FOR ALL BILLING-RELATED QUESTIONS:
Please visit the BILLING tab to learn more about what insurance companies we are in-network with and how to navigate out-of-network billing, if applicable. We also list our self-pay rates for those that choose not to use insurance or for those that have an insurance that we are out-of-network with.
What is the difference between a counselor/therapist and a psychologist?
While both counselors/therapists and psychologists can provide therapy, only a psychologist has the advanced training required to complete diagnostic testing/evaluations.
Will a supervisor be involved in my (or my child’s) care?
No. All providers at our office are independently licensed to practice through the Florida Department of Health (DOH) and/or Department of Education (DOE); no assistants, trainees, interns/residents, or staff participate in any direct patient care.
What is the difference between a clinical psychologist and a school psychologist?
Clinical psychologists and school psychologists share many similarities and both are considered licensed psychologists, able to practice independently in the state of Florida. Clinical psychologists often focuses on the prevention, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of psychological conditions. School psychologists provide similar services but specifically focus on helping school-aged children succeed.
How much will testing cost?
We take an individualized and focused approach to testing, developing specific and unique evaluation plans for each individual that comes in. As such, testing prices can vary greatly depending on the type of test(s) and/or number of testing sessions necessary. A plan for testing with total costs is provided after the first Clinical Interview appointment. Please contact us if you would like a rough estimate of testing costs based on your reported concerns.
Can you prescribe medication?
Yes. We have one board-certified physician psychiatrist on staff that specializes in prescribing psychotropic medication. Currently, 7 states allow prescriptive authority for psychologists; however, psychologists are currently unable to provide prescriptions for medication in the state of Florida.
What services do you NOT offer?
We do NOT currently provide: ABA therapy, couples/marital counseling, court-ordered or forensic/legally-involved treatment, Fitness for Duty evaluations, Emotional Support Animal ESA) letters, and disability/FMLA paperwork for new patients.
What is your policy on providing Emotional Support Animal (ESA) letters?
We occasionally receive requests from [current and prospective] patients for a letter stating they would benefit from having an Emotional Support Animal (ESA). Our office policy is that we do not write ESA letters. It is important to note that there is a distinction between ESA’s and service animals (SA’s). An SA is defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for someone with a disability, and that the work performed must be directly related to the disability. SA’s and the people they serve have protections under the ADA, which allows SA’s access to places that otherwise restrict pets. Any animal (not just dogs) can be an ESA. ESA’s do not require individual training and are not recognized by the ADA. Due to The American Psychological Association (APA) Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct: Standard 3.05, which cautions psychologists in multiple roles (as therapist and evaluator), we encourage patients to request ESA letters from their established physician. We would be happy to provide our current, established, patients with a treatment summary that describes current diagnoses (if applicable), the symptoms or impairments associated with such, and a brief history of treatment progress. However, we cannot guarantee that a treatment summary we provide will initiate approval of an ESA letter sought elsewhere.
What is your policy for seeing children with separated/divorced parents?
We understand that families dissolve and are here to help during these challenging times. It is office policy that we require both parents to consent to services in order for a minor child to receive services at our office. At times, this can be challenging and certain circumstances may make this difficult. Please contact us with any questions or concerns about this policy and your particular situation.
Do you offer any discounts or lower costs based on income?
While we do not currently offer sliding-scale rates or discounts based on income, we do utilize a flat rate per-hour fee system so that there are never any surprise costs.
Is this going to be expensive?
The prices of our services are competitive with similar providers in the area. Fees have been determined based on your provider’s level of education, years of training/experience, licensure level, and expertise in their respected fields of specialty. In choosing Gulfshore Behavioral Health, we are confident that you will receive unparalleled care and educated recommendations from highly respected and sought after providers in the field. We understand that seeking psychological services is a financial commitment that may be considered costly; however, we aim to provide you the best possible care and our fees are commensurate with that philosophy.