I am Psychologist with a Doctorate Degree in psychology. I earned my Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorate degrees in the fields of psychology with its emphasis on psychology, human behavior, and the treatment of psychological problems. A psychiatrist is a M.D. or a D.O. who has earned a Doctorate in Medicine and then taken some specialized training in mental health issues. For additional information about me visit the link About Dr Berger.

How are a psychologist and a psychiatrist different?

Both have Doctorate degrees but one is in Psychology and the other is in Medicine. Both provide treatment to individuals with emotional problems. As a psychologist I rely mainly on psychological methods of treatment and am not licensed to prescribe medication. A psychiatrist relies on the use of medication and on some methods of psychological treatment.

Are you licensed in Pennsylvania?

I am licensed as a Psychologist in Pennsylvania and several other states. I also have advanced recognition as a Diplomate of the American Board of Professional Psychology and the American Board of Forensic Psychology.

What does it mean to be Board Certified?

The American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) is one of the country's highly regarded professional associations. The ABPP serves the public need by providing oversight certifying psychologists competent to deliver high quality services in various specialty areas of psychology. Board certification (awarding of a Diplomate) assures the public that specialists designated by the ABPP have successfully completed the educational, training, and experience requirements of the specialty, including an examination designed to assess the competencies required to provide quality services in that specialty. I have received a Diplomate recognition.

What are the major fields (specialties) of psychology and what are your areas of specialty?

Currently the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) recognizes 13 specialty areas of psychology. I specialize in clinical psychology, forensic (legal) psychology and educational psychology and also provide life and executive coaching. I provide psychotherapy, counseling, and coaching with a concentration on areas including:

Combating stress as well as depression and anxiety
Overcoming panic attacks and other emotional problems
Handling male sexual concerns and female sexual concerns as well as fetishes
Dealing with addictions
Resolving fears and phobias and obsessive-compulsive behavior
Providing communication skills
Resolving co-dependent and marriage and family conflict
Behavioral and adjustment problems
Eating and food problems and weight concerns
Improving self-confidence
Relationship issues and parenting
Infertility and adoption
(For additional information visit the link Who I Can Help.)

What are the most common problems for which people seek your help?

The answer to this question would vary depending on which 5 year period you asked about since the emphasis shifts from time to tome. Over the past few years the problems have had a wide range but the majority would be depression and its effects, stress and anxiety, problems with eating and weight as well as relationship problems and addictions.

How do I go about finding a competent psychologist?

While selecting a psychologist is similar to selecting any other professional, the relationship you will have with the psychologist is very personal. I advise you to check the psychologist's credentials, including both training and experience. Make sure to talk to the psychologist directly before making an appointment. Ask questions about the services that will be provided, so you will not get something different from what you expected. See how comfortable you feel when you are talking with the psychologist. Finally, contact the state and national psychological associations to make sure the person is in good standing. Please visit the link How I Can Help.

Who can I contact to check on a therapist's reputation?

For local Psychologists call the Pennsylvania Psychological Association (717 232 3817). Other major organizations are the American Psychological Association (APA), the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA), the British Psychological Society (BPS), and the American Psychiatric Association.

How do you determine my diagnosis (problem)?

The standard procedure is for the mental health professional to conduct one or more interviews with the client and the psychologist may also have the client complete one or more psychological test(s). A diagnosis is then made from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR). I use mainly interviews and frequently do not finalize a diagnosis until the 2nd of 3rd appointment.

How are counseling and psychotherapy different?

In reality there is little difference. However, technically counseling is generally seen as more short term in nature and psychotherapy is viewed as more long term treatment. Counseling is for life adjustment problems while psychotherapy is for psychiatric or psychological disorders. Counselors are frequently less trained that psychotherapists and in many states counselors do not have to be licensed. Note that many health insurance companies provide insurance reimbursement for "psychotherapy" but not for "counseling."

How often will I need to have an appointment?

I am not able to answer this question without considering you and the nature of your problem. There are many approaches (or schools of) psychotherapy and the frequency of therapy appointments depends somewhat on the theoretical approach of the therapist and on the nature and severity of the problem. Frequency typically varies from 1-3 sessions per week, with the average being once per week. I usually see my clients once a week in the beginning and then, as soon as possible, we switch to every other week. I schedule my clients for sessions of 60 minutes rather than the typical 30, 45, or 50 minutes since I find the extra few minutes to be very helpful to my clients.

