What exactly does a psychologist do?

Psychologists study cognitive, emotional, and social processes and behavior by observing, interpreting, and recording how individuals relate to one another and to their environments. We are trained to work in a variety of capacities including research, psychological assessment and therapy. 

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What is the difference between a psychologist and psychiatrist?

The most significant difference between the two fields is that a psychiatrist is a medical doctor and can prescribe medication while psychologists hold doctorate degrees. While both are trained to diagnose and provide therapy, a psychologist's therapeutic training is more rigorous. 

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Is a psychologist a therapist?

Yes, a key part of our training as psychologists is diagnostic and therapeutic treatment of complex mental health issues. After training psychologists can choose to specialize in certain areas which may or may not include providing therapy. 

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What areas do you service?

I services Boston Metro West area in Massachusetts.  

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Where do you work?

I work out of my home providing telehealth services. As my private psychotherapy practice grows I hope to offer in office visits as well.

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Do you work with children?

I work with ages 14+. I am highly trained in pediatrics and neurodevelopment. However, my psychotherapy approach works best on teens and above.

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How can therapy help me?

Therapy can help in a number of ways. It can help you better understand yourself, heal from painful experiences, build self-esteem, learn to cope with stress, reduce anxiety/depression, strengthen coping mechanisms, and improve social and community functioning. Overall the goal is to help improve your happiness and contentment in life.

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How long does it take to treat a problem?

The duration of treatment for a patient can vary significantly depending on several factors. The length of therapy is influenced by the individual's unique needs, strength of the therapeutic relationship, the nature of their concerns, their willingness to engage in the therapeutic process, and the therapeutic approach used. Some individuals may experience meaningful progress in a few sessions, while others may require longer-term therapy to address complicated issues. I tailor the treatment duration to each person's specific circumstances, focusing on their growth, healing, and overall well-being. Remember that the goal is to support individuals throughout their therapeutic journey, providing the necessary time and space for positive and lasting change to occur, and most importantly to make sure that those changes will benefit your life moving forward. 

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What types of issues do you help and treat?

I am most focused helping people heal from chronic pain and other chronic functional conditions. I also specialize in stress reduction and the treatment of anxiety and depression. 

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Why do people go to therapy and how do I know if it's something that I need?

People can seek therapy for a variety of reasons from coping with a significant mental illness to helping you solve a specific problem and everything in between. If you’re wondering if you need therapy then chances are there is something distressing in your life that therapy can help improve. 

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Do you take insurance and if yes, how does it work?  

Beginning June 1st 2023 I will be accepting Aetna and Optum and their subsidiaries with the exception of MassHealth plans. I will be using a company called Alma to process claims. All other insurance will remain private pay at a rate of $225 an hour. I provide a superbill for insurance reimbursement. My clients have had good success getting reimbursed but I always recommend checking with your insurance companies.

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Do our therapy conversations remain confidential?

Yes, confidentiality is essential for our clients to feel safe and comfortable opening up. There are a few situations in which I am legally obligated to break confidentiality.

 

They include:

• When I feel the client poses an imminent danger to themselves or others.

• Any time I suspect child, elder, or dependent adult abuse.

• If I receive a qualifying court order.

• When you provide explicit permission for me to do so and sign a release form.

• Insurance companies require diagnostic information to process claims. Some companies may occasionally ask for treatment planning information. However, they too are bound by confidentiality rules.

 

 

What are some useful Massachusetts resources that you'd recommend people get familiar with?

• Massachusetts Psychological Association - This is the official professional website for psychologists in Massachusetts. However, there are also helpful links and resources for the public including as a directory licensed psychologists in Massachusetts. 

• NAMI Massachusetts - NAMI stands for National Alliance on Mental Illness and this page is a terrific starting point that is a directory of numerous psychological issues that people may be dealing with.  Resources include information on parenting guidance, how to navigate mental health crisis, peer support, self advocacy and much mor

• Massachusetts Child Psychiatry Access Program: This program, funded under the Massachusetts Children's Behavioral Health Initiative, created to help children and families enrolled in MassHealth access much needed behavioral health treatment. 

• Mental Health Resources for Massachusetts BIPOC: Created by MassGeneral this site provides links to multiple BIPOC mental health directories and resources.

• Department of Mental Health LGBTQ+ Young Adult Resource Guide: Offers links to numerous programs and organizations supporting the physical and emotional well being of young LGBTQ+ adults..

• Find the Right Therapists in Massachusetts - This is a Psychology Today directory of therapists you can go through and find someone who will meet your emotional and financial needs.    

• Mental Health and Counseling Services -  A comprehensive list of useful resources focusing on a variety of inpatient and outpatient mental health & counseling needs including information about insurance coverage. 

 

Dr. Leavell Offers Therapy Services in Massachusetts

 

If you are struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, or chronic physical pain/discomfort then please contact me today. I specialize in providing effective treatment for a variety of mental health issues and have openings for new patients.  I provide one-on-one telehealth therapy to Massachusetts residents and hope to help you reduce or eliminate physical and psychological pain.