Licensed Psychologist in Florida, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Arkansas
Telephone: 615-618-5166
Dr Cheryl Smith
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
frequently asked questions
How much?
What are your fees?
Individual session: $160
Payment is due at the time of service. I accept cash, checks and credit cards. Fees are based on a 50-minute hour with the last 10 minutes set aside for planning, appointment scheduling, and billing.
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How long?
How long will therapy take?
It really depends on many factors such as your reason for seeking help, your motivation, and your commitment to working on sometimes very difficult issues. On average, individual therapy lasts 10 to 20 sessions but some situations require a much longer course of treatment.
First session?
What is the first session like?
During the first session I will ask you to come to complete a few forms regarding some necessary personal information and background data, as well as your consent to be seen by me. Then we will discuss the main reasons for you beginning therapy. I will listen to your concerns and let you know if and how I can be of help.If your concerns are outside of my scope of expertise, I will give you some referrals of professionals who can assist you. By the end of the session, we will probably determine some areas on which to focus therapy and develop short-term and long-term treatment goals.
Termination?
Can I stop therapy at any time?
Of course! When it comes to finding a mental health professional, think of yourself as a consumer. One therapist does not always "click" with everyone. If you feel your needs are not being met, you always have the right to end therapy. However, it is always good to keep an open and honest line of communication with your therapist so that concerns may be addressed as soon as they arise.
Confidentiality?
Will I be assured of confidentiality?
Certainly! I am licensed in the states of TN and PA and by law must provide you with the utmost confidentiality. I am also a member of the American Psychological Association (APA) and uphold the APA's Ethics and Standards of psychology. The only reason I would ever need to break confidentiality is if someone's well-being was in danger. We will sign a confidentiality agreement at the inital session which will explain how I conform with the HIPAA regulations. These are regulations for all health service providers which are designed to protect and inform you of your privacy with regard to your personal health information.
When using insurance it is good to be informed of exactly how much information your company may be able to acceess to pay for your claims.
Insurance?
Do you take insurance?
In AR, I accept BCBS and Ambetter insurances.
I no longer accept insurance from TN.
I accept private pay clients. If your insurance company offers out-of-network benefits, I am happy to assist you with any documentation you may need. However, you should call your insurance company before the initial session to understand how your coverage works and your privacy rights.