FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
How do I schedule an appointment?
You can call or email me at [email protected] or through my Contact Page. I generally respond faster to emails.
Can I schedule an appointment for someone else?
No, I will not schedule assessment or therapy appointments intended for other people (e.g., spouses, family members). All potential patients must contact me directly.
What states/countries can you practice in?
I hold psychologist licenses in Virginia and Maryland but through my membership in PSYPACT (the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact) I am able to provide services to residents of most other participating states and the District of Columbia. Please click here to check the status of your home state. If you are not residing in the US, I may be able to conduct specialty assessments or therapy depending upon your home country (e.g., Poland; the United Kingdom).
What forms of therapy do you use?
The forms I typically use are listed on the Services & Fees page.
Do you do child, marital, or family therapy?
No, I specialize in treating adults only through individual therapy.
Do I have a personality disorder?
The best way to answer this question is to undergo a thorough diagnostic interview that is A) broad, as personality disorders can be misdiagnosed for other conditions and vice versa, B) conducted by someone who is trained in the use of reliable clinical interviews (e.g., SCID-5-PD) and C) experienced with how personality disorders manifest in relationships, feelings, and actions. For a number of reasons it is not really possible to accurately diagnose either yourself or your loved ones. And, of course, accurate results rely upon the patient being as open and forthright as possible.
Do you conduct evaluations for ADHD or autistic spectrum disorders?
No, I do not.
Are personality disorders treatable?
Almost every condition is treatable if the patient has sufficient motivation to change and the therapist has relevant training. I discuss these issues with patients as part of my personality disorder assessment feedback.
Are narcissistic traits and narcissistic personality disorder treatable?
It is a myth that people with narcissistic traits, and even full narcissistic personality disorder cannot improve. Though there has not yet been a single clinical trial for NPD (for a number of reasons), professionals use what is known to work for its closest neighboring condition: borderline personality disorder (BPD). While often considered challenging to treat, structured, evidence-based approaches can meaningfully improve relationship functioning, self-awareness, and overall well-being.