Psychological Evaluations

Psychological evaluations are performed for children older than five years of age and adults. These evaluations serve to determine the possibility of Attention Deficit Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, Depressive Disorders, Learning Differences, Adjustment Disorders and more serious emotional illness (such as Schizophrenia or Bipolar illness). Most evaluations include psychological testing as well as clinical interviews.

Individual Psychotherapy

Individual psychotherapy is performed for individuals ages five and up. A variety of approaches are tailored for the specific needs of the patient.

Pre-Marital Therapy and Testing

Research strongly supports the benefits of pre-marital therapy and testing when it follows specific protocols. Hoping for good outcomes in marriage merely based on “perceived compatibility” or “present relationship satisfaction” is not supported by research.

Marital Therapy

Marital therapy to facilitate improved communication and reduction in conflict is provided. Couples are seen in an effort to strengthen positive features of their relationship as well as unravel negative patterns which threaten the stability of their marriage. When divorce and separation are strong possibilities couples are assisted in facilitating amicable and productive communication.

Sex Therapy and Enrichment

Healthy sexual intimacy can be crippled by false expectations and myths, repressive backgrounds, sexual traumas, promiscuous pasts, extramarital affairs, sexual addictions, and physiological problems. Also, healthy sexual intimacy may not be limited by these problems but could still be enhanced by new information and skills as couples transition through three critical stages of:

• Building the foundation (Beginning)
• Keeping passion alive (Middle years)
• Enjoying better sex (Aging)

Family Therapy

Family therapy focuses on improved communication and providing a stable supportive atmosphere to discuss difficult issues and family conflicts. The dynamics of the entire family are considered in negotiating improved communication and enhanced satisfaction for all members of the family system.

Substance Abuse

Evaluation for substance abuse is conducted and appropriate recommendations for inpatient, outpatient, and individual therapy are made. Treatment may involve referrals to community groups as well as psychiatric support for addictive matters.

Custody Evaluations

Court appointed child custody evaluations are performed in a thorough manner, which includes interviews with all parties who have significant access to the children. After a formal court order is received, all primary parties are interviewed, given appropriate psychological testing, and interviewed with the children. If age appropriate, each child is interviewed approximately four times, observed with each parent, and seen during a home visit at each residence. Recommendations for the court's consideration regarding conservatorship, access, and possession are made which are deemed to be in the best interest of the child. Each parenting plan is based on the unique needs of the child and perceived contributions of each parent to the child's healthy development. A report of approximately 30 pages is filed with the court. This document is often useful for mediation purposes and other settlement conferences.

Parenting Coordination

Parenting coordination is a process utilized to facilitate communication between divorced or separated individuals regarding safety, educational, and health related issues of their child. In addition, other important topics of co-parenting are discussed with the goal of enabling parents to reach a mutual decision regarding the best interest of their children. Past issues and difficulties are rarely dealt with due to the fact that current and future welfare of the children is paramount. This process is confidential, with the exception of reporting compliance.

Parenting Facilitation

Parenting facilitation assists parents in functioning in a cooperative manner with a goal of providing mutual agreement on issues of co-parenting. An effort is made to focus on current and future issues as opposed to resolution of past conflicts. This process is not confidential and the results can be reported to attorneys and the court.

Personal Injury Cases

Assessment of psychological damage related to trauma in matters of litigation is conducted in cases where there has been an alleged breach of legal duty. We have been retained in the past by both the plaintiffs and defense to evaluate functioning prior to the trauma, the impact, and subsequent level of functioning including mediating factors. If written reports are issued, they include a projection of future psychological functioning as well as cost related to therapeutic remediation.

Court Related Therapy

Courts often order therapy providing protection and support for children and their parents related to matters in family law cases. At times, therapy may be necessary in an effort to facilitate reunification of children and parents. In general, this results in children having a greater voice in court proceedings. This therapy is not confidential.

Psychological Testing

Psychological testing and evaluations related to criminal and civil matters are conducted in cases where an individual's level of functioning is an important consideration by the court.

Consultation and Expert Witness Services

Consultation for a single party involved in litigation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Expert witness services on specific topics, when evaluation of the parties has not occurred, are provided based on clinical experience and relevant research.

Psychiatric Evaluations

Psychiatric evaluations are performed for adolescents and adults ages 15 and up. These evaluations are performed to determine the need of medical management of mental illnesses which are not fully responsive to psychotherapy/counseling alone.

 

Dr. Albritton charges $300 an hour for forensic psychological work. Retainers are required before the initiation of services, and the unused portion is generally refundable at the conclusion of the case. Charges are made for other case related matters such as phone calls, reviewing case related material, collateral contacts, and production of written reports.

Dr. Albritton's charges for non-forensic psychological services are $240 per hour. Most sessions are 45 minutes in length and result in a $180 charge. While receipts are produced which may be filed with insurance companies, his office does not file insurance claims for patients. Forensic psychological matters are rarely reimbursable by third party payers.

Dr. Barnes only provides non-forensic psychological services. Psychological Testing and Clinical Services are chargeable at $150 per hour. While receipts are provided which may be filed with insurance companies, his office does not file for patients.

Dr. Mitchell charges $250 an hour for forensic services, paid in a refundable retainer, and $135 an hour for clinical services not related to forensic issues.

Dr. Henderson charges $300 per hour for an initial psychiatric evaluation. Future appointments range from $150 for 20 - 30 min sessions to $225 for a 50 min session.