|
 FAQ
(Frequently Asked Questions)
|
|
We have assembled a list of 10 questions that we
are most often asked regarding our practice and profession.
|
|
|
|
|
How do I
know that it’s time to get psychological help? |
Back to Top |
| |
Based on recent
emotional or behavioral changes your doctor, family, and/or
friends may have suggested that you might need professional
help. Changes in sleeping patterns, eating habits, work or
school performance and relationships all point to possible
serious difficulties that can be helped by a psychologist.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
How do I
determine if a psychologist is the right professional to
help me? |
Back to Top |
| |
There are many
mental health professionals in the community with various
credentials. Types of mental health professionals include
social workers, pastoral counselors, and psychiatrists. On
average, psychologists spend more than 7 years after college
to learn their specialized helping skills. All psychologists
at Georgemiller, Whyte & Associates are licensed in the
State of Illinois, belong to professional organizations, and
ascribe to the
ETHICAL PRINCIPLES OF PSYCHOLOGISTS AND CODE OF CONDUCT
. Your psychologist will also know how
to access other mental health and medical services you may
require. |
| |
|
|
|
|
How will
the psychologist determine what my problems are and the best
ways to improve my life? |
Back to Top |
| |
Psychologists are
trained to assist you identify what the underlying problem
is and then figure out better ways to cope. Your
psychologist will conduct an initial diagnostic interview to
fully explore your concerns. After the issues have been
defined your psychologist will apply focused psychological
treatments like individual psychotherapy, couples
counseling, or family therapy to address your concerns. If
necessary, other diagnostic procedures such as psychological
testing and neuropsychological testing are available to
further examine your problems. |
| |
|
|
|
|
What
insurance plans do you accept? |
Back to Top |
| |
Georgemiller,
Whyte & Associates provides services in conjunction with
most major HMO, PPO, Managed Care Plans, CHAMPUS, and
Medicare. Most insurance plans offer reimbursement for
mental health services. At this time, Medicaid does not
reimburse for our psychological services. With your
permission our staff will confirm your insurance benefits or
you can consult directly with your insurance carrier or
human resources manager at work. |
| |
|
|
|
|
Is the information I
provide to my psychologist confidential? |
Back to Top |
| |
Georgemiller,
Whyte & Associates maintains the privacy of your health
information as required by state and federal law. We also
comply with the
ETHICAL PRINCIPLES OF PSYCHOLOGISTS AND CODE OF CONDUCT
as they relate to disclosing information. Our written
“Policies and Practices to Protect the Privacy of Health
Information” are available for inspection and can be
discussed further with your psychologist or member of our
administrative staff. |
| |
|
|
|
|
What if I
need medication? Do your doctors prescribe medication for
psychological problems? |
Back to Top |
| |
Currently,
psychologists are not licensed to prescribe medication in
Illinois. However, your psychologist will assist health care
professionals decide if medication is indicated, monitor
side effects, and measure the usefulness of medication.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
How do I know when I no
longer need psychological services? |
Back to Top |
| |
After the initial
diagnostic workup, you and your psychologist will develop a
plan of action to achieve your goals. Over time the two of
you will discuss your progress to date and any barriers
which may be preventing you from moving forward. Together,
you and your psychologist can determine when maximal
treatment benefit has been achieved. Change can occur in
phases so you and your psychologist may decide to take a
break in your treatment, allow you to consolidate your
gains, and return for follow up treatment at a later time.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
I was
referred for psychological testing. What is it and how will
it help me? |
Back to Top |
| |
Psychological
testing uses standardized measures of intelligence and
personality to assist with diagnosing problems and
formulating treatment plans. Typical problems which
psychological testing can help with include, but are not
limited to, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder,
Depression and Anxiety Disorders. |
| |
|
|
|
|
My
physician referred me for neuropsychological evaluation.
What is it and how will it help me? |
Back to Top |
| |
Neuropsychological evaluation is a noninvasive technique for
testing brain functioning. Physicians refer for
neuropsychological evaluation to understand how different
areas of the brain are working when there have been changes
in memory, language, or thinking skills. Neuropsychological
tests will help to determine if your problems are related to
medical, neurological, or psychological causes. |
| |
|
|
|
|
Are you
affiliated with area health care facilities? |
Back to Top |
| |
Our psychologists
have clinical privileges at various Chicagoland facilities
including Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, Advocate Good
Shepherd Hospital, Highland Park Hospital, Rush North Shore
Medical Center, Holy Family Hospital and Hazelden Chicago.
|
| |
|
|
