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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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.

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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.