Our Services
Psychotherapy
Everyone faces difficult moments in life. Sometimes those moments are signs pointing us towards opportunities for growth. I offer psychotherapy to provide an experienced guide for how to not just navigate but grow through those times.
Psychological and Forensic Evaluations
Psychological assessments can help clarify diagnoses, inform treatment planning, direct the content of individualized educational plans, provide access to treatment resources/programs, and help legal teams decide the best course forward.
Individual Therapy
Reaching out for professional help can be one of the hardest calls people make! Ideas about “strength”, the shame around mental health, and the fear of change can make it incredibly difficult to do what you’re doing. But you are here and I am here to help!
FAQ
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The vast majority of therapists are aware of the research indicating fit is the best prognostic for therapy. Many therefore welcome you trying 2 to 3 sessions to see if their style will work well for you.
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I do not take insurance for therapy. I utilize a preferred provider organization (PPO) superbly format to provide therapy unencumbered by the limits of insurance. In regards to payment, I will bill you directly for each session and provide a superbill you submit to your insurance. Please refer to the “Insurance Information” Tab Under “Appointment Details” for further information.
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Psychologists have a doctoral degree in psychology and provide talk therapy whereas psychiatrists have a medical degree and provide medication services. I frequently successfully treat clients without the use of medication. However, medication can be an important adjunct to therapy. In those cases, I can facilitate a referral to a trusted medication provider.
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I charge $225 for a 50 minute session.
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The standard within the field is one session per week. It is often helpful to increase frequency during times of crisis. I typically do not conduct sessions less frequently as this can limit the impact of treatment. However, it is often helpful to decrease frequency as a client is transitioning out of therapy.
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I generally prefer to provide in person therapy as I believe this maximizes the information I am able to utilize. However, telehealth has proven effective and I will work in this modality if it is the client’s preference.
Assessment
What is an Assessment?
Psychological assessment refers to the objective measurement of psychological (cognitive, emotional, personality, etc) factors to help the individual understand themselves and how they function within various settings. This can include whether they meet criteria for certain groups, such as intellectually gifted, or for an emotional, behavioral or cognitive disorder (e.g. ADHD, Learning Disorder, Autism, Depression, Anxiety, etc). The type of assessment varies depending on the questions the individual would like to explore.
Forensic evaluations gather objective information to render a professional opinion regarding matters directly related to the legal system (e.g. competency to stand trial, criminal responsibility, civil litigation, risk assessment, insanity defense, etc.)
Frequently Asked Questions About Assesments
What are your common referral questions?
The most common referral question I receive is a differential diagnosis regarding Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The symptoms of ADHD are consistent with many other diagnoses so it is increasingly common for general practitioners and medication providers to require a formal evaluation before starting a course of medication. This type of evaluation can help determine if the symptoms are caused by ADHD or another diagnosis such as anxiety, depression, or a specific learning disorder.
While differential diagnoses for ADHD is my most common questions, I help my clients explore a range of different questions. For example, some want to know if they have a specific learning disorder (e.g. dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia), some want to rule in/out a bipolar or schizophrenia spectrum disorder, others would like to explore why they keep having the same problems at work/school, and others want to understand what academic and/or occupational focus will maximize their talents. I tailor my assessments to help you explore the questions about your life that are most important to you!
Can your reports help document the need for school accommodations and/or individualized educational plans?
What Types of Forensic evaluations do you do?
Yes, my reports are frequently utilized to seek accommodations in school, both primary and at the college level, for standardized testing, and to inform schools on best practices for individualized educational plans.
Do you accept insurance for assessments?
I do not presently accept insurance for assessment. However, I am finalizing contracts with most of the major insurers and will be accepting insurance shortly. I am able to provide a superbill you can use to seek reimbursement from your insurer until that time.I do not accept, and insurance will not reimburse, for forensic evaluations.
Forensic evaluations include but are not limited to: Psychodiagnostic testing, Insanity defenses, Diminished capacity, Mitigation, Competency to stand trial for both adults and adolescents, Civil commitments, Attorney consultations, Civil litigation. I do not perform child custody evaluations.
What other Types of Questions do your clients ask?
Schedule a free 30-minute phone consultation to see if the groups would be right for you or to find out more about them.
Contact Us
Whatever type of service you are interested in, I am here to help. If you would like to request an appointment, you can call or text (626) 770-3051, email intake@ketchitnaepsychologicalservices.com, or use the appointment request form above.