Dr. Michelle L. Hobby
Clinical Psychologist
Clinical Psychologist
testing?
FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
This section includes some frequently asked questions many people have before attending their first session:
__________________________________________________________________________
Q: Who will answer my phone call or email message?
A: I will personally respond to all phone calls and emails within 24-48 hours, unless I am out of town. When I am away, I will respond to all calls as soon as I return, unless it is a crisis situation.
Q: I'm not quite sure what to say when I call?
A: Yes, this is a common concern that many people have when calling a therapist for the first time. When we speak on the phone, you can inform me of what difficulties you want to address and I can answer any questions that you may have about therapy in general or my practice and experience.
Q: What will my first appointment consist of?
A: Your first appointment will be a consultation visit lasting approximately 60 minutes. You and I will discuss the problems you are having. At the end of the consultation I will propose a diagnosis and some treatment options for you. I will provide an appropriate referral if I am unable to treat you.
Q: How long are all subsequent sessions?
A: Each following session is 50 minutes long. Most patients attend sessions on a weekly basis, but others opt to attend sessions twice a month. If needed or in crisis, some patients decide to attend bi-weekly.
Q: How long will I need to be in therapy?
A: The length of your treatment depends on the issues that you need to address, your diagnosis, and the treatment plan that is developed for you. After our second session, I will assess and offer a suggested length for your therapy. It is worth noting that some patients report feeling better after a few sessions. As you make progress you and I can discuss the option of maintenance sessions. These can be conducted monthly or even every other month and are designed to monitor the changes and continue the growth and progress you will have made.
Q: I heard that therapy involves homework at times, can you describe what therapy homework is?
A: Therapy is not a process that takes place solely during our time together. It is important that you transition what you learn in therapy to your everyday life. Therefore, we will decide on "homework" assignments that you can work on between sessions. Homework can consist of activities such as reading articles, tracking your moods/thoughts/behaviors, changing the way you communicate with others, and other activities that are based upon your treatment plan and progress needs in therapy.
Q: Is what I share with my therapist confidential?
A: Your confidentiality is protected by California state law and by the rules/ethics of my profession. All information concerning patients is held strictly confidential and is released only through procedures consistent with the law and professional ethics (see consent form for details).
Q: What if I think I need to be evaluated for medications or I am already prescribed medications?
A: I am a licensed psychologist who is not able to prescribe medication. However, I could provide you with a referral to a psychiatrist or I can also consult with your primary physician or psychiatrist about psychotropic medication, with proper consent.
Q: How will I know if I'm getting better?
A: After our first few sessions together we will identify the goals that you would like to accomplish during therapy. We will develop a treatment plan together during the second or third session. We will continue to measure your progress by evaluating these goals and your treatment plan.
Q: Do you take insurance?
A: I do not directly bill insurance companies. If you wish to seek reimbursement from your PPO health insurance, I will provide you with a bill you can submit. According to many PPO insurance plans, I would be an "out-of-network" provider and some portion of the services may be covered. However I do not deal directly with insurance companies, and you will need to verify their reimbursement policy.
Q. What is your fee for sessions?
A. $100-$160.00 for individual/family session (50-80 minutes), group sessions are $35.00 per session. I do not charge more for the initial consultation (60-90 minutes) as it is a professional preference/courtesy in establishing new patients. Clients are responsible for payments at the time of service. I currently accept cash or check. Please see Fees page for cancellation policy.
====================================================================================
Michelle L. Hobby Ph.D.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Psychotherapy & Consultation
Children, Adolescents, and Adults
San Luis Obispo, CA
(805) 459-8117
drhobby@sbcglobal.net.