We can help make that decision for you. When you first call our office, one of our trained patient care coordinators will speak with you about your concerns, and direct you to the specialized clinician who we think will be the best fit for your situation. We take into consideration your symptoms, age (or the age of your child), and potential need for medication before matching you with the most appropriate clinician – either a therapist or a psychiatrist (MD). You can see a description of all of our clinicians HERE.
We want to make sure that the Ross Center is the best place for your care, and that you are matched with the clinician most appropriate for your concerns. If, after the initial intake appointment, the clinician determines that a different professional in our office would be a better match, we will make that recommendation. Ultimately our goal is to help you get better as quickly as possible.
Your first appointment typically lasts for an hour. During this initial intake session, your clinician will provide a thorough assessment of your mental health and discuss goals and expectations for treatment. All of our clinicians are exceptional at evaluation and diagnosis, and we work collaboratively with your needs and wants to reach agreed upon treatment goals using a variety of therapeutic methods.
We are currently seeing patients both in-person and via teletherapy. Of course, we are carefully monitoring recommendations from the CDC and local departments of health, and will continue to revise our plans if necessary. Teletherapy will continue to be an option for both current and new patients, as we segue into a hybrid model of care
For virtual appointments, you can read our ZOOM meeting instructions and download our Patient Telehealth Agreement.
If you need both therapy and medication, and you are certain of this prior to coming to us, we encourage you to schedule your initial appointment with one of our psychiatrists. Your psychiatrist will complete a full evaluation and make a recommendation both for medication and for a specific therapist whom they think would be a good fit for you. All of our professionals work closely together as a team, regularly communicating about your care and treatment plans. Patients find it very valuable to have their therapist and psychiatrist in the same office; not only is it more convenient but outcomes are often improved and progress achieved more quickly.
For children under 18 , parents are always included in the intake process and often included in the treatment as well. This will depend on the child’s age and needs. For young adults, parents and other family members can be included depending on what feels comfortable and medically necessary for the patient and the clinician. It is often helpful to have close friends or family members involved somewhat in the evaluation and/or treatment process. This depends on the individual circumstances. We can also work with parents independently to discuss issues and concerns with their child.
