Patient Information Professional Standards Psychologists who are members of the American Psychological Association, or who are licensed in the State of Texas, have agreed to observe and adhere to the Standards for Providers of Psychological Services and the Ethical Principles of Psychologists. These documents assure that the psychologist you consult will: be fully qualified in terms of training and experience practice only in areas where he or she is competent to do so be responsive to your needs recognize when your problems may require medical opinion be mindful of your legal and civil rights inform you about fees and payment policies know about and use the network of human services in your community when referral to another resource is needed keep proper records of the services you receive maintain confidentiality in accordance with legal and ethical requirements . Psychotherapy Psychotherapy is a process, which involves a special trusting relationship. With the help of a trained professional, a patient is empowered to make changes not previously believed as possible.  The therapist provides to the patient a genuine relationship of hope.  Through insight and this professional relationship, the patient learns to believe in himself/herself and discover a sense of freedom in which he or she can love and enjoy life. Change is the goal of therapy, and almost all who enter psychotherapy experience some degree of fear or anxiety reduction, increase in self-esteem, and improved productivity at school or work. For some, the most important reward may be an improvement in social experience, creativity, or ability to have fun. When To Seek Help When depression or anxiety interferes with your life, your work, or your happiness, you should consider talking to a psychologist. Some common signals of trouble are: relationship problems sleep problems dissatisfaction with work headaches chronic pain sexual difficulties mood swings thoughts of suicide fear, panic and anxiety abuse of alcohol or drugs depression memory problems overeating The Differences Between Psychologist and Psychiatrists Psychologists and psychiatrists are doctors who treat similar behavioral and emotional problems. They spend equal amounts of time in education and training (about 10 to 12 years) in preparation for their profession. However, the two professions are very different in the specifics of their education, training and treatments. Psychologists (Ph.D.). No other mental health profession requires as high a level of education, and training specifically in human emotions and behaviors as does the profession of psychology. Psychologists typically have a minimum of five years of graduate education (usually a master's degree and a doctoral degree), plus two years of supervised experience before they are eligible for licensure. Doctors of psychology are licensed to practice psychology, and are skilled at changing behaviors and emotions without the use of medications.  Fellowship training of one to three years prepares psychologist to specialize in specific areas of psychology (i.e., neuropsychology, child psychology, forensic psychology, health psychology, etc.) Psychiatrists (M.D.). Psychiatry begins with a four-year graduate education in medicine, and includes a brief rotation through psychiatry. Following the award of the medical degree (M.D.), a physician usually takes a three or four year residency to specialize in psychiatry. Some states certify specialization in psychiatry. Psychiatrists are licensed to practice medicine, and most often rely on medications to change behaviors and emotions. Working With Psychologists & Attorneys Melvin Belli, past president of the American Trial Lawyer's Association, suggests that although the cost of experts may be high, the cost may well be higher not to employ experts appropriately. He admonished trial lawyers to understand that choosing to proceed without an expert may be "flirting with malpractice." Psychologists are now accepted as having parity with psychiatrists as expert witnesses. Since the Jenkins decision [Jenkins v. United States 307 F.2d 037 (D.C. Cir 1962)], the rejection of psychologists by the court as experts in the field of specialization has been considered to be trial error. Psychologists serve a role in providing expert testimony in such areas as: Competence to Stand Trial Insanity Pleading Competence to Manage One's Own Affairs Involuntary Commitment Dangerousness/Predicting Violence Penalty Phase Testimony Evaluation Testimony Psychological and Neuropsychological Deficits Following Physical Injury Child Custody Insurance Most medical and health insurance programs cover psychological services. Ask your insurance carrier the following questions to determine the extent to which they cover our services. If you would prefer, our Collections Supervisor will be happy to speak with your insurance carrier for you. Are "mental and nervous disorders" covered? Is outpatient as well as inpatient charges covered? Are services covered when provided by a licensed psychologist? What are the 'usual and customary fees' for an hour of psychotherapy? Is there a deductible that must be paid ($100, $250, etc.) and how often does it have to be paid? What percentage of the allowable charges will the insurance pay for mental health services (i.e., 20%, 50%, 80%, etc. Is there a maximum amount the insurance will pay on a yearly basis for mental health services (i.e., $500, $1000, $2500)? If the parents or the spouse of the patient are seen separately, do specific rules apply? If you are covered by more than one insurance policy, special rules may apply - ask what these rules for joint insurance filings are. As a courtesy and help to our patients, we will complete all bills for your insurance company, and the completed forms will normally be mailed or filed electronically to your insurance carrier within 24 hours of your visit. Any overpayment for services will be quickly refunded to you. We are Preferred Providers with Blue Cross Blue Shield, Access Administrators, Inc., Tricare, Value Options, and Medical Care Referral Group, Great West, and Health Smart. Nine Questions To Ask When Looking For A Psychologist Psychologists are doctors of psychology and physicians are doctors of medicine. Both spend an equal amount of time in education and training to become doctors. Psychological health care, like medical health care, has a price related to the amount of education and training it took to produce a finished product. Psychologists have more formal education and training in the area of human emotions and behavior than any other mental health specialist, including psychiatrists, social workers, and licensed professional counselors. When you see a psychologist you will be paying for an uninterrupted fifty-minute consultation, plus an additional amount of time to write a therapy note in accordance with Texas state law. What you are purchasing is time, and what that time is worth depends upon the accumulated learning, wisdom and skill of the psychologist. If you are shopping around for a psychologist, be sure to ask about his or her educational background, and the amount of experience he or she has had in providing these services. Make sure that the time you are purchasing is worth the fees charged. If you are looking for a psychologist, ask: Do you have a doctoral degree? Was your doctoral program accredited? Was your doctoral program approved by the American Psychological Association? Did you complete a clinical psychology internship? Was your clinical psychology internship approved by the American Psychological Association? How many years of experience do you have? Are you licensed as a psychologist? Are you listed in the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology? Have you completed any formal postdoctoral education and training in psychology, or are you a diplomate in psychology? And always make sure that you get along with your psychologist - even from the very beginning.

Got A Problem? Let's Begin To Solve It.