Seeking out therapy is an individual choice. There are many reasons why people come to therapy. Sometimes it is to deal with long-standing psychological issues, or problems with anxiety or depression. Other times it is in response to unexpected changes in one's life such as a divorce or work transition. Many seek the advice of counsel as they pursue their own personal exploration and growth. Working with a therapist can help provide insight, support, and new strategies for all types of life challenges. Therapy can help address many types of issues including depression, anxiety, conflict, grief, stress management, body-image issues, and general life transitions. Therapy is right for anyone who is interested in getting the most out of their life by taking responsibility, creating greater self-awareness, and working towards change in their lives.
Answers to important questions about a Psychological Assessment and Psychotherapy:
I. A Psychological Assessment
What is psychological assessment?
A psychological assessment involves the use of psychological measures to help professionals better understand broad areas of psychological and emotional strength and weakness. Many of these measures involve paper and pencil tasks although others use computers or other objects (e.g., blocks, designs) that are manipulated by the individual being tested. We administer psychological tests to collect more information – sometimes more objective information – about the concerns that our clients face.
Why would I need to complete a psychological assessment?
People complete psychological assessments for a range of reasons. Some children and adults need additional help with academic instruction in school. Others may need test data to substantiate accommodations in high-stakes testing (e.g., SAT, GRE, state board exams) due to cognitive, learning, or emotional disabilities. Some of our clients need psychological tests to substantiate claims made in the legal system. You may be referred by your own therapist for psychological assessment so that your therapist can better address your specific emotional or psychological needs. Regardless of the reason, having objective, scientifically-validated test data often helps individuals and the professionals that they consult.
How might my child be helped by a psychological assessment?
One of the most frequent reasons that children participate in psychological testing is to help them better access their education in their school setting. Sometimes, children who have specific learning issues require changes to their academic environment to better help them learn. These changes will not occur without substantiating data from a psychological assessment. At times, a public school district will agree to conduct these assessments at no cost to families; however, this public service is only conducted pending a determination of need by the school district. Consequently, your school district might decide that your child is not eligible for a district-funded full psychological assessment. In such cases, parents may consider an independent assessment by a licensed psychologist, which school districts must (by law) include in their special education decision-making process.
Both Dr. Katz and Ms. Yeschin are invested in helping you negotiate your school district’s complicated policies and procedures so that you can attempt to have your child tested by your district. We often help parents with letter writing, district timelines, and awareness of educational law and policy; we often participate at school district meetings to better represent our test data as well as the student’s and family’s concerns. We pride ourselves in working collaboratively with school districts and school personnel.
How do I begin the psychological assessment process?
Your first meeting as part of your psychological assessment will involve a structured, diagnostic intake interview. This appointment is generally a three-hour meeting where you will be asked to provide comprehensive, developmental, medical, social, academic, and family histories. It is important to note that there will be no diagnoses given after this appointment as the intake interview represents only one aspect of our data collection for the diagnostic process. The intake therapist and the psychologist will then meet to discuss recommendations for the assessment measures; this information will be shared with you in the form of an in-person meeting prior to scheduling the formal psychological assessment. We believe that decisions regarding testing involve a mutual, collaborative process between you and the professionals.
At this point, psychological assessment meetings are scheduled for two to four testing sessions at times that are convenient for the individual and will optimize the likelihood that we will obtain the most valid test results. For example, if you or your child is a “night owl”, we would probably avoid morning testing sessions. However, if you or your child is an “early bird”, we would encourage an early morning testing session. Infrequently, during the assessment process, other learning or psychological concerns that were not previously noted may be observed. At this point, we may discuss with you the need for additional measures or consultation with other professionals (e.g., medical doctors, speech/language pathologists, neurologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists).
Ready to begin? What should I expect in a psychological assessment?
The tests that comprise a psychological assessment often are unlike tests that people have encountered in their day-to-day activities and schooling as these are special, proprietary instruments that are protected by copyright law and the ethical practice of psychologists. Some of these tests involve manipulating blocks, others involve processing and analyzing pictures or images. Still other tests involve paper-and-pencil problem solving or verbal responses to verbal questions. We also have a range of assessment tools that are administered and scored by computer.
