FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

ABOUT DR. WISE

• How does the assessment work?
  • Dr. Wise will ask questions about symptoms, problem areas, and background to formulate a working diagnosis. In most cases, the assessment will be complete in 1-2 sessions.  In some cases, Dr. Wise may use objective psychological testing to help clarify symptoms or problem areas.

PSYCHOTHERAPY PROCESS

• Can you tell me about the psychotherapy process?
  • The psychotherapy process varies depending on the personalities of the psychologist, client, and the particular problems the client hopes to address.  For Christians seeking services, Dr. Wise offers Christian-based psychotherapy services from a Biblical worldview.  There are many different methods Dr. Wise may use to deal with problems; the therapist and client engage in dialogue and discussion; therapy interventions fall into cognitive and behavioral categories.  With respect to working with Christian clients, Dr. Wise may utilize exercises related to their Christian faith (e.g., utilizing Scripture to assist in challenging thoughts to improve mood; discussing spiritual disciplines and practices; etc.).  Psychotherapy calls for a very active effort on the client’s part.  In order for the therapy to be most successful, clients will have to work on things talked about both during the sessions and at home.  This is a specialty practice, largely focused on providing Christian-based psychotherapy services.  However, Dr. Wise works with individuals from all backgrounds and respects others’ worldviews and personal/cultural preferences.  Dr. Wise uses evidence-based cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT) to address issues such as depression; other mood disorders; generalized anxiety; PTSD; panic disorder; OCD; ADHD; social anxiety; insomnia; and stress.  Dr. Wise additionally focuses on working with pastors.  Last, he works with college and professional athletes and coaches.
• What are the benefits and risks of psychotherapy? 
  • Because therapy often involves discussing unpleasant aspects of life, one may experience uncomfortable feelings.  On the other hand, psychotherapy has also been shown to have benefits for people who go through it.  Therapy often leads to better relationships, solutions to specific problems, and significant reductions in feelings of distress.  Dr. Wise uses evidence-based cognitive-behavior therapy treatments, but there are no guarantees as to what you will experience in terms of outcomes.  Please refer to Dr. Wise’s informed consent form for full details in this area.
• How long do psychotherapy sessions take?
  • The initial assessment will take close to one hour; all follow-up appointments will last about 45 minutes.
• How do treatment plans work?
  • Dr. Wise will work together with the client to develop his/her treatment plan.
• How many sessions are required?
  • Services are 100% voluntary on the part of the client.  As part of the treatment planning process, Dr. Wise will offer an estimate about how many sessions are recommended.  The number of sessions varies by client and presenting problem(s).
• Are there alternatives to psychotherapy?
  • Participating in therapy is a voluntary process on the part of the client.  There are alternatives to therapy such as working with a medication management provider to address symptoms.  Medication management services are not offered through this practice.  Some individuals also choose not to address identified problems; there are risks associated with not addressing problems (e.g., continued difficulties in specified areas; worsening problems; etc.); however, deciding to participate in therapy is a completely voluntary process on the part of the client.

WHO WE SERVE

• Can you tell me about your practice?
  • This practice is a specialty practice providing individual psychotherapy services to adults age 18+.  Dr. Wise largely focuses on providing Christian-based psychotherapy services.  However, Dr. Wise works with individuals from all backgrounds and respects others’ worldviews and personal/cultural preferences.  Dr. Wise uses evidence-based cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT) to address issues such as depression; other mood disorders; generalized anxiety; PTSD; panic disorder; OCD; ADHD; social anxiety; insomnia; and stress.  Dr. Wise additionally focuses on working with pastors.  Last, he works with college and professional athletes and coaches.
• What age groups do you provide services to?
  • Adults age 18+.
• Do you provide services to children and adolescents?
  • No, this practice solely focuses on providing services to adults age 18+.
• Do you provide services in video telehealth format?
  • Yes, 100% of our services are delivered in video telehealth format.
• Do you offer face-to-face services in physical office setting?
  • No, 100% of our services are offered in video telehealth format.
• Do clients have to be present in New York when receiving services?
  • Yes, clients must be residents of New York and physically present in New York at the time they receive services.  Dr. Wise is a licensed psychologist in New York and can only practice in New York. Both Dr. Wise and the client must be in New York.  Client location will be verified verbally and electronically at the time of sessions.
• What are some situations where this setting may not be a good fit for a client?
  • This practice does not offer emergency services.  Clients needing these types of services (e.g., in the event of thoughts of harming self or others) should present to a local hospital emergency room or call 911.  Those not comfortable communicating via video telehealth format should seek services in a more traditional office setting. Other examples in which clients should seek services in a more traditional face-to-face setting include those who experience suicidal thoughts; chronic re-occurring suicide thoughts; co-occurring substance abuse problems; severe eating disorders; those needing inpatient care; those needing both psychotherapy and psychiatric medication management services in a face-to-face clinic setting.
• Does this practice offer family, couples, or marital therapy?
  • No, Dr. Wise provides individual psychotherapy services only. 
• Does this practice offer psychiatric medication management services?
  • No.  Dr. Wise is a clinical psychologist.  He is not a medical provider or prescriber.  There is no medical care or psychiatrist associated with this practice.
• Does this practice provide services to those in the U.S. military or military dependents?
  • No, due to Dr. Wise’s full-time employment and contractual agreement, he is unable to provide services to U.S. military members or military dependents; military members/dependents with HUMANA, Tricare, Martin’s Point, and military members/dependents participating in MEDICARE or MEDICAID programs.  Military members/dependents should seek services through a military installation clinic or through their insurance provider.  Dr. Wise cannot see military members or dependents in this part-time private practice.

