FAQs

What are the differences between psychologists, social workers, LPCs, and psychiatrists?

 

Psychologists (PhD or PsyD) are doctoral-level professionals who have received 6 to 10 years of training in psychotherapy and assessment beyond college. Psychologists in most states do not prescribe medication. Psychologist training includes graduate coursework, rotating supervised clinical settings, research participation, teaching, and a dissertation, plus two additional years of supervised clinical work before becoming an independent practitioner. Psychologists must also complete written and oral exams by the Texas Board of Examiners of Psychologists.

 

Professional Counselors (LPCs), Master Social Workers (LMSWs), and Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) complete a master's degree, which takes about two years of coursework and clinical training post-college. They then complete two years of supervised practice before becoming an independent practitioner.

 

Psychiatrists complete medical school, have an MD or DO degree, and can prescribe medication. Most focus on medication as their primary treatment, although some provide psychotherapy, as well.

 

What is your background and training?

 

I'm a licensed psychologist. I completed my PhD in Counseling Psychology at The University of Texas at Austin and my clinical internship at the University of Pennsylvania. I maintain a private practice as a psychologist (TX License #33430) and health coach (American Council on Exercise #W58553). I am also a member of PSYPACT (Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology, APIT #19052), which enables me to provide telepsychology to clients in 42 states.

 

What's the difference between therapy and wellness coaching?

 

Whether you choose psychotherapy or coaching depends on your goals. Both focus on sustainable behavior change as a means of promoting optimal functioning, but psychotherapy clients delve into the psychological roots of issues like depression, anxiety, or relationship difficulties, whereas wellness coaching clients explore lifestyle strategies to manage issues like chronic illness, health conditions, weight, nutrition, and sleep.

 

I first developed an interest in health psychology, fitness, and wellness in graduate school, when I completed my first triathlon and noticed that weight training and cardio workouts helped me to better cope with the stress of coursework and clinical training. I rediscovered the importance of holistic health during the pandemic and decided to earn certification as a health and wellness coach from the American Council of Exercise. So I am certified to provide both wellness coaching or psychotherapy, depending on your goals.

 

What is PSYPACT?

 

PSYPACT allows me to work online with clients from 42 states.

 

The Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT) is "an interstate compact designed to facilitate the practice of telepsychology and the temporary in-person, face-to-face practice of psychology across state boundaries."

 

PSYPACT now includes all states except for Alaska, California, Hawaii, Iowa, Louisiana, Montana, New York, and Oregon.

 

You can learn more about PSYPACT here.

 

When do you schedule sessions?

 

My hours are flexible and I'm available on weekends. I reside in Austin and am on central time. I schedule sessions between the hours of 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. central time.

 

Are our sessions private and confidential?

 

Yes. I will not share your information with anyone without written permission from you, except in extreme cases, as required by law (if, for example, there is a a threat of imminent harm to yourself or others). My HIPAA privacy notice is located in the client portal.

 

Can I use my insurance?

 

If you have a health insurance plan that covers therapy, you may be able to see me as an out-of-network provider. Call the number on the back of your card. Ask about your plan's deductible, co-pay and reimbursement policies for out-of-network providers. I'm happy to provide documentation if needed.

 

Do you offer a reduced rate/sliding scale fee?

 

Yes. I offer some sliding scale fees for those with limited income. Ask me if I have any currently available slots.

 

How does payment work?

 

I use a secure, HIPAA-compliant EHR (electronic health record) system for payment and billing.

 

Are there forms I should complete before our first session?

 

Yes. Therapy clients should complete the Brief Client Form, read and sign the Therapy Consent Form, and read and sign the HIPAA Privacy Notice. Please let me know if you have any concerns or suggestions regarding the Therapy Consent Form so we can make the necessary adjustments.

 

Coaching clients should complete the Brief Client Form and read, but hold off on signing, the Coaching Agreement, as we will formalize the parameters of our work during the first session. Thereafter, I will provide you with a copy of our agreement for you to sign and return to me.

 

Forms for therapy and coaching clients are available in the client portal.

 

Do you have a cancellation policy?

 

24 hours notice is required to cancel or reschedule an appointment. Late cancellations or no-shows are charged the full session fee.