How do I know if I need psychiatric help?

The following are some warning signs that would make you think about getting a psychiatric evaluation::

• excessive anxiety
• prolonged feelings of sadness
• marked personality change
• inability to cope with problems and daily activities
• strange ideas or delusions
• marked changes in eating or sleeping patterns
• thinking or talking about suicide
• extreme highs and lows
• excessive anger or hostility
• irrational fears

Now, if you need help right away, and I am not available, you should seek treatment from a hospital emergency room, especially in the case when your life or the life of someone else is in danger.

Will I get dependent on “pills” or therapy?

With your treatment, you are in the driver’s seat. I will make my recommendations and suggest treatment according to what I feel would be best for you, but ultimately you are going to do what you want to do. Right? Now with regard to medication, a lot of times, medication does help. And sometimes, it helps a lot, and it can relieve symptoms such as depression or anxiety. So it depends on how you look at it, but if something is improving the quality of your life, it seems that it would make sense to go for it.

That being said, I do shy away from prescribing narcotic medications that are potentially addictive, such as Valium or Xanax or stimulants such as Adderall. So you don’t have to worry about that. But non-addictive antidepressants such as Prozac and other similar medications can sometimes really help. I think of it more as empowerment rather than being dependent.

The same can be said of therapy. Once a therapy gets started, some people really enjoy being able to understand things about the world and themselves, and their perceptions, especially as their lives start to improve.

Will I get better?

Unfortunately, like many things in life there are no guarantees. However, I will use all of my training and my expertise to help you to the best of my ability.

If I feel, for whatever reason, that I can’t help you the way you need to be helped, I will always provide you with referrals to someone who maybe can.

Let's talk about money. Do you take insurance?

No, I do not. If you would like to use your private insurance company, you may still be able to, however. That would mean that I am an out-of-network provider for your insurance company. On your request, I will supply you with statements for your treatment. You can then submit them to your insurance company. They will then reimburse you according to your benefits. Now, it is best to check with your insurance company to see what kind of mental health benefits you have. That way you know what to expect. Unfortunately, many plans do not have mental health benefits, or limited coverage. With regard to government plans, I am not a medicaid or medicare provider.

What are you fees?

Fees are negotiable at all times. My fees depend on my total volume and also availability. I do provide sliding scales and negotiate depending on the kind of treatment. Your financial situation is also always a consideration especially after we have a treatment alliance started.

To find out what my current rates are and what I can offer you, call the office, and we will discuss these. All payment, unless otherwise negotiated, is due at the time of service, and payment is in the form of cash, check, or credit.