How do I know if I could benefit from seeing you?

Simply call (210) 493-6554 and I'll be happy to offer you a free phone consultation to see if my services are a good match for your current needs.  If not, I will try my best to refer you to another competent professional who may be a better fit.

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My doctor has referred me to see you.  Does that mean my doctor thinks I'm crazy?

Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions about what psychologists do.  Most of the clients seen by psychologists are every day people who have encountered some problem in their lives and want to become more effective in dealing with their difficulty.  A few of the common issues for which I see clients in psychotherapy include:

-Adjusting to life with a chronic illness or disability
-Coping with the emotional stress of fertility problems
-Overcoming depression, anxiety, or some other emotional difficulty
-Working through relationship problems
-Learning to live life more authentically

If your doctor has referred you to a psychologist, it is typically because he or she thinks if you talk to someone who is trained to listen and facilitate change, you might be able to get your life on track more easily. 

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What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?

Psychiatrists are physicians that specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness.  They have completed an undergraduate degree, four years of medical school, and a four-year residency in psychiatry.  As M.D.'s, they are able to prescribe medication and admit people to the hospital if necessary.  A few psychiatrists are also trained to do some counseling and psychological testing.

Psychologists attend graduate school after college.  Most spend about five years doing graduate coursework and supervised clinical training.  Before getting a doctorate degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) and becoming licensed, they also complete two additional years of full-time supervised clinical training.   Psychologists are typically trained in a wide range of counseling techniques and are proficient with a variety of psychological tests (e.g., IQ and personality tests).  Psychologists utilize non-medical strategies to help you work through the issues for which you are needing assistance.  They work in any setting where people need help changing including corporations, schools, and hospitals.

It is not unusual for psychiatrists and psychologists to work together.  If I am seeing you for psychotherapy and we determine that you may benefit from an evaluation for medication, I will usually refer you to a psychiatrist for a consultation.  I will then help monitor your response to any psychiatric medication and typically provide feedback to your psychiatrist, so that your medication can be adjusted more accurately.

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What do I do if I have an emergency when you are out of the office?

The psychologists who practice at my location take turns carrying a pager after hours.  If you are an existing client and have an urgent clinical matter after normal business hours that absolutely cannot wait until the next business day, you may page the psychologist on call at 877.548.2389.  I ask that you not call the pager for routine matters such as changing or canceling your appointment.  Leaving me a voice mail message is sufficient.

If a life-threatening emergency arises, seek help immediately from your physician or a hospital emergency room.  If you are unable to make it to the hospital, call 911.

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How much do you charge?

My general hourly rate is $125 per hour.  If you contact me, I can provide you with the specific rates for the variety of services I offer.  However, if you have health insurance, there may be a different rate negotiated on your behalf for my clinical services.  With insurance, you will typically have a copay each session and be responsible for any deductible.  Coaching services are not covered by insurance.  If you are paying me privately, I would be happy to discuss payment arrangements.  TPR members are eligible for a discount (Click HERE for details).

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What insurance do you accept?

Aetna
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Community First
Medicare
Medicaid
PHCS
San Antonio Employer's Health Alliance
Texas True Choice
Texas Worker's Compensation Commission
United Healthcare
ValueOptions

You can also see me as an out-of-network provider for PPO plans with whom I do not have a contract.

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Do you accept credit cards?

Yes.  For your convenience, my practice accepts Mastercard, Visa, and Discover credit cards, as well as Mastercard and Visa ATM and debit cards for amounts over $50.  You can pay online by clicking here or pay me directly in the office.  Please note that you must sign a payment consent form in my office prior to using this service.  The company that I work with to process these transactions is HIPAA-compliant and will manage your information with the utmost confidentiality.  Your credit card statement will only say "professionalcharges.com."

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Is there any paperwork I need to complete for my first appointment?

Yes, but I have tried to keep the paperwork to a minimum!  For your convenience, you can find a copy of the required forms by clicking here or going to the Helpful Resources page.

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Where is your office located?

11503 NW Military Hwy, Suite 301
San Antonio, TX 78231
Phone: (210) 493-6554

From 1604:  Take NW Military Hwy exit and go south (inside the loop).  Once you go through the intersection at Wurzbach Road, Alon Town Centre will be on the right hand side.  Take your first entrance in and  then turn to your right, heading toward the three story office building with two domes.  Park near the dome that says "Offices at Alon" under it.  Take the elevator to the third floor and then turn right.  Suite 301 is at the end of the hall.

From I-10: Take the Wurzbach exit and turn away from the medical center (toward HEB).  Go several miles down the road until you get to Lockhill-Selma.  As soon as you cross Lockhill-Selma, you will see a sign for the Offices at Alon.  Turn right at the sign and then take an immediate left, going up the hill toward the office building.  Park at the top of the hill near the dome that says "Offices at Alon" under it.  Take the elevator to the third floor and then turn right.  Suite 301 is at the end of the hall.

From 281:  Take the Isom Road exit and turn west (toward San Pedro). At San Pedro, the street becomes Lockhill-Selma.  Follow Lockhill-Selma to NW Military.  Turn right on NW Military and go a few miles.  The Alon Town Centre will be on your left before you get to Wurzbach.  (Look for the large HEB).  Turn left into the shopping center and then turn to your right, heading toward the three story office building with two domes.  Park near the dome that says "Offices at Alon" under it.  Take the elevator to the third floor and then turn right.  Suite 301 is at the end of the hall.

From 410:  Take the NW Military Hwy exit and follow it outside Loop 410.  Drive several miles down the road.  The Alon Town Centre will be on your left before you get to Wurzbach.  (Look for the large HEB).  Turn left into the shopping center and then turn to your right, heading toward the three story office building with two domes.  Park near the dome that says "Offices at Alon" under it.  Take the elevator to the third floor and then turn right.  Suite 301 is at the end of the hall.

Once you reach the Alon Town Centre, look for the three-story office building on the opposite side of the parking lot from HEB.  Park near the dome that has the words "Offices at Alon" written under it.  Take the elevator to the third floor.  When you get out, turn right and Suite 301 will be directly in front of you. 



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What is your style of counseling?

My style of counseling certainly varies based on your needs.  At times, I will sit back and listen closely.  At other times, I will be more directive, offering suggestions or asking you to consider taking certain actions.  I tend to be collaborative in my approach because I think your input and involvement in psychotherapy is key to success.  My goal is always to create a respectful, safe, and constructive environment where you can feel comfortable being yourself and taking risks.  I find that many people are nervous during their first session, but typically are surprised to find out that psychotherapy is not as scary as they imagined.

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How is coaching different from psychotherapy?

Coaching is NOT psychotherapy. Psychotherapy focuses on treating diagnosable psychological disorders. Because of the vulnerability of individuals who come to psychotherapy, this is a special relationship in the eyes of the law, with specific rules and protections. Psychotherapy is about healing, while coaching is about facilitating your growth from a place of health. Coaching assumes that you are emotionally healthy and able to participate equally in creating the future you desire.  Please note that if you are a current psychotherapy client, we cannot start a coaching relationship and vice versa.

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What are the advantages of having a coach that is also a trained behavioral expert?

Anyone can be a cheerleader. A coach that has specific training in helping people change their behavior gives you the advantage of having a person in your corner who has the tools to help you achieve change faster. A licensed professional also adheres to strict professional ethics and standards and must be competent to deliver the services they offer. Information revealed within the coaching relationship is treated as confidential, as allowed by law.

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