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Texas Tech University. I then received a Master’s Degree and Doctorate in Counseling Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin. I have maintained a full-time private practice since that time.
About the Therapy :
I have a general practice which includes individual psychotherapy for adolescents and adults of all ages. I also work with couples and families in marital and family therapy. I work with a wide range of issues includin, but not limited to: Depression, anxiety, parenting issues, the challenges of aging, the impact of divorce, relationship conflicts, the impact of childhood circumstances on current functioning, and existential/spiritual issues. I am also trained as a somatic trauma therapist and we can talk about how I may be able to support you in addressing any life trauma that emergese as we work together.
I tend to think about you life circumstances from a long-term perspective. Current life challenges are embedded in your entire experience of life- From the moment you arrived here to this very moment. However, I worl with clients on a short-term basis, intermittently, or for the long-term depending on what is needed or desired by the client. To that end I use various theoretical approaches based on the length of the therapy, the issues presented, and your preferences. Your questions about any of this are welcome.
There is no standard way in which the treatment unfolds. However, in the initial session I will want to know the immediate issues that brought you to therapy and you feel about being here. I will want to get a general idea of your current circumstances and your health. We will also address some practical issues such as how you plan to pay for your sessions, any necessary insurance concerns, what happens if you miss a session, and general questions you may have about how the office functions. And we will go over your intake information to make sure it is complete.
There can circumstances in which we agree to meet using a video system. For examples, you may want to meet virtually when you are out of town, if you have a health concern, or if time constraints dictate a video session. I have a confidential telehealth system which works to support our work together.
The treatment plan will emerge and be clarified in the first few sessions and will be dictated by your needs and current life goals. This plan is a living structure which may change as the therapy progresses and we are able to resolve initial issues. The focus for each session will dictated by you, and what you come to address in this current appointment.
If you are not getting what you need and want from our sessions it is important to let me know so we can tailor the therapy expressly fir you. Identifying your longing to be met in a particular way, and then asking for, and then receiving it can be a very theraputic experience.
Fees and Payment for Services:
There is an hourly rate of $150 for individual psychotherapy and the charge of increases for couples, marital, and family therapy depending on the circumstances. You should also know about the following
Time Issues: Most sessions last an hour (actually 50-55 minutes). Some people work best in hour-and-a-half segments and that also can be arranged. I generally work Monday through Thursday starting at 9 a.m. If you have an emergency I will do my best to find a time for you to come in. Insurance Benefits If I am a contracted provider for your insurance company, then my fees are set by the insurance. Your plan may cover all or part of the cost of therapy, if there is a demonstrated need. You are resonsible for the remainder. We are happy to chack your coverage for you. However, you are responsible for all payments not covered by your insurance. Also, you are required to keep a valid credit or debit card on file. This card will be charged within a week of the psychotherapy appointment. No-Show and Late Cancellation Fees If you are unable to attend therapy you must contact me at least 24 hours in advanced of your appointment. Late cancellation fee is one-half of the hourly rate. Your insurance will not cover this. If you miss an appointment or cancel at the last moment my regular hourly fee will be charged to your for that time. Suddent emergencies and illnesses can be discussed. Your therapy appointment is a sacred contract, the more you honor our time together, the more you will gain from our work together. No appointment reminder will be sent to you. Balance AccrualFull payment is sue at the time of your sessions unless otherwise agreed upon Private Pay Many clients seeking psychotherapy pay our-of-pocket privately
Confidentiality and Privacy: Any information you provide to me or office staff will be released to others only by your written consent. There are certain circumstances, however, when a psychologist is required to disclose confidential information without consent from clients. I will be required to provide relevant information if: - You are a danger to yourself or others. - You use insurance for payment, and the insurace company requests information about your case.- You are a minor, elderly, or disabled person and are being abused.- You have perpetrated abuse against a minor, elderly, or disabled person.- You report sexual contact with a previous psychotherapist or clergy member.- You file suit against me for breach of duty.- A court order or other legal proceedings or statute require disclosure.
In order to be compliant with HIPAA rules, you will be given a separate and more complete statement regarding confidentiality of records.
Time Issues: Most sessions last an hour (actually 50-55 minutes). Some people work best in hour-and-a-half segments and that also can be arranged. I generally work Monday through Thursday starting at 9 a.m. If you have an emergency I will do my best to find a time for you to come in. Insurance Benefits If I am a contracted provider for your insurance company, then my fees are set by the insurance. Your plan may cover all or part of the cost of therapy, if there is a demonstrated need. You are resonsible for the remainder. We are happy to chack your coverage for you. However, you are responsible for all payments not covered by your insurance. Also, you are required to keep a valid credit or debit card on file. This card will be charged within a week of the psychotherapy appointment. No-Show and Late Cancellation Fees If you are unable to attend therapy you must contact me at least 24 hours in advanced of your appointment. Late cancellation fee is one-half of the hourly rate. Your insurance will not cover this. If you miss an appointment or cancel at the last moment my regular hourly fee will be charged to your for that time. Suddent emergencies and illnesses can be discussed. Your therapy appointment is a sacred contract, the more you honor our time together, the more you will gain from our work together. No appointment reminder will be sent to you. Balance AccrualFull payment is sue at the time of your sessions unless otherwise agreed upon Private Pay Many clients seeking psychotherapy pay our-of-pocket privately
Confidentiality and Privacy: Any information you provide to me or office staff will be released to others only by your written consent. There are certain circumstances, however, when a psychologist is required to disclose confidential information without consent from clients. I will be required to provide relevant information if: - You are a danger to yourself or others. - You use insurance for payment, and the insurace company requests information about your case.- You are a minor, elderly, or disabled person and are being abused.- You have perpetrated abuse against a minor, elderly, or disabled person.- You report sexual contact with a previous psychotherapist or clergy member.- You file suit against me for breach of duty.- A court order or other legal proceedings or statute require disclosure.
In order to be compliant with HIPAA rules, you will be given a separate and more complete statement regarding confidentiality of records.