FAQ

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Do you accept insurance? 

Yes, we are on several insurance plans and will file directly with these insurances for you. Co-pays and/or coinsurance is expected at time of service. If we are not in-network for your insurance we can assist with providing referrals or can provide you with statements you can send to your insurance for direct reimbursement with out-of-network benefits. Please call our office to inquire about whether or not we accept your insurance. 

What is a Psychologist? 

A psychologist is a doctor who has attended a four year undergraduate program, but also completed substantial graduate and post graduate work in the field of psychology. Psychologists have a Ph.D. (Doctorate of Philosophy) in a given area, typically clinical or counseling psychology. This degree requires a 2-3 year Master’s degree in counseling and another 4-5 years of post-graduate training in a clinical psychology Ph.D. program. This is followed by a year-long residency program. In all, psychologists spend 7-8 years with an intensive focus on learning about how the brain functions, what drives and controls behavior, how mental illness manifests, general psychological principles, and how to assess and treat the full range of mental health conditions. 

What is a Psychiatrist? 

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has chosen a specialty in Mental Health. A psychiatrist receives a 4 year undergraduate degree, then spends 3-4 years in medical school learning about general health conditions. This is followed by a 3-4 year psychiatry residency program where they spend intensive training learning about mental health conditions and how to treat them. Psychiatrist prescribe medications and this is typically the focus of their sessions. 

What is a therapist or counselor? 

A therapist or counselor is someone who has completed a 4 year undergraduate degree and an additional 1-3 year Master’s program specific to mental health. They can be Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Licensed Mental Health Counselors, or Licensed Marriage and Family therapists. 

What is a psychiatric nurse practitioner? 

A psychiatric nurse practitioner is similar in training to a therapist or counselor in terms of specialized skills. They have received a 4 year undergraduate degree (usually but not limited to nursing) and then spend 2-3 years in a Master’s level program specific to prescribing psychiatric medications. 

Why/how is therapy helpful? 

Therapy can help individuals overcome challenges, eliminate or decrease negative symptoms, improve functionality, and feel more confident. Our goal is to help patients use existing strengths and resources to more effectively overcome stressors. We achieve this by teaching patients new ways of coping with problems and gaining new perspectives and understanding about how stressors in your life can translate into negative health outcomes. Therapy can focus on specific issues or symptoms, or can be broader and focus on better managing life to help patients optimize satisfaction and achieve greater goals. 

What if I need medication?

Our practice focuses on the use of psychotherapeutic and behavioral techniques that have been shown to be effective in treatment many disorders effectively without the use of medication. However, there are times when therapy alone is not enough and medication would be beneficial for optimal improvement. If this is the case, Dr. Dardeen will discuss these options with you and make some recommendations. In many cases, your primary care physician can handle your need for these medications. If your medications require more specialized training, such as a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner, Dr. Dardeen can make referrals for this. 

Is what I discuss in therapy kept confidential? 

Absolutely. Confidentiality is something that we as psychologists hold as our highest priority. Information you provide in therapy will be kept in your file and will only be divulged or released with your written authorization. However, you must know that there are some exceptions to confidentiality. These include: Danger to self or others; any reporting or disclosing of physical or sexual abuse against a child; or abuse against a dependent or helpless adult. Also, upon receipt of a court order, we are mandated to release records even without your written authorization. 

Suncrest Psychological Services EAP (Employee Assistance Program) - Pricing List:

Initial Intake Session (90791): $185.00

• This session establishes a treatment relationship between the provider and patient. Some assessment may be

necessary in order to arrive at a treatment plan and patient goals. This session typically lasts 60-90 minutes

depending on the complexity of the issue.

Therapy Session (90837): ($160, 45-60 minutes)

• This is every regular therapy session after the initial intake session.

• The standard for therapy is a 60-minute session. However, there are times when shorter sessions are necessary,

for example, a sleep adjustment or if a patient cannot tolerate the regular length of a session (post concussive

syndrome).

Training Rates: $85.00 per hour

Pre-employment Psychological Evaluations for Police and Fire Candidates: ($600 per candidate, 2-3 hours)

• These are in compliance with PERF.

• Can be scheduled with about 5-10 days’ notice.

• Results available in 1-2 days of testing date.

* All Services are anonymous and confidential per HIPPA and mental health laws and regulations.

*EAP typically consists of a set number of approved visits each year (ranges from 6-12), and if more are needed, patients

can utilize their own health insurance (payment plans and financial assistance available).

*All EAP employees are assigned a code for purposes of requesting treatment approval so that anonymity is guaranteed.

Verification lists are provided by the agency regularly to verify eligible employees.

CISM (Critical Incident Stress Management) Rates:

After Hours Calls (between hours of 5pm-8am Monday through Friday and all-day Saturday and Sunday)

• Initial Call Out Fee $300.00

• Ideally initiated within 24-72 hours of an incident

• Can be group or individual meetings.

• Hourly rate of $160.00 per hour for the first 3 (three) hours

• Hourly rate of $100.00 after the first 3 hours

During Office Hours Calls (between 8am-5pm Monday through Friday)

• Initial Call Out Fee $160.00

• Hourly rate of $160.00 per hour for the first 3 (three) hours

• Hourly rate of $100.00 after the first 3 hours