Frequently Asked Questions

Who do you treat?

Children, adolescents, and adults (ages 3 - 99). I also provide couples and family therapy.

What conditions or disorders do you treat?

All anxiety and obsessive compulsive spectrum disorders as well as many related conditions including:

  • Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)

  • Social anxiety disorder

  • Selective mutism

  • Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

  • Emetophobia and other specific phobias

  • Separation anxiety disorder

  • Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other traumatic reactions

  • Panic disorder

  • Agoraphobia

  • Body focused repetitive behavior disorders (BFRBs) like trichotillomania and excoriation disorder (hair pulling and skin picking)

  • Tourette syndrome and tic disorders

  • Adjustment disorders

  • Eating disorders like anorexia nervosa, bulmia, binge eating disorder, and avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID)

  • Encopresis/Enuresis

  • Depressive disorders, eating disorders, and some externalizing disorders (behavior problems)

What is CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)?

CBT is a short-term, solution focused therapeutic approach that can be highly effective for a number of symptoms and problems. It is based on the idea that thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are all connected, and symptoms arise from problematic patterns among them. See https://www.adaa.org/finding-help/treatment/therapy for an excellent introduction.

Do you take insurance?

No. See Fees for more information.

Why don’t you take insurance?

There are several reasons why Dr. Smith does not take insurance. Contracting with insurance companies means that someone else can determine what treatment looks like. Dr. Smith believes that she and you are in the best position to determine how frequently and how long sessions should be to get maximum benefit, and limitations imposed by insurance companies can compromise treatment. Insurance companies require and keep certain information from clinical records. Not contracting with insurance companies allows for individuals to have greater privacy and control over their protected health information. Often, investing in evidence-based care with proven effectiveness reduces long term cost for treatment.

Do you offer televideo or phone sessions?

Yes, in some circumstances.