II. Psychotherapy:
What is psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is not easily described in general statements. It varies depending on the particular problems you are experiencing and how long you have been experiencing them. In addition, family and social support as well as a variety of environmental stressors can play a large role in the beginning process of psychotherapy. It is very important that you feel comfortable with your specific psychotherapist – you should feel that there is a “good match.” Most research in psychotherapy outcome suggests that the best predictor of success in psychotherapy is the quality of the relationship between the client and the professional. Therefore, we recommend a “trial period” consisting of an initial two or three meetings to set goals and get acquainted. By that time, you will have a good sense of whether you feel comfortable proceeding with this therapist.
There are many different methods we may use to deal with the problems that you hope to address. Psychotherapy is not like a medical doctor visit. Instead, it calls for mutual, active participation by you and your therapist. In order for the therapy to be most successful, you will have to work on things we talk about both during our sessions and at home.
What are the risks and benefits of psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy brings with it many benefits and, at times, some risks. Often, individuals experience relief when they acknowledge feelings and problems that have been long pushed aside. However, since therapy often involves discussing unpleasant aspects of your life, you may experience uncomfortable feelings like sadness, guilt, anger, frustration, loneliness, and helplessness. Therapy often leads to better relationships, solutions to specific problems, and significant reductions in feelings of distress. Although both Dr. Katz and Ms. Yeschin have extensive training and experience and we will monitor your reactions to psychotherapy very closely, there is no way to predict beforehand what you will experience.
What can I expect when I participate in psychotherapy?
Our first two or three sessions will involve an evaluation of your needs. By the end of the evaluation, I will be able to offer you some first impressions of what our work will include and a treatment plan to follow, if you decide to continue with therapy. You should evaluate this information along with your comfort level of working with me. Therapy involves a large commitment of time, money, and energy, so you should consider yourself as an informed consumer when selecting a therapist and seek a therapeutic relationship that feels like a “good fit.” I will also encourage you to raise any questions or concerns as they may arise at any point in our therapeutic work. Whenever doubts persist, I will be happy to help you set up a meeting with another mental health professional for a second opinion.
Here are some things you can expect out of therapy:
- Compassion, respect and understanding
- Perspectives to illuminate persistent patterns and negative feelings
- Real strategies for enacting positive change – sometimes termed “action plans”
- Effective and scientifically-proven techniques along with practical guidance
How often will we meet?
I normally conduct an evaluation that will last from 2 to 3 sessions. During this time, we can both decide if I am the best person to provide the services that you need in order to meet your treatment goals. If psychotherapy is begun, I will usually schedule one 50-minute session (one appointment hour of 50 minutes duration) per week at a time we mutually agree on. At times, clinical concerns and critical problems may require increasing the duration or frequency of our sessions. We may need to meet longer or more times per week during these periods. On a positive note, progress in psychotherapy generally indicates that we can meet less frequently.
Once an appointment hour is scheduled, you will be expected to pay for it unless you provide 24 hours advance notice of cancellation unless we both agree that you were unable to attend due to circumstances beyond your control. Please know that we try to be flexible in discussing meaningful circumstances when appointments are canceled without 24 hours notice. It is important to note that insurance companies do not provide reimbursement for cancelled sessions. When possible, I will try to find another time to reschedule the appointment.
Is therapy right for me?
There are many reasons why people seek psychotherapy. Often, it is to seek support resolving long-standing psychological concerns. Still others look for assistance in response to unexpected changes in one's life such as a divorce, unemployment or work transition.
Many seek psychotherapeutic support as they pursue their own personal exploration and growth. Working with a therapist can help provide insight, support, and new coping strategies for all types of life challenges. Therapy can help address many types of issues including depression, anxiety, conflict, grief, stress management, body-image issues, general life transitions, and an array of interpersonal and social struggles. Therapy is right for anyone who is interested in getting the most out of their life by taking responsibility, creating greater self-awareness, replacing ineffective coping strategies with effective coping strategies and working towards positive change in their lives.
Do I really need therapy? I can usually handle my problems.
