What are some factors to consider when deciding if I should begin CBT or DBT vs. another therapeutic approach?
Independent clinical research supports the use of behavior therapy to treat various problems, including those listed in the “DBT offerings” and “CBT offerings” sections of our website. In addition to the traditional elements of talk therapy, CBT and DBT focus on the development of new skills and strategies to more effectively handle emotions, thought process, behaviors and relationships. As a result of this focus, CBT and DBT provide short-term therapy solutions for those who are effectively able to incorporate the skills they learn into their daily life.
What is DBT Board Certification? How is this different from DBT Intensive Training and other certificate granting workshops?
Workshops, such as the 10-day “DBT Intensive Training” offered by Behavioral Tech, an organization led by the developer of DBT, Marsha Linehan, provide certificates of completion to participants. Everyone who attends these workshops receives a certificate.
DBT Board Certification involves a thorough assessment of one’s knowledge of DBT and their ability to apply DBT clinically. This assessment is performed by a professional board of experts in the field who evaluate an applicant’s command of DBT and ability to apply it. The director of our practice, Dr. Kevin Holtzman, is one of the first psychologists in the Northeast to receive board certification in DBT through the Linehan board and several members of our team have earned DBT Board Certification as well.
Do you accept health insurance?
We do not accept health insurance and are considered “out of network” providers. Instead, our clients pay our fees directly and then will then often seek “out of network reimbursement” with the benefit of receipts that we provide at each session. If you would like to get a better idea of what your carrier will reimburse we recommend that you call the company directly and ask them how much they will reimburse you for the specific service you are seeking (e.g., individual psychotherapy, group psychotherapy). In determining your level of reimbursement, be sure to ask them the percentage of the doctor’s fees they will reimburse, if there is a deductible, and what their maximum allowable amount is.
What about medication?
We are not medical doctors and thus are not licensed to prescribed medication. Some of our clients take psychiatric medication though many do not. For those clients currently taking prescription medication, we consult with the prescribing physician to enable such physician to make prescribing decisions. We also work closely with local psychiatrists and can provide referrals if you desire.
