FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Could I be imagining my symptoms? No. Medical psychology is for people who have real physical conditions that are limiting quality of life. Will my medical treatment end if I begin medical psychological treatment? No. We work as a team with your doctor and therapists to understand — and treat — the various aspects of your condition. Will my insurance pay for this treatment? Most insurance companies (including traditional healthy insurance, managed care plans, and worker’s compensation) do pay for these services. Some plans require prior authorization; others cover visits under your mental health benefit package. Our office can assist you with your insurance carrier or employer for specific benefit information. What if I am already in counseling? Medical psychology treatment takes a skills-training approach. It is not psychotherapy in the traditional sense, and does not replace any current psychotherapy. Will this treatment cure my pain? No, unfortunately most chronic conditions do not completely go away. Instead, treatment focuses on helping you to manage your pain, so you can do more things in spite of the pain. What will happen at my first visit? The first appointment is an evaluation and interview visit. You will be asked to complete some questionnaires and you will be interviewed. The interview will cover questions about your medical condition and treatment, your medical history, and your goals for treatment. In addition, you will be asked questions about your life in general, and some questions about your family. This helps to see you — and treat you — as an entire person. The interview and questionnaire take about two hours. Afterward, you will receive some additional information about the treatment.