Will I have to sit in a waiting room with other clients?

I have a waiting room but we use it just to greet clients. I do not schedule appointment back to back so no other clients should be around either when you arrive or when you leave. Typically I greet all of my clients and begin our session within minutes of their arrival.

Can you come to my home or office rather than me come to your office?

I can meet with you anywhere that gives us privacy and allows for a therapeutic environment. It can be my office, your home or office, or other site. If the need arises we can also have a phone consultation rather than meeting in person.

Do you have evening and weekend appointments?

I do not schedule regular appointments in the evening or weekends. But for my regular clients, I will meet with them in the evening or on a weekend if the need arises.

How many treatment sessions will be needed?

The length of treatment depends upon several variables including the nature and severity of the problem, the treatment goals selected, and the approach of the therapist. A national research study found that 50% of psychotherapy clients had made improvement within 8 sessions of therapy, and 75% showed improvement after 6 months of therapy. However, remember that improvement is not the same as successfully completing treatment. More serious problems, including recurring chronic depression, personality problems, substance abuse, and ongoing stress responses often require treatment for longer than 6 months.

Is the information I discuss with you confidential?

In most states, including Pennsylvania, communication between a you and me (as a licensed psychologist) is protected by law, comparing it to attorney-client privilege. However, there are exceptions to this confidentiality protection. As a psychologist I have a "duty to warn" if you plan to harm yourself or another person and as a psychologist I am also legally obligated to report child abuse.

Does my health insurance cover the costs of therapy?

Some health insurance carriers cover part of the costs and others do not. Additionally, some therapists accept insurance payments and others do not. Many health insurance plans typically cover medically necessary treatment for emotional problems; however, some plans, especially managed care plans, may narrowly define what is “medically necessary.” Most of the time, depression, anxiety problems, and other common mental health issues are covered by health insurance. But, there are times when your insurance company may hesitate to cover, or may limit the coverage, for mental health treatment. Also, many plans do not cover couples counseling or marriage counseling and others avoid paying for family treatment. You will have to call your carrier to find out what they cover.

What percentage of therapy fees is covered by health insurance?

Many insurance carriers cover psychological and psychiatric treatment. After the deductible is satisfied, the insurance may pay a percentage of the fee and you will be responsible for the balance. The typical plan pays between 50%-80% of the UCR (usual and customary fee) and you are responsible for the balance. Note that this UCR is often less than the amount charged by the professional. In a managed care plan, you must use a network provider to receive any coverage, only treatment that is approved will be covered, and you will be responsible for all non-authorized treatment costs. You are also responsible for a co-pay.

Do you accept insurance?

No, I believe it is for the ultimate benefit of my clients that I do not accept insurance. It is important to note that if you request insurance reimbursement for psychological services, detailed confidential information about you, your diagnosis, your problem, and therapy records are communicated to the insurance company and become part of your record. It is also important to know that many insurance programs dictate the types of treatment that must be provided or the number of sessions they will cover. I believe that the lack of confidentiality and the control exerted by the insurance companies are not in my clients best interests. Accordingly, I will always give you a receipt that you can submit to your health carrier for reimbursement, but I do not accept direct payment from insurance companies and do not submit insurance claims.

What are your fees?

My fee for a full 60 minute hour (and not the typical 30, 45, or 50 minute session) is $300. My rate for forensic services (civil and criminal legal cases) is $400 per hour.

What do you provide that makes you worth the fee?

My training, credentials and experiences as a psychologist, therapist and coach are unique. I have over 40 years of professional experience helping people from all walks of life with all types of problems and concerns. My training and experiences have allowed me to develop a special insight and ability to help produce rapid and positive results for my clients. I have been recognized nationally for my expertise and have worked all over the world. I can provide same day services, can help you face-to-face in my office or in your home or office, and offer phone consultations almost anytime and anyplace. I suggest you call me and, in our initial phone call, you can personally assess whether or not you want me to help you.

Where can I learn more about Dr Berger?

There are several pages on this website that will answer this question. First visit the Home Page and then the links About Dr Berger's background and training, Who I Can Helps, How I Can Help , and how to Contact Dr Berger for an initial consultation.