Clinical Services

If you are involved in a custody case, I look for what is in the best interest of the child/children. I utilize a wide variety of measures that will measure strengths and weaknesses for both parents to end the conflict. I do not make decisions on any custody, but can provide the psychological/scientific data for the parents’ needs to solve problems. These evaluations also can be instrumental in determining treatment needs for a parent, and possibly the child/children. I strive to gather the most updated information  with ongoing training and education.

These assessments are where my career began, and I’m skilled at assessing children/adolescents from mild to severe trauma. Trauma can be measured to add data as confirmation with my evaluations. 

I have completed specialized training in forensic child interviewing through University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. I have also completed training in assessing families involved in suspected abuse or neglect cases. 

This form of assessment is mainly used to identify specific personal characteristics that you may wish to change in treatment or to find the problems or strengths that can help you progress. These assessments may be combined with Intellectual/Cognitive assessments for a complete overview of your overall psychological functioning for diagnostic purposes. 

Intellectual/cognitive assessments generally look at intellectual capabilities or overall cognitive functioning. I often provide these assessments to identify your strengths or needs, or those of your child.  If your child’s special needs require identification, or if assessment will help your child excel in academics, I can tailor an assessment to maximize services for him or her. 

Individual therapy starts with you, when you’re ready. You’ll let me  know what you think may be going on with you, and we’ll start a plan to work through your specific needs. If you or your spouse both need help, I can work with both of you to resolve issues and how they affect your partner.

I specialize in the treatment of difficult diagnoses. Physical or sexual trauma is one of my specialized areas. My experiences often bring me in contact with various personality disorders, which are most resistant to treatment. However, some associated features of personality disorders can be managed through treatment. 

Let me also include here that asking for help is not a weakness. As a society, we need to recognize that mental health is equally important as our physical health. If you need care, it is imperative that you look for it. 

Teletherapy is new, cutting edge, and upcoming in the field of psychology. I have found that relationships can be easily established without face-to-face contact. It is extremely helpful for people in rural areas who have no way to bridge the distance gap to get the help you need.

Not only can therapy be done via telehealth, but many assessments and evaluations can be completed online now as well. This field has vastly expanded with evaluations utilizing simple email links while we meet online to complete them together. Almost any evaluation that can be done in person can now be done online as well. Online assessment has been most helpful in reducing the amount of time spent in traveling. Completing computerized assessments provides an added bonus that they are computer-scored, which means much increased accuracy. Your data will be correct and tailored to your needs.

My practice is a needs-driven private practice instead of an insurance-driven office or facility. This is a national trend due to significant problems in dealing with insurance companies and poor or refused reimbursements to providers. Self-pay trends are more common now spanning medical and mental health fields and providers. 

It is possible to use your insurance for treatment or psychological assessment reimbursement. I can provide individualized services to you as an out of network provider. Insurance carriers that are PPO or POS plans typically provide these options for you.

You may be entitled to a percentage of OON (out of network) benefits of the treatment or assessment costs. Reimbursement to you varies typically between 50-70% of the full cost. If you have access to the option to use your Health or Flex Account, it may cover your full fees, which is for your tax benefit.

It is best practice to check with your insurance provider to determine benefits for Licensed Clinical Psychologists as OON providers, your deductible and if its been met, and the percentage they reimburse you for your treatment or assessment needs.  I will provide you with a monthly superbill detailing your payment history for services rendered based on your plan.

I strive to offer premium treatment and assessment services without involvement from insurance companies. This also means that your information remains in this office with no opportunity for data outsourcing that insurance agencies often use for data management. In this way, your private information does not leave my office without your consent, except for unavoidable legal issues that may arise. In clinical practice, this is highly unlikely.

Licensed Clinical Psychologists who choose to work with insurance companies have to make sacrifices much like their clients. It’s my preference to preserve the quality of  treatment and assessment to avoid insurance conflicts. my fees are at or below the national average for both treatment and assessment needs. 

It is important to know that with mental health, your participation is voluntary. You determine the course of your treatment and assessment needs. I can disagree and work with you on alternative routes, but ultimately, your decisions are your own regarding beginning, continuing, and terminating services. It is also important to recognize that your mental health is as important as your physical health.  

Using a pre-tax Flex or Health Account for treatment or assessment is a way to save your money and avoid the dealing with insurance demands. Rather than using your health insurance for services, this choice may not always require you to provide a diagnosis or details about your mental health care.

You can also use credit cards associated with your employer sponsored Health Savings Account, Flex Spending Account, or any related account.

Reaching your goals or needs for treatment or assessment can be immeasurable as your pursuit is generally to improve your life, relationships, health, family, and well-being. 

85 min.  An Initial Intake Session for individuals is $200. If it is a Child With Parent Initial Intake, the service is $250.00. Initial sessions require additional time to review Confidentiality, Informed Consent, and gather initial information to determine a course of treatment or assessment. 

50 min. Individual Treatment is $150.00. This is a typical length session. For a Child with Parent, sessions are $175 for 60 minutes.

Phone and on-line coaching or counseling sessions using a secure confidential platform (VSEE) are available if criteria, such as being a NC resident, is met.

Assessment fees are $250.00 per hour. An assessment consists of a Clinical Interview (2 hours), Review of Records (2-4 hours based on need), 1-2 hours per assessment measure, and Report Writing, 2-4 hours based on the scope and extent of report. Each assessment is tailored to suite your needs, so fees will vary and can be modified to fit your financial situation. Again, your insurance agency may assist with covering a good portion of these costs dependent on the need or basis for the evaluation.