About my practice...

As a psychologist, my overarching mission is to help people who are experiencing distress and dysfunction. As a means to that goal, I use therapeutic techniques demonstrated to be effective by scientific research while maintaining the flexibility and sensitivity needed for them to be effective for each unique individual. More often than not, this means using some version of a therapy called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). As the name implies, CBT utilizes a combination of "cognitive" (how we THINK about things) and "behavioral" (what we DO) strategies to influence how we feel and, in turn, how we think and behave in future situations. CBT is a "here and now" kind of therapy, focusing on what is going on now with goals for the future, rather than focusing on what may have happened in the past. CBT is a very active and collaborative approach, in which the therapist and client work together towards the client's goals. Within this CBT framework, we may employ specific tools such as skills training or hypnotherapy. 

I have specialized training and experience in working with children, adolescents, parents, and mothers struggling with depression following the birth of their child. I help people of all ages with many different issues, including problems with mood, anxiety, behavioral disorders, adjustment to change, loss, and trauma, physical difficulties, and self-injurious behaviors such as cutting. Additionally, I work with parents both on how to best help their children, as well as issues they may be struggling with, such as postpartum depression. In addition to working on clinical difficulties, I also work with clients on issues of self improvement and performance.

I am dedicated to working collaboratively with physicians,teachers and schools, family members, and other important people when the situation calls for it. However, since confidentiality is of utmost importance to making the therapeutic process a successful one, contact with others does not occur without permission.

Regardless of the therapeutic goals or approach, perhaps the best predictor of success in therapy is having a good relationship with the therapist. If you believe I may be a good fit for you and your needs, I look forward to working with you. I hope this quick sketch of my background and approach to my practice has been informative. But it is only a start -- if you would like more information, please feel free to contact me. 

Privacy...

Confidentiality is of utmost importance to the therapeutic relationship. However, there are some important limitations to confidentiality. For example, confidentiality may be breached if it is believed that you may be of danger to yourself or someone else or if there is a subpoena from a judge. Also, insurance providers often require specific information about diagnoses and treatment to authorize payment for services. Please click on the following documents for complete disclosure of your rights to privacy and the limits of confidentiality as well as practice policies.

HIPAA Privacy Policy

Consent for Release of Information

Consent and Agreement to Therapy

Practice Policies

Insurance...

I am an in-network provider for Highmark, Aetna, and Optum / United Behavioral Health products ( policies vary - please contact your provider for details). For other policies, you may check with your provider to see if they offer out-of-network benefits. And, of course, you always have the option to pay for services yourself without going through an insurance provider.