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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?

The confusion about the two professions can be explained in different ways ranging from model of care to approach and intervention. I have found it most helpful to explain the foundational distinction. Psychologists are doctors are graduate school-trained in various specialty areas to work in research, education, and/or clinical practice while psychiatrists are medical school-trained and are physicians.  More commonly, psychologists offer services to treat conditions or meet client's personal life goals. More commonly, psychiatrists prescribe medication to alleviate symptoms. Unique academic focus of each level of training may allow some psychologists to offer medication in approved states and some psychiatrists to provide long-term therapy. The relevance of including this frequently asked question is to encourage individuals to seek the care that resonates with them. 

How do I choose the right therapist?

I get it. When you start the search for someone to talk to, there are so many websites, types of providers and approaches. It can be overwhelming. Maybe you have already experienced a therapist and it was not the right fit, which does not feel very good when you are just trying to be better. I view choosing the right therapist as an interview process. It does not have to take long - just be strategic. Using a platform with provider profiles or website such as Psychology Today, filter your preferences and type of pay, choose the first few options that stand out to you. Those few are like your interviewees. Send a request to speak or write a message that allows you to ask the most relevant question for you at this time. You can express any concerns about 'the fit' with these potential therapists. Gauge how you feel afterward, and give yourself time to consider who is best fit for a working relationship.

How long does therapy take?

The short answer is - it depends on factors for instance what the objective is, the approach used, how often you meet for therapy, barriers to reaching the objective. When you discuss what you would like to get out of therapy, the frequency of sessions and agreed upon approach, the timeline becomes more clear. Weekly therapy has become a standard, however degree of suffering as well as resources of time/money/insurance need to be navigated so that a more realistic plan might be every other week, or moved up to twice weekly. I view this as collaborative. I will give my recommendation, and we discuss what works best for you.

How much does a session cost?

I am credentialed with a host of insurance panels. If your insurance is not listed,  you may benefit from asking your insurer whether they provide reimbursement for therapy. Typically documentation is provided by me as a 'receipt' or superbill for you to submit to your insurance. This allows for partial or full reimbursement based on your insurance (e.g. based on deductible/out of pocket maximums). Self-pay option is 150/hr. 

 

In-Network Plans

Aetna

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mass

CareFirst

Carelon Behavioral Health

Horizon BCBS of New Jersey

Independence Blue Cross of PA

Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic

Oscar (Optum)

Oxford (Optum)

Quest Behavioral Health

United Healthcare (Optum)

Address

5457 Twin Knolls Rd
Columbia, Maryland 21045

Phone

(410) 413-3528

Email

DrErica.HolisticHealth@gmail.com

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