“The path to a well-lived life is not always defined by what we add into our already busy lives; sometimes a great life is achieved by what we let go of.” -Lynn Grodzki
What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD) who went to medical school, and primarily prescribes medication, though some psychiatrists provide therapy services. A psychologist has received a doctorate (usually a Doctor of Philosophy [Ph.D.] or Doctor of Psychology [Psy.D.]) from a graduate school, and primarily conducts therapy and/or psychological evaluations (assessments). “Psychologist” is a protected term in most states, and is only legally allowed to be used by individuals who have met the degree requirements, and are licensed in the state accordingly.
How should I refer to psychologists?
While this depends on the clinician, it is most respectful and appropriate to call them by their titles (i.e., using “doctor” in front of their names) until they tell you otherwise. Please call me “Dr. Pittman.”
How do you pronounce “LePiatz”?
“lay pee-yahtz”
What is the significance of your logo?
It is a tree-like foundation (representing growth and stability) and globe “branches” (representing diversity and inclusivity), which reflect the nature and objective of the services provided at LePiatz Psychology, LLC.
What does “LePiatz” mean/represent?
There is no known meaning in any language. It was a nickname that Dr. Pittman acquired in high school.
How long is a typical session?
A therapy “hour” is generally 45-50 minutes.
What is the difference between privacy and confidentiality?
Privacy refers to the consumer’s right to hold information for themselves. Confidentiality refers to the legal responsibility of the provider (therapist, in this case) to protect information that is provided within a therapeutic relationship.
Why don’t you take more insurance plans?
Insurance is a wonderful thing; however, it is limiting for many reasons, including that in order for therapists to be reimbursed, we must identify a diagnosable problem, and not everyone seeking therapy wants or needs a diagnosis. That said, if you request a SuperBill (an itemized receipt of services provided), a diagnosis will be identified to satisfy the needs of the insurance company for purposes of potential reimbursement. In addition, insurance reimbursement rates undervalue the quality of the services that are being provided. Finally, some people want a level of privacy that cannot be completely accomplished when insurance companies are involved, as they are authorized to do audits of therapy notes at any time to determine if the services being provided are necessary.
[Please note: If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) through your policy/employer, you may be able to use this to reduce the cost of therapy to you.]
How can I ask my insurance company for reimbursement?
Call your insurance company before your first session with LePiatz Psychology, LLC and let them know that you want some information about your Out of Network Benefits for Outpatient Mental Health. Here are some questions that you can ask:
- Do I have Out of Network benefits?;
- Is there a deductible for those benefits?;
- Is there a maximum allowed fee that my insurance plan will reimburse?;
- Does my plan limit how many sessions I can have per calendar year? If so, what is the limit? And when does my contract year start?
- How much will be covered/reimbursed for the following CPT service codes: 90791 (intake/initial appointment by a psychologist); 90834 (individual therapy); 90846 (family therapy)?
- Do I need a referral from an in-network provider to see an out-of-network provider?
- Is approval or pre-authorization needed before I begin therapy?
- How can I submit claims for reimbursement?
- Am I able to use my FSA (Flexible Spending Account) or HSA (Health Savings Account) for self-pay purposes?
Do I need to have a “diagnosis” in order to be seen?
No. Not everything that people want to talk to a therapist about is “diagnosable.” This is why LePiatz Psychology, LLC, is not in-network with additional insurance companies, as insurance companies dictate requirements for reimbursement. However, if you request a SuperBill (an itemized receipt of services provided) to submit to your insurance company, there will be a diagnosis provided so as to facilitate potential reimbursement.
What happens in therapy? What should I expect during a session? What can I expect from therapy?
In the initial session, there will be discussion about what you want to work on (i.e., goals you want to work towards). Subsequent sessions are dedicated to working on those goals, with the flexibility to address other issues that may come up between sessions, which may take precedence at that time/in that session. You can expect to have a safe, non-judgmental space to talk about issues that are of importance to you, and to receive psychoeducation (when needed), as well as feedback and guidance about how to work through those issues. In return, it is expected that you will reflect between sessions on what has been discussed in your session, and that you will follow through on any tasks related to your goals as discussed during your session. It is expected/anticipated that this process will result in decreased distress and increased well-being.
