What is therapy?

There are many different methods I may use to approach the problems that you want to address.  Psychotherapy is not like a medical doctor visit.  Instead, it calls for you to take a very active part.  In order for the therapy to be most successful, you will have to work on things we talk about both during our sessions and at home.

Our first few sessions will involve an evaluation of your needs.

  • By the end of the evaluation, I will be able to offer you some first impressions of what our work will include and a treatment plan for us to follow.
  • During this time, we can both decide if I am the best person to provide the services you need in order to meet your goals.  therapy involves a commitment of time and energy, so you should have confidence in the therapist you select.
  • If you are interested in medication as part of a plan of action, please remember that I am not a physician and do not prescribe medication.  I will refer you to a physician if you do not have your own resources.

How are appointments scheduled?

  • We begin by scheduling one 50-minute session (one appointment of 50 minutes duration) per week.
  • Once an appointment hour is scheduled, you will be expected to pay for it unless you provide 24 hours advance notice of cancellation.  It is important to know that insurance companies do not provide reimbursement for canceled sessions.

Is therapy confidential?

  • The law protects the privacy of all communications between a patient and a psychologist.  In most situations, I can only release information to others about you or your child when you sign a written Authorization form.
    • Specific information about confidentiality will be in your New Patient Packet which will be mailed to you once your first appointment is reserved.

How can I contact Dr. Dybell?

  • My telephone is usually answered by voice mail when I am with a patient.  I will make every effort to return your call within 24 hours, with the exception of evenings, weekends, and holidays.
  • If you are unable to reach me and feel that you can’t wait for me to return your call, contact your family physician or the nearest emergency room and ask for the psychologist on call.
  • Due to confidentiality and security matters, I do not communicate over e-mail.  I also do not provide records over the Internet nor in an electronic file format of any kind.

What are the costs of therapy?

I charge a flat fee for sessions.

What are your billing and payment procedures?

  • You are expected to pay for each session at the time it is held.
  • Personal checks, credit cards, and cash are accepted for your payments.
    • At the end of each session, I will provide you with receipts which may be useful to you in seeking reimbursement from your insurance company.

Does Dr. Dybell accept insurance payments?

I do not accept payments from insurance companies.  You are expected to pay for your sessions at the time of each appointment.

  • If you have a health insurance policy, it may or may not provide some coverage for mental health services.
  • It is very important that you find out exactly how referrals for therapy are made, the type and duration of therapy, and professional’s credentials your insurance policy covers before we start working together.  Many plans require “authorization” before they provide reimbursement for therapy services.
  • “Managed Health care” plans such as HMOs and PPOs often will not provide any insruance benefits (or coverage at a reduced rate) when you work with providers who are not on their list of approved provides.  I am not a member of any insurance panels.  I do not participate in any insurance “networks.”
  • In all situations, you (not your insurance company) are responsible for full payment of my fees at the time of each appointment.

How do I begin therapy with Dr. Dybell?

Please call my office (713.218.7004) and we can briefly discuss your needs.  Once an initial appointment is reserved, a packet of forms and questionnaires will then be mailed to your home address.