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FAQHow do I schedule an appointment?Please phone my office at (858) 344-9456. If you do not reach me, please leave a detailed message on my confidential voicemail stating your name clearly, and providing me with some convenient times and phone number(s) when you can be reached. I will call you back usually within 1 business day to gather some brief information over the phone prior to scheduling our first appointment. What can I expect during our first meeting? Our first meeting will be an initial consultation in which information is gathered relevant to your current concerns and your history. During our first meeting I will answer any questions you may have and we will discuss how to proceed with treatment. This usually includes establishing a recurring meeting time (typically weekly). It may be decided, however, that I am not the best person to help you, in which case I can provide you with a more appropriate referral. How long does therapy last? Sessions are scheduled for 45 minutes. I utilize the remainder of the hour to summarize our session in my notes to consolidate what we’ve covered and to continually adjust your treatment plan as necessary. Frequency of sessions can vary from once per week to multiple times per week if indicated, however, once per week is the most common frequency. Therapy can be short-term or long-term, depending on the nature of the problem. You can choose to focus on one problem or goal, or multiple problems and goals. You may choose to do a focused piece of work around one issue, leave therapy, and then return to work on another problem later. How much does therapy cost? Please inquire about current psychotherapy rates and payment methods. I reserve a set amount of hours per week for reduced fee psychotherapy for individuals who may not have adequate financial means. These individuals usually include college/graduate students. Payment is made at each appointment unless other arrangements have been made. Do you accept insurance? I am not affiliated directly with insurance panels. Your insurance company should offer partial compensation for my services as an “out-of-network provider.” Please inquire with your insurance carrier to determine your out-of-network benefits. Upon request, I will provide you with a monthly statement that can be submitted for reimbursement But psychotherapy is expensive! Psychotherapy can be thought of as a long-term investment in your overall well-being and quality of life; an investment that will continue to pay dividends years after you stop attending sessions. The dividends can be literal, if, for instance increased confidence or clarity of goals gained in treatment helped you to ask for a raise, find a higher paying job, or change careers. The dividends can also be unquantifiable but significant nonetheless. You will ultimately have to determine the importance of your mental health and psychological well-being, and weigh for yourself the costs/benefits. Do you prescribe medication? Currently in the state of California, psychologists do not have the legal right to prescribe medications. Legislation for prescription privileges for psychologists is currently being negotiated, but currently, only medical doctors or physicians can prescribe. However, I do work closely with several psychiatrists and other medical doctors and can help you to schedule an appointment for a medication evaluation. My relationship is in trouble and my partner refuses to come to therapy. What do I do? It is often the case that one member of a couple sees a greater need for outside help than the other. Sometimes it may be best to begin the therapy process individually to assist you with your concerns. Leading by example in this way may also encourage your partner to engage in the process with you. If you can convince your partner to attend one or two sessions, he or she may find that it is not so bad and might wish to continue. How will I know if my psychotherapeutic treatment is working? As you begin psychotherapy, you should establish clear goals with Dr. Gale. You might be trying to overcome feelings of hopelessness associated with depression or control a fear that is disrupting your daily life. Remember, certain goals require more time to reach than others. You and Dr. Gale should decide at what point you may expect to begin to see progress. Generally speaking, it is a good sign if you begin to feel a sense of relief, and a sense of hope. Professional Affiliations
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Copyright 2005 Dr. Jonathan Gale, Ph.D. All rights reserved. |
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