Frequently Asked Questions
How long have you practiced as a psychotherapist?
What client populations do you work with?
Do you have areas of specialization in your practice?
How do I know if you’re the right therapist for me to work with?
What insurance providers are you paneled with?
Do you accept other types of insurance?
How long have you practiced as a psychotherapist?
I became licensed to provide psychotherapy in 2000. I first practiced as a psychotherapist in the community mental health setting from October of 2000 until December 2002. In January 2003 I started my private practice in Topeka, KS.
Prior to the completion of my graduate degree in 2000 I worked in the mental health field for seven years. Previous clinical experiences include employment at a residential treatment facility for adolescents and specialty inpatient treatment programs for eating disorders and posttraumatic stress at The Menninger Clinic.
What client populations do you work with?
Adolescents & adults
Individuals, couples & familiesDo you have areas of specialization in your practice?
Eating Disorders
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
I also have a developing interest in Obsessive-Compulsive DisorderHow do I know if you’re the right therapist for me to work with?
Choosing a therapist is a personal decision, some of which is guided by type of clinical training /theoretical orientation, scope of practice and areas of specialization. Psychiatry, psychology, psychiatric nursing and social work are all licensed disciplines - with different training emphases - designed to diagnose and treat mental health conditions. Psychology, for example, focuses on the psychological functioning of the individual, while psychiatry is an area of specialization that is selected following the completion of medical school. Psychiatrists prescribe psychotropic medication; currently a select group of psychologists can as well. There are also nurse practitioners who provide therapy and prescribe medication.
My graduate degree is in social work, where training is based on understanding development in the context of one’s current and historical social environment. I also received two years postmasters clinical training (the LSCSW credential) which provides specialty training in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions as well as the art and science of psychotherapy. Following the completion of this postmasters work, I graduated from a two year psychotherapy training program in psychoanalytic psychotherapy. Additionally, the renewal of my license every two years requires that I meet continuing education requirements which are monitored by the Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board.
Regarding the relationship you have with your therapist, I suggest paying attention to your level of comfort with them over time. The work of psychotherapy involves sharing your most personal self – dreams, fears, problems, inner conflicts. So trust is fundamental if the therapy relationship is to deepen and eventually provide the vehicle in which problems can be explored and gradually resolved.
What insurance providers are you paneled with?
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas
Century
MedicareDo you accept other types of insurance?
Yes, as an out-of-network provider.
Payment that is the client’s responsibility can be paid by cash, check or credit card (VISA, MasterCard, Discover).
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