This section includes some frequently asked questions many people have before attending their first session:

Q: Who will answer my phone call or email message?
A: Dr. Perrymore will personally respond to all phone calls and emails within 12-24 hours.

Q: I'm not quite sure what to say when I call or what to write in an email?
A: Yes, this is a common concern that many people have when contacting a therapist for the first time. If you are calling me and you receive my voicemail, feel free to leave a detailed message and I will get back to you as soon as possible. If you call and I'm able to answer, than that means that I have time to answer any questions that you may have about therapy in general or my practice specifically. If you choose to email me, please feel free to ask your questions in your first email to me.

Q: What will my first appointment consist of?
A: Your first appointment will be a consultation visit lasting approximately 60 minutes. During this time you and I will discuss the problems you are having, make a plan for treatment and allow time for you to ask as many questions as you would like.

Q: How long are all subsequent sessions?
A: Each following session is also 60 minutes long. Most patients attend sessions on a weekly basis, but others opt to attend sessions twice a week or twice a month.

Q: How long will I need to be in therapy?
A: The length of your treatment depends on the issues that you would like to address. At the end of our first meeting, I will have assessed and offered a suggested length for your therapy. It is worth noting that some patients report feeling better after a few sessions. As you make progress you and I can discuss the option of maintenance sessions. These can be conducted monthly or even every other month and are designed to monitor the changes and continue the growth and progress you will have made.

Q: I heard Cognitive Behavioral Therapy emphasizes homework, can you describe what exactly homework is?
A: Therapy is not a process that takes place solely during our time together. It is important that you transition what you learn in therapy to your everyday life. Therefore, we will decide on "homework" assignments that you can work on between sessions. Homework consists of activities such as reading assignments, tracking your moods, thoughts, behaviors, changing the way you communicate with others and more.

Q: Is what I share with my therapist confidential?
A: Your confidentiality is protected by state law and by the rules of my profession. All information concerning patients is held confidential and is released only through procedures consistent with the law and professional ethics.

Q: What if I think I need to be evaluated for medications or I am already prescribed medications?
A: I am licensed and trained to practice psychology, not medicine. However, I regularly consult with physicians who prescribe medications to provide you with a medication consultation and/or continued medication management.

Q: How will I know if I'm getting better?
A: After our first session together we will identify the goals that you would like to accomplish during therapy. We will continue to measure your progress by evaluating these goals.

Q: Do you take insurance?
A: I now work with BCBS PPO plans and work with all other insurance companies as an out-of-network provider. Working as an out-of-network provider is a simple process and I will assist you with it throughout treatment. First, we need to contact your insurance company and inquire about your mental health "out-of-network benefits." Generally, insurance companies can reimburse anywhere from 50% to 80% percent depending on your plan and deductible. You would then pay my fee at the time of our session and I will provide you receipts that you can submit directly to your insurance company for reimbursement.

Q: How do I find out what my out-of-network benefits are?
A: Since every insurance plan is different the best way to understand your health insurance benefits would be to call your insurance company and ask the following questions: 1) What are my out-of-network mental health benefits? 2) Do I have a deductible to meet first and if so what is the percentage that is reimbursed after meeting the deductible? 3) What address should I send my paid receipts to?

Q. Why haven't you joined other insurance panels as an "in-network provider"?
A. I have chosen not to join other insurance panels as an in-network provider for a few reasons: 1) there is a a great amount of paperwork to submit for in-network benefits and the filing process usually requires a significant amount of time and often a breach of client confidentiality 2) insurance companies want a psychiatric diagnosis and will then determine based on the diagnosis given how many sessions they will cover. This information often becomes a permanent part of your medical file and might increase the cost of your future health insurance premiums, and 3) the insurance panel fee schedules are well below the national average and are therefore not ideal for established psychologists.

Q. What is your fee for sessions?
A. $145.00 a session (60 minutes).

Q: Where can I go to learn more about Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
A: For more information about Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, visit the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies: http://www.abct.org/Public/?m=mPublic&fa=WhatIsCBTpublic