A: Call our office and let our office staff know a little about the problem, the urgency of your condition, the time you are available, and whether you will be using your health insurance so that we can direct you to the appropriate psychologist.

A: It depends on the severity and complexity of the problem, as well as one's motivation to follow the treatment program.

A: No. Most clients do not require medication and do very well with psychological treatment alone. If medication is necessary, along with psychotherapy, a referral can be made to a psychiatrist or your family care physician.

A: It may not be possible to do what you need or want to do without someone else becoming uncomfortable. We will help you learn to tolerate their discomfort, as well as your own.

A: Psychologists study the science of human behavior and then apply this knowledge in a professional setting. Psychologists spend an average of 7.2 years, in addition to their undergraduate college degree, in education and training. They are licensed by the state in which they practice. A psychologist can help you identify your problems and then figure out ways to best cope with them, change controlling tendencies or habits, or find constructive ways to deal with a situation that is beyond your control.

A: It works by helping you objectively look at behaviors, feelings, and thoughts in situations that you find to be a problem. Psychotherapy helps you learn new and more effective ways of dealing with those situations.

A: All members of the American Psychological Association subscribe to a Code of Ethics that requires strict efforts to maintain patient confidentiality. Today, patients are often asked to approve the release of information in order to obtain insurance reimbursement or coverage for their treatment. Your psychologist will only release that information if you sign a release form indicating that you give your approval.

A: Adolescents deal with drastic physical changes, which lead to emotional and behavioral changes and mood swings. If your son or daughter begins to show regular physical and emotional symptoms such as sleeplessness, anxiety, tearfulness, eating changes, lack of energy, emotional outbursts, or loss of interest in or enjoyment of activities, seek professional help. If your child expresses suicidal thoughts in any form (letter, verbally, or through a friend), seek professional advice.

A; It is true that most people have times in their lives when their behavior is not in the normal range for their chronological age or state in life. Certain life situations such as loss, transition, change, or trauma present challenges to normal functioning.

In terms of assessing for ADD or AD/HD, find out the normal expectations for the age group in the physical, social, cognitive, and emotional realms and compare the behaviors you are seeing in your child or experiencing in yourself with the "norm." If the lack of attention, poor concentration, difficulty organizing tasks, restlessness, and/or impulsivity are observed across settings and are ongoing, seek professional help. At times, these symptoms are masking other problems and may not be related to attention deficit disorder.

A: The decision about whether or not to use medication should be made by the parent in consultation with his/her child's medical doctor. Stimulant medication, typically used to treat AD/HD, does have side effects, as do all medications.

A: Learning disorders are diagnosed when performance on an individually administered, standardized test in reading, mathematics, or written expression is substantially below that expected for age, school, and level of intelligence. The impaired performance significantly interferes with academic achievement or activities of daily living. Each school district has its own guidelines for eligibility for special services, and parents should advocate for their child's educational needs by working together with their district¹s special education coordinator.

A: Typically, middle age children and adolescents, in particular, are extremely sensitive about what their peers think of them. Their self-esteem is often fragile, and they are fearful of repercussions such as being ridiculed, embarrassed, or questioned.

The counseling or therapy falls under the umbrella of a doctor's appointment. The child controls what he/she says to peers and does not owe anyone an explanation. The parents need to communicate with the school regarding any concerns and heighten their awareness of their wish for confidentiality.