Who is most successful in therapy?
Individuals who are willing to put forth effort during sessions and between sessions are most successful, as most of the “work” will be done outside of session (via reflection, implementation of suggestions related to goals, etc.). For minors: In addition to what is indicated above, those who have support and appropriate parent/guardian involvement are most successful in therapy.
How long will I have to be in therapy?
The purpose of therapy is to identify ways to help you make progress, and to evaluate that progress throughout the process. How long you are in therapy is dependent on what your needs are and how much progress you make, as well as the therapeutic fit between you and Dr. Pittman. Please note that progress almost never happens immediately, but it is also not necessary or expected that you stay in therapy “forever.” That said, many people benefit from ongoing access to the therapy process, and others benefit from time away from therapy, and returning, as needed, for purposes of “maintenance,” or shifting focus to different issues.
What if it is not a good fit or I don’t make progress?
We will work together to identify what may be inhibiting progress, and then we can re-calibrate, make adjustments, and/or discuss the possibility of a referral to another provider. It is very important for you to let me know if there is something about the therapy process that is not working for you so that we can determine how to proceed.
Are there risks to therapy?
While some people experience some distress when discussing difficult topics during a therapy session, the therapy process includes reflecting on the emotions evoked, discussing safe ways to continue to process those emotions outside of the session (when appropriate), and identifying a way to manage any distress that comes up between sessions. While it can be very tempting to discontinue therapy when “the work gets hard,” it is strongly recommended that clients remain committed to the process, when/if possible, in order to get to a place of healing and growth.
Is there anyone for whom tele-health/virtual therapy is not appropriate?
Yes. Individuals who require a higher level of care than can be provided by LePiatz Psychology, LLC, and a higher level of care than can be provided via virtual therapy/Tele-health are not appropriate for this mode of therapy.
The following categories reflect individuals for whom tele-health is not an appropriate mode of therapy (please note that this is not an exhaustive list):
- Alcohol and substance abuse;
- Individuals with active suicidal thoughts or thoughts of self-harm;
- Individuals with thoughts of harming others; and/or
- Individuals with severe and persistent mental illness (e.g., Schizophrenia; unmedicated BiPolar Disorder, etc.)
If, based on the information indicated here, you feel that you may not be an appropriate fit as a client with LePiatz Psychology, LLC, please see the “Community Resources” section for other/more appropriate resources.
What if I don’t like virtual therapy?
It admittedly takes some time to get used to doing therapy on a screen. However, if you do not feel comfortable with virtual therapy, then Dr. Pittman can provide you with recommendations for other providers in the community who provide in-person therapy.
What should I do if I can’t reach you after hours or need help after hours? Do you provide crisis intervention services?
You are welcome to leave an email or voicemail message and your message will be returned within one business day unless otherwise indicated. LePiatz Psychology, LLC, does not provide emergency services or 24-hour care. If you need this type of intervention, please call 911, or go to your nearest emergency room or psychiatric facility (Please see the “Community Resources” section for more information).
What is your cancellation policy?
Please cancel within 24 hours of your session (for Monday sessions and sessions that fall right after a public holiday, please cancel by 5pm of the business day before that, if possible, which [with the exception of winter holidays] is usually a Friday). If you miss an appointment or cancel inside of 24 hours, you will be responsible for the full out-of-pocket cost for the session, and insurance does not reimburse this cost.
Is my information shared with anyone? What are the limits of confidentiality?
Information gathered by LePiatz Psychology, LLC, (for those who use insurance and those who self-pay) is protected under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and nobody has access to these records without your signed written permission (i.e., signing a consent form). The only exclusions to this are if your records are subpoenaed, or if your insurance company does an audit. A copy of LePiatz Psychology, LLC, Privacy Notices (including details of the parameters of HIPAA) are provided to each new client as part of the new client paperwork. More information about HIPAA can be found under that tab at the top of the webpage.