TELEHEALTH SETTING

• Do you provide services in video telehealth format?
  • Yes, 100% of our services are delivered in video telehealth format.
• Is therapy delivered in a video telehealth format effective?
  • Research shows that telepsychology is about as effective as in-person psychotherapy. However, some therapists believe that something is lost by not being in the same room. For example, there is debate about a therapist’s ability to fully understand non-verbal information when working remotely.  Dr. Wise will inform you if he notices any such potential barriers to effective therapy; it is also your choice whether to participate in telepsychology services; services are completely voluntary; you may opt to work with another provider in a more traditional face-to-face office setting at any time.  Dr. Wise uses evidence-based cognitive-behavior therapy treatments, but there are no guarantees as to what you will experience in terms of outcomes. 

MUST BE PRESENT IN NY STATE

• Do clients have to be present in New York when receiving services?
  • Yes, clients must be residents of New York and physically present in New York at the time they receive services.  Dr. Wise is a licensed psychologist in New York and can only practice in New York. Both Dr. Wise and the client must be in New York.  Client location will be verified verbally and electronically at the time of sessions.

WE DO NOT OFFER EMERGENCY SERVICES

• Does this practice offer emergency services?
  • No, this practice does not offer emergency services.  Clients needing these types of services (e.g., in the event of thoughts of harming self or others) should present to a local hospital emergency room or call 911. 

BILLING, PAYMENT, INSURANCE

• How does billing and payment work?
  • Refer to the practice’s website and Informed Consent form for fees, billing, and payment information.  Payment is collected by credit card at the time of each session.  This practice does not participate in any insurance plans.
• Does the practice accept my insurance?
  • No, in order to assist you, the practice can provide a copy of a superbill that you may submit to your insurance company for consideration.  However, you are responsible for full payment of fees at the time of service.  It is very important that you find out exactly what mental health services your insurance policy covers. The practice will have no communication with the insurance company. This practice does not participate in any insurance plans.  Payment is collected at the time of each individual session.  We accept credit card payments.  Please refer to the Informed Consent form for further details.

AVAILABILITY/TIMES TO MEET

• What is Dr. Wise’s availability?
  • Dr. Wise is not available by telephone for emergency services.  This is a part-time practice with limited evening and Saturday availability.  Although Dr. Wise is in his office during designated times of his practice, he will not answer the phone when he is with other clients.  When he is unavailable, his telephone is answered by an answering machine or by a Practice Manager (office manager).  Dr. Wise will make every effort to return your call as soon as possible.  In the event of an emergency, contact 911 or your local hospital emergency room. 
• Is there a wait-list?
  • The level of care that we provide and the need in our area creates a high demand.  We accept clients as space becomes available, but we do not have a wait-list.  Anyone needing immediate emergency or crisis care should call 911 or present to their local hospital emergency room.  Anyone needing more immediate routine care should seek counseling in their local area.

CONFIDENTIALITY

• Are services confidential?
  • Yes, services are confidential.  The privacy of all communications between a client and a psychologist is protected by law, and we can only release information about our work to others with your written permission.  But there are a few exceptions as outlined in the Informed Consent form.  Also, this practice uses a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform.  Because telepsychology sessions take place outside of the therapy office, there is potential for other people to overhear sessions if you are not in a private place during the session. On our end, we take reasonable steps to protect your privacy.  But it is important for you to make sure you find a private place for our sessions where you will not be interrupted.  It is also important for you to protect the privacy of our sessions by using a secure device.  You should participate in therapy only while in a room or area where other people are not present and cannot overhear the conversation; it is your responsibility for you to ensure you are in a private area where others are not present.