Our Services...
Family Psychiatry & Psychology Associates is a leader in the field of individual and/or multidisciplinary, team treatment of children, adolescents and adults. We provide a variety of modalities of treatment including:
ASSESSMENT:
Diagnostic Evaluations: Each clinician at FPPA is well skilled at evaluating behaviors, experiences and prior assessments (medical, neurological, psychiatric and psychological). The initial intake appointment provides the doctor with the information necessary to begin understanding the nature of a problem and to begin to provide a preliminary plan for change. The treatment plan is further refined as we continue to learn about our clients with each subsequent visit. We believe that education and understanding are critical to change, and we are committed to sharing our diagnostic impressions with clients as they develop over time.
Medication Evaluations: Fortunately, the range of medications available for mental health concerns has expanded dramatically. These medications affect the brain, behavior, thinking and emotions. Administration of psycho-active medications requires careful and thoughtful consideration of potential benefits, risks, adverse effects, sensitivity to the use of such medications and differences in responses based on age, gender, targeted symptoms and general health status. Our psychiatrists have expertise in psycho-pharmacology across the spectrum of mental illness and can help you or your loved one in making the best decisions regarding short-term and long-term options for treatment. Medication management of disorders is usually combined with other forms of treatment; monitoring of progress is customized to the individual and his/her needs.
Cognitive/Academic Evaluations (Psychological Testing): FPPA provides diagnostic evaluations of cognitive and academic abilities for children and adults. All cognitive/academic evaluations at FPPA are provided complete with verbal feedback, detailed recommendations, and a written report. Common reasons for such evaluations include appropriateness of school placement, questions about learning difficulties or school progress, ADHD, evaluation of thought disorders, assessment of severity of mental illness, fitness for duty, and facilitation of therapy. The results of such testing can be utilized in collaboration with a clinician for school consultation or employment matters.
Autism Evaluations: The rising prevalence rate of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is alarming and has attracted the attention of the public and media. Many professionals in this area believe that the increased rate is due to 1) a broadening of the diagnosis to include milder forms of the disorder, and 2) an increase in professionals trained to accurately identify and diagnose ASD. Although increased awareness has resulted in more individuals with ASD receiving diagnoses and appropriate support services, it has also resulted in some irresponsible and inappropriate diagnosing by professionals who lack thorough understanding of this complex developmental disability. Clinicians at FPPA have extensive experience with the ASD population, and comprehensive diagnostic services are available to assess for the presence of ASD and provide helpful and practical recommendations for intervention.
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INTERVENTIONS:
Individual (Child, Adolescent, Adult) Therapy: Clinicians at FPPA provide individual psychotherapy services for child, adolescent, and adult populations across a broad range of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral difficulties, including, but not limited to:
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Couples Therapy: At FPPA, we provide couples therapy for couples who are struggling with issues including but not limited to communication difficulties, loss of intimacy and connection, repetitive unresolved arguments, sexual difficulties, problems with anger and resentment, differing goals and expectations, developmental changes through the lifespan, and affairs. Our approach is grounded in systems thinking and utilizes solution-focused, cognitive-behavioral and insight-oriented techniques, among others. Successes and challenges of the past, patterns that are constructive and problematic in the present, and hopes and dreams for the future are all addressed and utilized as resources for the couples work. We are committed to creating an environment in which both partners feel safe, comfortable and respected, and both are challenged to learn and grow. When a couple decides that separation or divorce is their healthiest option, we work to facilitate this process so that it can unfold as respectfully and cordially as possible.
Family Therapy: At times, difficult problems arise from negative patterns of family interaction. Although these difficulties may occasionally be addressed in individual or couples' therapy, they often are dealt with more efficiently and thoroughly if the entire family participates in therapy. The clinicians at FPPA are well skilled at addressing problems in family systems. We create a comfortable, nonjudgmental environment for all family members; teach skills to facilitate more effective communication; and coach each individual in expressing himself or herself accurately and effectively so that improved family dynamics unfold in our offices and at home.
Forensic Mental Health: It is not uncommon for mental health issues to become part of the judicial system and legal processes. Such involvement can include custody issues, prevalence of a mental illness in another legal argument, competency, as well as liability issues. Our doctors are experts in mental illness and its impact in life and the legal system. Specialty forensic mental health consultation is provided by the clinicians at FPPA.
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Specialized Psycho-Educational/Psychotherapeutic Services
Parent training for child behavior management: Children are born with a range of personalities and behavioral tendencies. Sometimes, children with difficult temperaments are born to parents who are loving and attentive, but cannot manage their children's difficult behavior. FPPA provides parent training for child behavior management. This is a hands-on intervention that teaches strategies that will enhance your parenting toolbox and help you be more effective in managing your child's difficult behaviors.
Parent training for autism spectrum disorders: Children with autism have difficulties accurately processing and understanding information in their environment. This often leads to confusion and behavioral difficulties. With the help of experienced parents, the professional community has identified a set of strategies that often help individuals with autism understand their environments and expectations about their behavior more clearly. Parent training for autism spectrum disorders employs strategies developed by Division TEACCH, enlisting parents as teachers for their children. You will be taught strategies that will help your child access the best of his or her skills and abilities.
Adolescents Coping with Pain: We offer therapy for adolescents who experience continuous or episodic pain resulting from an illness or injury. Treatment is designed to teach pain management skills and improve the ability to cope with difficulties associated with having a painful medical condition.
Parenting Your Adolescent with a Painful Medical Condition: This treatment is for parents of adolescents who experience continuous or episodic pain resulting from an illness or injury. Topics addressed include but are not limited to: helping your child cope with pain; effectively advocating for your child in healthcare and school systems; deciding how to set limits on and/or discipline your adolescent with chronic pain.
Consultation/Collaboration with Other Professionals
Clinicians at FPPA are available to consult with other professionals who are involved our clients' lives, such as teachers, pediatricians, family physicians, daycare providers, employers, and a range of healthcare therapists and medical specialists. Clients often find this type of collaboration helpful, as it typically results in efficient and accurate sharing of information and produces change more quickly.
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