Everyone goes through challenging situations in life. While you may have previously navigated through other difficulties, there are times that life’s stressors and problems are resolved more quickly and effectively with the professional help of a psychotherapist. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you're at in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking therapy. Taking responsibility for one’s self and committing to positive change is always a winning combination. Psychotherapy can provide long-lasting benefits and support by giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns and overcome whatever challenges you face.
Everyone goes through challenging situations in life. While you may have previously navigated through other difficulties, there are times that life’s stressors and problems are resolved more quickly and effectively with the professional help of a psychotherapist. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you're at in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking therapy. Taking responsibility for one’s self and committing to positive change is always a winning combination. Psychotherapy can provide long-lasting benefits and support by giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns and overcome whatever challenges you face.
In a nutshell, Some of the benefits available from psychotherapy include:
- Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values
- Developing skills for improving your relationships
- Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
- Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
- Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures
- Improving communication and listening skills
- Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones
- Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage
- Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence
Is medication a substitute for therapy?
In some cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action. Working with your medical doctor or your psychiatrist you can determine what's best for you. It is well established that the long-term solution to mental and emotional problems and the pain they cause cannot be solved solely by medication. While medication may provide a sense of immediate relief, psychotherapy addresses the cause of your distress and the resulting behavior patterns that might curb your progress. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness.
We value collaborative relationships with all of your other treating professionals and we will collaborate extensively as needs arise. By building a team of professionals around your individual needs, we are able to bring about the best outcomes for the range of reasons that individuals enter psychotherapy.
Do you accept insurance? How does insurance work?
At present, Ms. Yeschin is a contracted provider with the following insurance carriers:
· United Behavioral Health (UBH)
· United Behavioral Health Plan of California (UBHPC)
· CIGNA
Otherwise, you can obtain out-of-network benefits using paperwork that Ms. Yeschin will provide.
Dr. Katz is not a participating provider on any insurance panel at present. However, all clients working with Dr. Katz and Ms. Yeschin will receive a comprehensive billing statement at the end of each session that includes:
· A Procedure Code (CPT) used for insurance billing.
· A Diagnostic Code (DSM) used for treatment coverage and insurance billing.
· A tax identification number (Tax ID)
· California Licensing Information, used for insurance billing.
Many clients have found that that they can obtain out-of-network benefits using the paperwork provided at the end of the session. If you need additional forms or documents completed or signed, we will assist you so that you can obtain insurance coverage that you are entitled to receive.
If insurance coverage and financial issues are an area of concern, please do not hesitate to speak with Dr. Katz and Ms. Yeschin directly. We are more than willing to work with our clients to make sure they receive the psychotherapeutic support that they need at a fee that they can manage.
Regardless of who you work with, it is important for you to understand your own mental health coverage and the benefits you are entitled to receive. To determine if you have mental health coverage, the first thing you should do is check with your insurance carrier. Check your coverage carefully so that you can find the answers to the following questions:
- What are my mental health benefits?
- What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
- What is my co-pay for therapy sessions?
- How many therapy sessions per year does my plan cover?
- How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?
- Is approval required from my primary care physician?
- What kind of diagnostic codes are covered by my plan?
- What kind of sessions are covered by my plan?
Please note that very few insurance carriers cover Psychoeducational Testing (CPT Code 96101). If you miss a session and are billed for not showing up, insurance carriers will not cover this charge (CPT Code 90899) as well. In addition, many insurance carriers only will pay for psychotherapeutic services rendered for a specific range of diagnostic codes.
Is therapy confidential?
In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and psychotherapist. No information is disclosed without prior written permission from the client. However, there are some exceptions required by law to this rule. Exceptions include:
- Suspected child abuse or dependant adult or elder abuse. The therapist is required to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
- If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person. The therapist is required to notify the police.
- If a client intends to harm himself or herself. The therapist will make every effort to work with the individual to ensure their safety. However, if an individual does not cooperate, additional measures may need to be taken.
Thank you for your interest in our practice. If there are any further questions that were not addressed above, please feel free to EMAIL Dr. Katz or Ms. Yeschin directly by clicking on the links below.