Practice Agreement

Welcome! I’m Dr. Roberts, and I’m glad you’re here. Congratulations on taking these first steps toward working with a therapist. I applaud your initiative. As a psychologist with over 30 years of experience, I know that reaching out is an act of courage. I offer services in a comfortable, private setting both in person and online. Therapy is a safe, judgment free place where we search for solutions, develop new perspectives and explore ways to live your best, most authentic life. Together, we will develop an individualized plan that paves the way for improving self-esteem, enhancing life satisfaction, and encourages you to realize your vital, creative energies. If this interests you, or if you have any other concern, I invite you to meet to explore how therapy might be beneficial for you. I look forward to meeting.

This is a concierge practice. You are given direct contact information and encouraged to reach out anytime. I respond to all contacts promptly and personally. Phone calls and emails are generally returned within 24 hours. Texting is the quickest way to get a response. If it is urgent that we speak, call, leave a message, hang up. Call back, leave a second message and hang up. If I see that you have called twice I will call you back as soon as I am able.

How Therapy Works

Sometimes, just a few sessions can guide you on a new path. At other times, you may wish to participate in a longer therapy process. As a doctorally prepared clinical psychologist it is my pleasure to offer outpatient psychotherapy for individuals and couples. I make every effort to provide a positive experience with good outcomes.  Our work is designed to address your specific needs.  Some clients prefer focused therapy around a specific concern; others prefer ongoing psychodynamic work.  I am able to draw from a variety of treatment methods including interpersonal humanistic psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, integrative therapy, problem solving therapy, relaxation techniques, hypnosis and mindfulness training. Sometimes I will suggest a relevant learning activity that may involve reading a book or watching an instructional video or a movie that illustrates a point.  I have a network of practitioners that I refer to for needs beyond the scope of my practice including medications, acupuncture, complementary and alternative medicine, primary medical care and should the need arise for a higher level of care. You will get the most benefit from therapy if you begin with a concentrated, sustained effort. Spending time each day, considering new ideas, studying, and trying activities outside your comfort zone is an important part of change. My hope for you is that you will actively devote a sustained  daily effort to the process of change for 4 weeks, possibly longer. The effort you put in will reflect results. 

Therapy is a safe place, free from judgment. You can talk openly. If there is something specific you wish to address let me know.  We will build trust as we get to know each other.  I have been fortunate to have varied and diverse life experiences that helped me cultivate a accepting attitude.  I am interested in your experiences, both happy and painful.  My job is to listen with full attention, to offer perspectives on your concerns and to direct you to information or resources that will help you achieve your goals. Your job is to keep an open mind, consider new information and to let me know which approaches work best, and which ones don’t work as well. Each person has a unique coping style and what works for one person may not work for you.  By engaging fully in this work and giving yourself time to consider what we discuss you may experience insight, deeper satisfaction and improved mood. Watching clients grow and thrive is a delight. Problems such as addiction, depression, anxiety and trauma that initially may seem unresolvable respond surprisingly well to talk therapy, often quite quickly.  If you disagree with anything I say please don’t hesitate to let me know. Our work is a collaboration.  “For each client, invent a new therapy”. (Irvin Yalom Ph.D.)

Risks and Benefits

Therapy has both risks and benefits.  Most people feel better knowing they have a safe place to discuss their thoughts in confidence.  However, at times as an issue comes to the surface, you may feel some anxiety or sadness.  If this happens please reach out to me right away so we can discuss it. 

Privacy

Privacy is essential in order for therapy to be possible.  Our communications are privileged (you control who knows you are in therapy and what is talked about) and confidential (I have a duty to keep what you talk about private and not to disclose anything you might say).  You control the release of any information about our work with written permission that can be revoked at anytime.There are exceptions if you are below the age of 18.  I am required to keep a record of sessions and have chosen to keep these on paper to protect your privacy. I write down only what is required by my practice laws, omitting unnecessary details.  Although these situations rarely arise in my work, there are some exceptions to confidentiality that include:

If you become a danger to yourself or others

If I witness child, elder or dependent abuse

If there is a court proceeding and I am ordered to testify

If any of these concerns develop, I will make every effort to discuss how we can handle the situation together to resolve the situation in your best interest.

Fees

Initial phone contact 15 minutes: Free

Individual face to face psychotherapy 50-55 minutes: $145 per session 

Individual telehealth psychotherapy 50-55 minutes: $145 per session 

Couples therapy 75 minutes: $175 per session

Extended intensive sessions: 90 minutes $175 per session

Group Psychotherapy: 90 minutes $45 per session (6-8 members) Issue specific.

Relaxation training and hypnosis: 50-55 minutes $145 per hour

Documentation for court, disability, fmla, pre-surgical consultation: $145 per hour 

Payments are due at the time we meet.  I am able to take major credit cards, HSA, checks, Venmo, Zelle or cash for your convenience. At the time, I do not accept insurance.  I am happy to prepare a statement of services every 5 sessions so you can work with your insurance company to access out of network benefits.  If you would like to access  insurance benefits,  a diagnosis is necessary.

Appointments

I offer flexible scheduling tailored to your needs including days and early evenings. This is comparable to most physician’s office hours and may require you to arrange your schedule to attend sessions.  Office hours by appointment. My office is in my home and is like visiting with a neighbor. You do not enter a waiting room and risk running into people you might know from the community.  In addition I offer telehealth sessions. This is a valuable format for conducting treatment and offers unique benefits. Many people enjoy the comfort and ease of virtual sessions. Many people prefer a more traditional in person experience.

Cancellation Policy

I require 24 hours notice of a cancellation.  If you are unable to provide such notice there will be a charge of the full fee ($145) for the session unless we are able to reschedule within the same week. I will confirm our meeting time on the morning of our session via text.  Please respond to that text promptly with a brief reply.  

Therapy is a wonderful form of self care. It is an investment in yourself and often just a few sessions can change the rest of your life.  It is also a commitment that requires significant effort on your part. You are worth it!  It is amazing what can happen when you choose to devote time to your personal development.  This is a curriculum about you.  I look forward to our collaboration and feel confident that I am able to provide you with excellent care.  It has been my pleasure to witness the power of the human spirit as it develops and grows. I wish you all the best and am pleased to walk with you on this exciting path!

Warmest Regards,

Dr. Fran 

Dr. Francine M. Roberts Psy.D.

Licensed Psychologist NJ #3902

NPI 1528095726