A psychologist is a doctoral-trained professional who evaluates and treats a full range of emotional and psychological challenges. Their license certifies the completion of broad educational and training requirements. It authorizes the psychologist to independently diagnose and treat psychological problems. After a license has been granted, the psychologist must continue their professional education. Psychologists maintain the highest professional and ethical standards of practice.
How do psychologists differ from other types of mental health professionals?
Psychologists receive more education and training in psychology and mental health service than any other mental health professional. Their training often requires a minimum of seven years beyond the undergraduate degree. A clinical psychologist may provide counseling and psychotherapy but will also draw from rigorous scientific research. This ensures that treatments are effective and well-matched to what the client wants. Clinical psychologists will often be more “active” than psychotherapists and counselors. Clinical psychologists in Texas do not currently prescribe medicine. However, most will have a good understanding of relevant medicines and will identify when you should consult your doctor.
What is an evidence-based treatment?
Evidence-based treatment refers to treatment methods and intervention techniques that are supported by science. They are informed by peer-reviewed, scientific research indicating that the strategies and methods used are effective. Using approaches that have been put through rigorous testing ensures the validity of a therapy. In addition, evidence-based treatment integrates good science with clinical experience and expertise. Evidence-based treatments are listed as ‘best practice’ and ‘preferred’ approaches for treatment by both the American Psychological Association and the American Psychiatric Association. I choose to use evidence-based treatments because because I want to do effective work and have seen these interventions work well time after time.
What is an outcome-driven treatment?
Outcome-driven treatment is a treatment that includes clear goals and focuses on the desired outcome. Clear goals are developed early in treatment, and we measure and monitor progress regularly (typically every month) to make sure that symptoms are improving. The length of treatment depends on the number and complexity of goals and the extent to which the client works to accomplish them. An outcome-driven approach is personalized and not a “one-method-fits-all” approach. The client and the clinician work together as a collaborative team to maximize success.
How do I make an appointment?
To make an initial appointment, you can call/text me at (832) 437-6260. I will want to talk with you and ask some basic background questions about you and about your reason for seeking help. This is because I want to make sure that I am the best person to help you. If we both agree that I may be the right person, I can then email you instructions to make an appointment online, or we can make an appointment over the phone, whichever is easier for you.
Does Dr. Valdés take insurance?
I want to focus my energy on client care, so I am not a provider for insurance panels. However, many insurance companies will provide mental health coverage at the “out of network” level. These benefits vary greatly by company, so please check with your insurance company. The insurance company will let you know your plan’s deductible as well as the percentage of reimbursement you are likely to receive.
I am happy to file courtesy claims for my clients. This means that, with your permission, I can easily file an out-of-network claim with your insurance company as a courtesy to you. This process will also inform the insurance company to reimburse you directly instead of me. This service is at a small cost to me, but one that I am happy to take on to reduce stress for my clients and increase accessibility to therapy. The insurance company would receive some information about your session (the duration, the location, the fee, and sometimes diagnosis.) Depending on your coverage, and deductible, a reimbursement (full, partial, or none) will be mailed to your home address.
If you prefer, I can instead provide you with a superbill or flexible spending statement. The superbill will include the necessary diagnostic and procedure codes for you to submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement. The insurance company will reimburse at the “out of network” provider level.
If the appointment is for a child, who should come to the first appointment?
If the therapy/assessment is for a child, only the parents should come to the first appointment. This is a good time to talk freely without fear of making the child uncomfortable by talking about him/her in their presence. Having talked to the parents first also gives me a better sense of what to focus on when I meet with the child. During the second session, the child can come in independently or with the parent. I will spend all of this second session getting to know the child and helping them feel comfortable in the office.
How long do the sessions last?
A typical session lasts for 50 minutes. After the session, I spend about 10 minutes documenting a progress note.
What can I expect from my initial session?
During the first session, I will gather detailed information about the reason you are seeking help and what goals you hope to reach with our work. At the end of the first session, we will develop a plan for how to work on the concern that brings you here.
Will the things I discuss in therapy be kept private?
Confidentiality is an important part of psychology’s code of ethics and we take your privacy very seriously. Psychologists understand that people need to feel safe and comfortable to be able to share private and revealing information. People need a safe place to talk about anything they’d like, without fear of that information leaving the room. Being able to share without worries about confidentiality allows us receive good care. Laws are also in place to protect your privacy. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) contains a privacy rule that creates national standards to protect individuals’ medical records and personal information. In some situations, however, psychologists may be required to share specific information to protect the safety of the client or that of others. For example, where there is a reasonable suspicion of child abuse or where there is a reasonable suspicion that the client presents a danger to himself or others.
How long will therapy take until the problem gets better?
Minor, major, and multiple problems take different amounts of therapy time. Most clients see me once per week for 3 to 4 months, but most clients feel increased optimism in a few sessions. They typically note lessened anxiety or depression in 10–15 sessions. Be aware that others may notice changes before you do! An important part of therapy for both children and adults will be practicing new skills that you will learn in our sessions. The change will sometimes be easy and quick, but more often, it will take a good amount of time and you will learn new ways of looking at the problem that will be very helpful for changing feelings and reactions.
What if I need medication?
I am a psychologist, so I do not prescribe or even recommend considering specific medications. However, if we both feel that there is a possibility that medicine might be helpful, I will refer you to a psychiatrist who can assess that possibility further. If the psychiatrist determines that medication may be helpful, the psychiatrist and I will collaborate and communicate frequently to make sure that you are getting the best care possible from both of us.
