Welcome to my practice. This document contains important information regarding my professional services and business policies. Please read it carefully and jot down any questions you might have so that we may discuss them. When you sign this document, it will represent an agreement between us.
Mental Health Services
Psychotherapy is not easily described in general statements. It varies depending on the personalities of the psychotherapist, the patient, and the particular problems you bring forward. There are many methods used to deal with the problems that you hope to address, and your treatment plan will be based on your goals for therapy and a conceptualization of your current challenges.
Psychotherapy is not like a medical doctor visit. Instead, it calls for a very active effort on your part. For the therapy to be most successful, you will have to work on things we talk about both during our sessions and at home. While it may not be easy to seek help from a mental health professional, it is hoped that you will be better able to understand your situation and feelings and move toward resolving the difficulties that prompted you to seek professional assistance. The therapist, using his knowledge of human development and behavior, will make observations about situations as well as suggestions for new ways to approach them. It will be important for you to explore your own feelings and thoughts and try new approaches for change to occur. You may bring other family members to a therapy session if you feel it would be helpful or if this is recommended by your therapist.
Risks of Therapy
Therapy is the Greek word for change. You may learn things about yourself that you don't care for. Often, growth cannot occur until you experience and confront issues that can induce sadness, sorrow, anxiety, shame, or pain. One might hope this would balance out with the discovery of joy, relief, and freedom as well. The success of our work together depends on the quality of your efforts, and the realization that you are responsible for life-style choices or changes that may result from therapy. Specifically, one risk of marital therapy is the possibility of exercising the divorce option. One risk of individual therapy is the possibility of developing a habit of overanalyzing yourself.
Appointments
Since Dr. Robinson will be waiting for you at your appointment time, cancellations must be made 24 hours in advance, or you will be charged $75 for the appointment. Allowing 90 minutes for an initial session is advised. The initial phase of couples work is based on 90-minute sessions. All other appointments are 50-60 minutes in length. Longer appointments may be scheduled if the therapist and patient agree that it would be helpful. If you are late, your session will only be the time remaining from your scheduled appointment time. Please plan to arrive a minute or two before our scheduled time.
Emergencies
An emergency is an urgent issue requiring immediate action. If you are unable to reach me or you can't wait for me to return your call, contact your family physician, call 911, or go to the nearest emergency room.
Medication Changes Communicated Immediately & Are Responsibility of Patient
It is important to update your record with any medication changes that you make while in treatment. I will attempt to ask you from time to time about changes, however; the primary responsibility is yours.
24-Hour Cancellation Policy
All scheduled appointments will be billed at $50 for a "no-show" unless you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.