What to expect on your first visit:
It can be difficult not only to call a therapist for the first time, but also to imagine coming to the office and beginning a psychotherapeutic relationship. I hope the following information will make your first visit feel more comfortable.
Setting up an appointment/paperwork:
After you contact me by phone: (615) 504-1051, or email: philchanin@gmail.com, I will then call you and ask you to elaborate a bit about your concerns and also whether you have any initial questions for me. If we agree to a first meeting, I will ask you to arrive 10-15 minutes early to fill out the initial paperwork, which I will leave on a table in the reception area. My paperwork requests additional contact information and your consent to begin a psychotherapeutic relationship.
Initial appointments:
When your appointment time arrives, I will meet you in the waiting room and show you to my office. I will then generally ask you to share your reasons for seeking therapy at this time. This appointment is an opportunity for me to begin to get to know you and develop an understanding of what brings you to treatment. Hopefully, you also begin to get a sense of me and how I work. At the end of the session (which is 45 minutes), I will tell you whether I believe that I can help you, and will invite any questions you may have for me. I will give you a document which outlines my approach to psychotherapy and my office policies, and will ask you to sign it and return it to me at the second session. Generally, in the second and subsequent sessions, I will continue to gather a detailed history of your concerns and we will be discussing together what will be most helpful to you.
Fees and insurance:
Your health insurance company may provide some coverage for out-of-network providers, though in most cases there is a deductible to be met first. If you wish to use your health insurance for some reimbursement, I will provide you with a written account of your sessions at the end of each month, which you can then file with your insurance company. My fee for psychotherapy is $175 per session. I do see some individuals at a reduced rate. Payment is due at the time of service. I can accept payment by cash, check, Visa/Mastercard/Amex, or by your Health Savings Account debit card. If you choose to pay with a card, I will add the credit card processing fee (2 or 3%) to your charge.
Medication:
As I am a psychologist and not a medical doctor, I cannot prescribe medication. I do frequently refer to psychiatrists in the community with whom I have developed a professional relationship, particularly Mike Reed, M.D. and Scott Ruder, M.D. When I refer to them, I work closely with them to coordinate your care.
Contacting me:
I can be contacted by phone: (615) 504-1051, or email: philchanin@gmail.com. If you need to reschedule an appointment, please contact me as soon as possible by phone, text, or email