FAQ

When is the right time to seek psychotherapy?

Individuals face challenges at many points throughout their lives. Life changes or transitions may cause people to experience stress that can become overwhelming and can impair their quality of life. The right time to seek psychotherapy will be different for each individual. If you are finding that you or your child is unable to be involved in age appropriate, previously or typically enjoyable activities, psychotherapy may help. If you are contemplating therapy, you may benefit from an initial consultation session to discuss your particular concerns with a licensed psychologist who can assist you with your decision making. Consult with a trusted physician, friend, or family member if you are having difficulty determining the best strategy for seeking psychotherapy.

Psychologists are experts at helping people find their way through life’s difficulties, including such common sources of distress as relationship problems, career and family conflicts, physical illness, work stress, life transitions and the anxiety and depression that can accompany these and other challenges. If you, your child, and/or your family are experiencing symptoms that affect your quality of life, you may want to consider the potential benefits of psychotherapy.

Another time for seeking psychotherapy may be if individuals wish to enhance skills such as sports performance, public speaking, acting and musical aptitude, job-related or other abilities. Cognitive-behavioral psychologists are knowledgeable about strategies which may help an individual develop or augment desired talents. A consultation with a psychologist may be helpful for the interested individual to explore the potential for specific skill improvement.

What are my rights to confidentiality?

Your psychologist is bound ethically and legally to protect your confidentiality. If you are over 18 years of age, it is your right to provide permission in writing for your psychologist to share your personal therapeutic information only with the individuals you specify, such as your physician, school, or insurance company. You have the right to revoke this written permission at any time. Your privacy and confidentiality are taken very seriously and we believe this is necessary for the formation of a trusting and confident relationship with your doctor. Information provided by minor patients is available to parents as requested and, it is suggested, when it will be beneficial to the minor patient’s overall well-being. Child abuse must be reported to the appropriate state authority as psychologists are mandated to disclose this information to protect the patient or others. Additionally, safety issues may warrant disclosure of information if a patient presents a danger to self or others.

How do I choose a psychologist?

If you are considering seeking psychological treatment, you may wish to consult with a trusted physician, family member, friend, or state psychological organization. These sources may suggest well-trained, experienced psychologists who may be helpful for your particular needs. The New Jersey Psychological Association maintains a referral list with psychologists’ specialties and they are also helpful in ensuring psychologists’ credentials. Once a psychologist’s credentials and competence are established, most health care providers agree that your level of personal comfort with a treating psychologist is a necessary measure of the potential success of a patient-doctor relationship. A good rapport with your psychologist is critical. Choose a psychologist with whom you feel comfortable and at ease. You may also consider calling your medical insurance company to determine your mental health benefits and proceed in the appropriate manner.

How do I make an appointment?

You may call our office 24-hours a day and leave a message for either a specific doctor or the general office. The first doctor to receive your message will return your call as soon as possible. At that time, you will have the opportunity to discuss your particular needs and ask questions regarding the issues for which you are seeking therapy. It is during this initial discussion that the psychologist can determine if the issues presented can be appropriately treated in our office. The next step is for the psychologist and individual to determine an appointment time for the initial consultation. Both evening and weekend hours are available. Appointments must be scheduled and callers should not assume that they have a scheduled session until this is confirmed by one of the psychologists.

When is my doctor available to me?

We are available by appointment only. Arrangements for after hours support must be made with individual doctors.

What forms of payment are accepted?

Lifespan Associates are out of network with all insurance companies. Our office accepts payment by cash, check, and most major credit cards. In addition, most flexible spending and healthcare spending accounts can be used for our services. We issue receipts for our patients to submit to their insurance companies for reimbursements.