Frequently Asked Questions
Cognitive behavioral therapy emphasizes the important role of thinking in how we feel and what we do. CBT is based on the idea that while we often encounter challenging stressors and life circumstances—both past and present, it is our thoughts about those stressors (rather than the stressors themselves) that actually cause the intensity of our feelings and reactions. Part of the therapy is then focused on examining the accuracy of our thoughts and discovering ways to modify our thinking styles. Facing challenges directly through talking (in session) and actions (out of session) and then developing more effective and satisfying coping responses is another essential goal. Throughout this process, therapy can remain supportive, insightful, and focused on both current and long-standing concerns.
Yes! During the COVID-19 crisis our psychologists are all working primarily through tele-psychology over a HIPAA-compliant video platform that patients can easily access through their computers or mobile phones. As the COVID-19 crisis recedes, our psychologists will gradually return to in-person appointments. However, most of our psychologists plan to continue to offer tele-psychology as an option in the future on an as needed basis for patients who live far away, do not have time to attend in-person, are disabled, have home or work commitments, or just prefer the convenience.
A positive, collaborative therapeutic relationship is very important to our clients and to us. Our treatment approach is primarily behavioral, cognitive-behavioral (CBT), and family systems although we draw on other treatment orientations and approaches when needed. Some patients meet weekly for therapy and others every other week or less frequently. We prefer a treatment approach that is more along the lines of “therapy sessions as needed” rather than “therapy sessions over a long period of time with a set schedule.
Shortly after you contact us the practice director or one of our other psychologists will talk with you in detail to help you determine if therapy at Bryn Mawr Psychological Associates is right for you or your family member, and which psychologist in the practice might be the best fit. As with medical practices, though, we are not able to offer a free initial appointment.
Office hours are from 9 AM to 8 PM Monday through Friday (depending upon the therapist). Children and adolescents are generally seen in after school hours only.
At Bryn Mawr Psychological Associates we provide an environment that is comfortable and private. The offices are cozy and newly decorated. There is ample waiting room space. Parking is easy and the building is handicap accessible.
Your privacy will receive the highest regard. Soundproofing and privacy are built into the design of the office space. All licensed psychologists adhere to a code of ethics with strict requirements for maintaining client confidentiality. Contact with outside professionals, schools, insurance companies, and even other family members is made only with your permission. For virtual appointments, all psychologists at Bryn Mawr Psychological utilize a fully HIPAA-compliant video platform that patients can access through their computer, phone, or tablet.
Therapy sessions are generally about 55 minutes in length. Some clients need only a few sessions to meet their goals for treatment while others continue in therapy for an extended period of time to try to resolve long-standing issues.
There is ample waiting room space and plenty of children’s books and toys. There is also a park and playground across the street as well as the Ludington Library.
Psychologists do not prescribe medication. In general our approach is to try to resolve problems through discussion and problem-solving strategies. However, some of our patients also take medication to help improve their symptoms. If we feel that medication can be helpful we will discuss arranging a medication consultation with a physician. If you would like to explore this option we have good relationships with many psychiatrists in the area and are happy to help with an appropriate referral for consultation and possible treatment. Some clients prefer to see their primary care physician about medication, which we can also help facilitate. There are no professionals at Bryn Mawr Psychological Associates who prescribe medication.
We set our fees at the typical rate for doctoral level psychologists in private practice in the area. Like many psychologists in the Main Line area we are not in-network insurance providers (co-pay). However, we are partially covered as out-of-network providers for nearly all PPO and POS insurance policies. Patients pay at the time of the session and we give them receipts that contain the information needed for submission for out-of-network insurance reimbursement. Please note that there are no professionals at Bryn Mawr Psychological Associates who are eligible to provide covered services through Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, ACCESS, or HMO insurance carriers.
Patients are able to put the full cost of therapy sessions on any type of credit card as well as HSA cards. Checks and cash are also accepted forms of payment. Bryn Mawr Psychological does not do any billing of insurance companies for payment.
We work in close connection with respected psychiatrists and other local physicians, as well as school counselors, speech and language pathologists, dieticians, educational advocates, and other professionals. We also maintain connections with other local psychologists if we are not well suited to meet your needs. Examples of this include referrals for neuropsychological testing, primary substance abuse, primary eating disorders, and if a patient prefers for any reason to see a therapist outside of our practice.
Many children and adults who see us for therapy are in fact in the "normal range." However, they are looking to feel happier, get along better at work, school, or home, or to improve their parenting and the behavior of their children. For some patients/families, when we initially speak on the phone, we are able to determine that therapy might not be necessary at this time or that seeing a different type of professional might be more beneficial. Sometimes we reach a decision with the patient (or parents) after an initial consultation that therapy may not be indicated. In that event we would provide recommendations and additional resources and help the patient to connect with a more optimal resource.
The first time that you call we do our best to determine with you if we are well-suited to help with the concerns you are describing. If we do not specialize in the need that you have, we are connected with other therapists in the area and will be happy to help you find a better fit. We will also help you with referrals if you need a different type of treatment, live too far away, or if you need to see a provider in a specific insurance plan.
