Q: How do I know if therapy is for me? How does therapy work?


Q: How do I know the clinicians at Psychology Care Associates can help me?

The clinicians at Psychology Care Associates have a broad range of combined expertise. After your intake session, we will match you with the therapist that best can address your specific needs.  If, however, your therapy needs fall outside our area of practice, we will gladly help you find a provider who works in that practice.


Q: Will the clinicians at Psychology Care Associates recommend medication for me or my child?

As psychologists, the doctors will not prescribe medication. However, they will conduct a complete assessment and consult with you about treatment recommendations that may include an evaluation by a physician about the possibility of a trial of medication. Our clinicians do not have a bias toward or against medication; you will have ample opportunity to discuss all your treatment options.


Q: How will I know when it is time to end therapy?

If you think that you are ready to stop therapy, we suggest that you and your doctor make this decision together. You may think that you are at a good stopping point when you are not. Together, you and your doctor can discuss if your feelings are being driven by a less mature feeling. True change takes time; feeling better in the short term, does not mean that it will continue long-term.

As with most things, the more time you dedicate to healing, the more you will get out of your overall treatment. Ultimately, it is your decision to do what you feel is best, but your doctor should be included in the final decision. Once you have reached your goals, it will be apparent and your doctor will inform you that you are ready to stop.


Q: Can I come back to therapy later one once I have finished?

You are always welcome to return to therapy in the future. Doctors see many people at different points in their life, in the same way as a family physician.


Q: Will I like the doctor, and will she like me?

The most effective way to see if you and your therapist get along is to meet for an initial session. If you are not sure about your feelings after your first session, you should know after your second or third meeting.

Remember, you may not like everything your doctor tells you, but that is normal.  Effective therapy sometimes involves hearing aspects about yourself that you do not want to hear and things that are hard to address. By trusting your doctor, you can work through the hard parts together, increasing your tolerance to hearing difficult things.


Q:  But what if I’m nervous about calling?

It’s okay to be nervous about calling.  The only time nervousness or apprehension is truly a problem is if you let it stop you from taking your first step.  We are here to help, we are here to answer the call.


Q: Will my insurance be accepted?

We currently work with the network providers for BCBS and Medicare. If you have another primary insurance provider, ask them to help you locate your nearest in-network testing center.


    Psychological Testing FAQs:


Q: What can I expect when I come in for my appointment?

All tests are different and depend on your specific needs. Typical psychological testing includes completing questionnaires about certain symptoms and behaviors, interacting in problem-solving activities, and participating in an interview. If your child is being tested, you may participate with them on a case-by-case basis.

When you arrive, you may notice that we keep our center as quiet as possible to make it easier for you to focus during testing. Please silence your cell phone upon arrival and do not bring children who are not being tested. If you cannot make it to your scheduled appointment, we ask that you give us 48-hours notice to reschedule so we can offer that time to someone else. Due to the high rate of appointments, if you do not notify us, we may not be able to reschedule your appointment immediately.


Q: What will I be expect to do during my appointment?

You should get a good night’s rest and eat a healthy meal before your test day. Wear comfortable clothing and make sure that you have what you need to actively participate in a variety of interactions (ie glasses, hearing aids etc). Before arriving, we ask that you not consume any stimulants, such as ADHD medication or caffeinated drinks, because they may interfere with our ability to determine if you have certain symptoms of ADHD.

Please arrive to your appointment on time, and silence all your electronic devices. This allows us to provide you with the best experience possible.


Q: Why does my test take so long to complete?

The Psychological Assessments we offer are separated into four different phases that include interviews and information gathering, testing, analysis and report writing, and finally your feedback.

When you come to our clinic, we make certain that you know you are our priority as we take our time to get to know you, your needs, and your concerns. At PCA, testing involves two to four appointments that last up to four hours each. After you complete testing, your results will be prepared within two weeks and the proper treatment can begin.


Q: What do I need to bring to my appointment?

If you have completed any type of testing before, please bring those records along with anything else that you feel is relevant to a diagnosis. If you are attending a follow-up appointment with us, please bring your questionnaire as well.


Q: When will I find out my results?

After you complete your psychological evaluation, a report will be written explaining your test results, diagnosis, and treatment recommendations. We invite you to attend a feedback session, where we will discuss your results in detail, answer any questions you may have, and provide you (or the legal guardian) with a copy of your psychological report.