“Between stimulus and response there is a space, in that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.”
–Victor Frankl
ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT
Dr. Stephen has extensive training in psychodynamic, behavioral, cognitive behavioral, solution focused, cross cultural, mindfulness, family, and feminist psychotherapy. Her approach to both assessment and treatment is collaborative and very active, as she engages with her clients every step of the way. Dr. Stephen provides treatment for children, adolescents, adults, and families.
Initially, Dr. Stephen conducts a thorough assessment in order to gain a clear understanding of the client’s problem by obtaining information about the client’s difficulty and focusing specifically on what he or she would like to change. As part of her assessment, Dr. Stephen identifies the many strengths and healthy characteristics each person brings to treatment. She shares psychoeducational information with the client about his or her diagnosis, and she discusses potential courses of treatment that include what the client can work on within and outside the office. Dr. Stephen truly understands and respects that each person is unique, and she offers a variety of options for her clients to consider including in their treatment. For example, while some clients might enjoy writing and choose to journal, others might practice meditation, increase their athletic endeavors, or read psychoeducational materials. Together, Dr. Stephen and her clients decide the treatment plan based on what is clinically indicated and what works best given the client’s personality and interests. Treatment focuses on gaining an understanding of the problem’s origin, identifying and implementing steps for change, and integrating the client’s strengths into the process. Dr. Stephen and the client modify the plan throughout the course of treatment as the client acquires both an increased awareness into his or her situation and more clarity about what would be most helpful moving forward.
PAYMENT
Dealing with insurance companies, as a patient and as a provider, can be difficult and stressful at times. Dr. Stephen chooses to accept insurance because she believes that clients should be able to use the plans they purchase for the services they want and need. Dr. Stephen is a provider for most insurance companies and plans by choice. She is not employed by any insurance company nor is she required to be a provider.
Clients are solely responsible for understanding the policy and benefits that they have purchased from their insurance companies. Dr. Stephen offers a form that clients can use to guide themselves through the process of communicating with their insurance companies. All copays, coinsurances and deductibles are due on the date of service without exception. Dr. Stephen bills the remaining portion to the insurance company. The session fee is due in full on the date of service for clients paying out of pocket.
Services received that are not covered by insurance are billed directly to the client.