How common are emotional disorders?

No matter what gender, age, race or economic status, emotional disorders can affect anyone. Some statistics from the American Psychiatric Association indicate just how common they are:

        • More than 22% of the population suffer from 
           some form of mental disorder that can affect
           their job, school or daily life.
        • 20% of Americans who visit a doctor are
           seeking help for mental disorders.
        • Almost 1 out of every 5 Americans will suffer
           at least one episode of major depression
           during their lifetime.

How do I choose a therapist?

When choosing a therapist, be sure to consider his/her education and training, years and range of clinical experience. Ask questions you may have about the therapist’s specialties and approach. Ask also about his/her assessment and treatment of your particular problem, and experience in treating it.

In addition to the therapist’s qualifications, you should also consider the therapist’s personal qualities and your rapport with him/her. These are most important for a successful outcome, and you should find someone you feel comfortable with. No single therapist is equally effective with all patients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Spruce Park Professional Center
109 Ponemah Road #10
Amherst, NH 03031-2818

Phone: 603-672-9660

How frequently would we meet and how long does treatment last?

Appointments are typically scheduled once a week, especially at the beginning of therapy. They may occur less frequently, such as every other week or monthly, as treatment goals are reached or if you and I decide that a less frequent schedule makes sense. Meeting twice a week is also possible when indicated. Each appointment lasts 50 minutes.

The length of treatment depends on the nature and the severity of the problem and the treatment goals. I realize that a non-specific answer like this can be frustrating.

A serious depression, however, will require a longer course of therapy than a stressful life decision. A shorter-term treatment goal for depression might be to manage daily life more easily whereas a longer-term goal might be to examine how the depression developed toward preventing its recurrence in the future. With that said, I have found that shorter-term therapy ranges from 3-6 months and longer-term therapy up to one year or more.

If I come in for couple/marital psychotherapy, will you see us separately as well as together?

In general, it is my practice to see the couple together so that we are all working with the same information and so that the relationship between each of you and me is balanced. At times it may be useful to meet individually with each partner, but this would happen on a limited, not ongoing, basis.

Do you accept health insurance?

Yes, I am a participating provider with several insurance companies listed in the Practice section of this website.

Please be aware that some plans, especially managed care, cover only “medically necessary” treatment for emotional problems and it is the plans that define what is medically necessary.

What if I don’t have insurance or choose not to use it?

Please call me to discuss the cost of treatment.

How soon can I get an appointment?

If there are openings in my practice for new patients, I usually can schedule an appointment within a week. My hours are Monday - Thursday, 8:30AM – 6:30PM.