FAQ

SERVICES

  • A comprehensive evaluation involves assessment of intellectual/cognitive functioning (IQ), academic skills, learning and memory, executive functioning (e.g., attention, planning, self-control, flexible thinking), socio-emotional and behavioral functioning, and personality (for adolescents and young adults). In addition to face-to-face testing, a comprehensive evaluation also involves a diagnostic interview and developmental history with you and your family, a thorough review of pertinent medical and/or educational records, and completion of electronic behavior rating forms (child/self, parents, teachers).

    Additionally, the comprehensive evaluation process involves educational advocacy for students to aid learning plan development (e.g., 504-disability plan, IEP), as well as interdisciplinary collaboration with other treatment providers (i.e., psychiatrist, therapist, etc.) to facilitate continuity of care.

  • Testing is typically completed within two to six hours of face-to-face testing over the course of one to two days. On unique occasions testing may require more than six hours of direct face-to-face work. When testing sessions occur over multiple days, ideally these sessions take place within the span of one to two weeks.

    Alex values completing the psychological testing process in a timely and efficient manner to ensure the results immediately translate to changes in ongoing treatment, implementation of academic supports, or medical decision making.

  • Feedback sessions typically occur 7 to 10 days following completion of all face-to-face testing. We consider requests for expedited review of testing results and completion of written reports.

  • Alex values interacting with his clients and their families in person throughout the testing process. Direct face-to-face test administration must occur in person. However, initial intake interviews to collect history, as well as follow-up feedback sessions to review test results and recommendations, can take place virtually via his secure HIPAA complaint platform.

    Virtual intake and feedback appointments are readily available for individuals and/or families who plan to travel to Alex’s Lakeland office from out of town to participate in face-to-face testing.

  • No. Clinical psychologists are not authorized to prescribe medication in the state of Florida. However, Alex maintains working relationships with several psychiatrists and prescribing providers in Lakeland, Tampa, and throughout the state of Florida. When necessary, he provides personal referrals to one or more psychiatric or medical providers who can render medication management services to you or your child.

SCHEDULING

  • Alex prioritizes his clients by reserving dedicated time for each session. If you wish to cancel and/or reschedule a session, please do so at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled appointment. Initial intake, therapy, and college preparation/planning appointments cancelled less than 24 hours in advance will be charged the full session fee at the originally scheduled time of service. Direct face-to-face testing appointments cancelled less than 24 hours in advance will be charged a fee of $250.

    There is no fee for cancelling appointments more than 24 hours in advance of the initially scheduled time.

    Unless cash pay is agreed upon prior to services, Alex requires a credit/debit or HSA/FSA card remain on file to charge for services in a timely manner.

  • Inquiries submitted via the ‘Contact’ form are answered within 1 to 2 business days. Alternatively, you can schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation with Alex here to discuss your interest in psychological services and how he can help you and your family.

  • Yes. Alex offers therapy appointments during both daytime (7:00 a.m. onwards) and evening hours (6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.). Therapy appointments are not offered on weekends.

    Testing appointments are available on both weekends and during evening hours. However, a growing body of research suggests it is important that face-to-face testing occurs when you or your child identify as most cognitively alert. You will collaborate with Alex to determine what time of day may be best to participate in testing.

    Alex aims to be flexible in scheduling with all clients, including those who travel from out of town to participate in testing.

  • Alex values initiating services quickly. Depending on your and/or your family’s availability, he strives to begin the testing process or the therapeutic relationship within 2 weeks of initial inquiries (or sooner).

PAYMENT

  • No, Alex is not contracted or paneled with commercial insurance companies or Medicaid. However, because he is an out-of-network (OON) provider, he provides an itemized receipt of services (‘Super Bill’) for you to submit to your insurance carrier for potential reimbursement via your plan’s OON benefits.

  • Insurance companies are profit-driven, not client-centered. They enact limitations on the amount of time Alex can spend with you and/or your family. They also often attempt to dictate the way services are provided regardless of what may be best for you or your child’s unique circumstance.

    Alex does not accept insurance so he can spend more time with you in providing the specialized services best for you or your family.

    Privacy & Confidentiality: Using insurance often requires a formal diagnosis be documented in your permanent medical record. With private pay, no mental health diagnosis is placed in your or your child’s medical record, or shared with insurance companies.

    No Limits Imposed on Scope of Care: Alex provides the type of treatment most clinically-indicated without limitations posed by insurance companies on the nature, timing, or frequency of psychological services. This also includes initiating services quickly and not based on pre-authorizations for service, the lengthy approval process often required by insurance companies, or risking complete or partial denial of services.

    Ease of Payment: With private pay, the payment process for psychological services is direct and straightforward. There is no requirement to submit claims for services or waiting for reimbursement by insurance companies.

  • Alex accepts cash, credit/debit, and HSA/FSA payments for services. Payment is due prior to or at the time of service, and accepted in-person (cash) or through the secure payment portal (credit/debit). If paying via credit/debit or HSA/FSA, a card remains on file in our payment portal for timely processing of payments at the time of service. Payment plans, discounted fees, and pro bono services are considered on an individual basis.

    For contractual work at schools or larger clinical agencies, Alex provides payment invoices following completion of services.