I have been a Licensed Psychologist in the private practice of Clinical and Consulting Psychology for over 40 years, during which time I have also served as an adjunct faculty at Stetson University teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, presented numerous workshops for parents and professionals locally and nationally and served as a consultant to educational and mental health agencies.
I am a sole practitioner and my practice is always open to new clients. I answer and respond back to all phone calls and schedule all appointments personally. If I do not respond back to an email or phone call within 12 hours during the work week please contact me again.
I do not participate in any insurance plans so fees are typically paid by check, credit/debit card, health services cards or cash. While the fees charged can vary according to services provided the typical first appointment fee is $250.00 and the follow-up appointment fee is $200.00. Services which include formal testing and/or report writing and sessions beyond the 1 hour time frame will incur additional fees and will be discussed in advance.
My education, training and practice have been underpinned by the understanding that our genetic makeup and our personal experience from birth influence our emotional, behavioral and thinking patterns. When these patterns are the source of dysfunction and distress it is important to address the genetic and historical connections to these patterns to arrive at an accurate diagnosis and, most importantly, to implement an effective treatment plan.
I typically begin both the diagnostic and therapeutic process with an initial diagnostic assessment. This would typically include a clinical/developmental interview, observations and in some cases the administration of psychological tests. The result of this initial assessment can lead to different interventions including individual psychotherapy, parenting education, the referral to a colleague whose therapeutic approach would target better the client’s therapeutic needs and/or a referral to a medical physician for a medication consult.
In situations involving younger children who are experiencing emotional/behavioral struggles, I typically work with the parents and children together while giving parents the tools they need to become therapeutic parents to stabilize their child’s mental and behavioral status.