| Psychological Services |
About Us
Hours
Your appointment time will be
arranged at a time convenient for
you and your therapist. The main
office is open Monday through
Friday, and by appointment only on
Saturday and Sunday.
Your appointment time will be
arranged at a time convenient for
you and your therapist. The main
office is open Monday through
Friday, and by appointment only on
Saturday and Sunday.
 | |  | |  | |  | |  |
In addition to psychotherapy, a broad range of related psychological services
are available through Siracusa Associates. Related services include:
psychological testing (intelligence, academic, personality, and
Neuropsychological testing), vocational assessment, divorce and custody
mediation, parent coordination, anger management, team building, staff
retreats, workplace conflict resolution, consultation to schools and human
service agencies, Critical Incidence Stress Management (CISM), and training
or workshops on issues related to personal development and problems of
daily life.
If you or your organization is in need of specially designed, psychologically
related services, discuss it with your therapist or call for more information.
For services we do not perform, we may be able to refer you to another
professional.
are available through Siracusa Associates. Related services include:
psychological testing (intelligence, academic, personality, and
Neuropsychological testing), vocational assessment, divorce and custody
mediation, parent coordination, anger management, team building, staff
retreats, workplace conflict resolution, consultation to schools and human
service agencies, Critical Incidence Stress Management (CISM), and training
or workshops on issues related to personal development and problems of
daily life.
If you or your organization is in need of specially designed, psychologically
related services, discuss it with your therapist or call for more information.
For services we do not perform, we may be able to refer you to another
professional.
FAQ's
 | What can I expect in therapy? | |
| Is my information kept confidential? | |
| What if I need to talk to someone after hours? | |
| What are your fees? | |
| What is your cancellation policy? | |
WHAT CAN I EXPECT IN THERAPY?
Generally, the first session or first two sessions are devoted to getting a clearer understanding of why
you have sought assistance. This is also a good time for you and your therapist to decide if you are a
good “match” for each other. Feel free to discuss this with your therapist. We want you time here to
be productive and helpful; having a comfortable and open relationship is a key to successful therapy.
Despite its depiction in the media, therapy is not necessarily a lengthy process. Research indicates
that most therapy will last six to ten sessions. This is considered “short-term” but some problems
require a longer treatment or several shorter contacts spread out over time. While there are many
current approaches to therapy, all therapy shares in common the following:
You and your therapist should jointly decide when therapy should end. This can be accomplished
either by specifying early on when sessions will end, or coming to a mutual agreement that the
problem you sought treatment for is now resolved. Of course, sessions can be resumed at a later
date if needed.
We want to emphasize that therapy is a partnership. So please feel free to ask any questions and we
appreciate your feedback.
IS MY INFORMATION KEPT CONFIDENTIAL?
As professional therapists we are required to keep any and all information confidential and private.
We follow both the requirements of Massachusetts State Law regarding confidentiality as well as the
“spirit” and intent of that law. Privacy and trust are key elements in successful therapy.
However, there are some limits of confidentiality that we want you to be aware of:
Some insurance companies require that we contact them to outline the problem you are seeking help
for and how we plan treatment. Periodic brief updates are required as well. All insurances require a
diagnosis be given. It is our position that this information not include highly sensitive material and
that we provide minimal information needed to entitle you to the use of your insurance benefits. You
may wish to discuss this further with your therapist.
WHAT IF I SHOULD NEED TO TALK TO SOMEONE AFTER HOURS?
Should you need to call a therapist due to an emergency, please leave a message on our main
number with a brief description of the problem, as well as a phone number. Should you leave an
emergency message, one of our associates will return your call as soon as possible. We monitor
our answering machine frequently, including weekends and holidays. In the event of a life-threatening
emergency, we ask that you call 911 or Emergency Mental Health Services at the Brien Center (413)
664-4541.
WHAT ARE YOUR FEES?
It is standard procedure for therapists to provide 50-minute sessions, although we bill using an hourly
rate. Our billing rate is generally standard and will be discussed with you at intake, but how much
your insurance will cover, how much your co-payment will be, and whether any special payment
procedures are necessary will depend on your particular insurance company. Certain insurance
companies limit the number of sessions allowed under your insurance. We are able to accept direct
payments from some insurance companies. However, we prefer that you pay in full for each session
and then seek reimbursement from your insurance company. Also, if your insurance requires a co-
payment, we ask that this be paid at the time of service. We will do our best to work cooperatively with
you and your insurance company.
WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?
If you need to cancel a session, please give us at least a 24-hour notice. Therefore, should you need
to cancel, please let us know as early as possible. If we get less than 24 hours notice and we are
able to fill that time with another client, we will waive the bill; if not, you are responsible for payment.
Should you need to cancel, a message on our answering machine is sufficient.
Generally, the first session or first two sessions are devoted to getting a clearer understanding of why
you have sought assistance. This is also a good time for you and your therapist to decide if you are a
good “match” for each other. Feel free to discuss this with your therapist. We want you time here to
be productive and helpful; having a comfortable and open relationship is a key to successful therapy.
Despite its depiction in the media, therapy is not necessarily a lengthy process. Research indicates
that most therapy will last six to ten sessions. This is considered “short-term” but some problems
require a longer treatment or several shorter contacts spread out over time. While there are many
current approaches to therapy, all therapy shares in common the following:
 | Therapy is a partnership between an individual with a troubling concern and a professional | |
| trained to understand and help people change how they feel and how they may better enhance the quality of their lives. | ||
| Therapy is a practical tool to build a better quality of life. | |
| Therapy provides a way to understand and solve problems in a timely fashion and add quality | |
| to one’s life. | ||
| Therapy is an exciting, interactive process that involves collaboration between the therapist | |
| and client. | ||
| Therapy provides a supportive environment to talk openly, and confidentially, about concerns | |
| and feelings. |
You and your therapist should jointly decide when therapy should end. This can be accomplished
either by specifying early on when sessions will end, or coming to a mutual agreement that the
problem you sought treatment for is now resolved. Of course, sessions can be resumed at a later
date if needed.
We want to emphasize that therapy is a partnership. So please feel free to ask any questions and we
appreciate your feedback.
IS MY INFORMATION KEPT CONFIDENTIAL?
As professional therapists we are required to keep any and all information confidential and private.
We follow both the requirements of Massachusetts State Law regarding confidentiality as well as the
“spirit” and intent of that law. Privacy and trust are key elements in successful therapy.
However, there are some limits of confidentiality that we want you to be aware of:
| Under Massachusetts Law we are “mandated” reporters in the event that we believe someone | |
| may be dangerous to themselves or others. We are required to report any suspicion of child abuse or elder abuse. If a client is believed to be dangerous to him or herself, or if a client threatens serious harm toward another person, we will make every attempt to secure that person’s safety. In such circumstances, the need to maintain safety may result in contacting the appropriate authorities. | ||
| You should be aware of the remote possibility that your therapist can be subpoenaed to Court. | |
| If so, the Court holds the right to waive confidentiality for the purposes of testimony. | ||
| Our associates will sometimes consult with each other in clinical supervision in order to | |
| enhance your treatment services. Again, we honor confidentiality and any information shared between us is kept confidential. Should we, or you, want to contact another therapist, school, physician, etc., we will only do so with your verbal and written permission. Also, we will not speak to anyone without your written release to do so. |
for and how we plan treatment. Periodic brief updates are required as well. All insurances require a
diagnosis be given. It is our position that this information not include highly sensitive material and
that we provide minimal information needed to entitle you to the use of your insurance benefits. You
may wish to discuss this further with your therapist.
WHAT IF I SHOULD NEED TO TALK TO SOMEONE AFTER HOURS?
Should you need to call a therapist due to an emergency, please leave a message on our main
number with a brief description of the problem, as well as a phone number. Should you leave an
emergency message, one of our associates will return your call as soon as possible. We monitor
our answering machine frequently, including weekends and holidays. In the event of a life-threatening
emergency, we ask that you call 911 or Emergency Mental Health Services at the Brien Center (413)
664-4541.
WHAT ARE YOUR FEES?
It is standard procedure for therapists to provide 50-minute sessions, although we bill using an hourly
rate. Our billing rate is generally standard and will be discussed with you at intake, but how much
your insurance will cover, how much your co-payment will be, and whether any special payment
procedures are necessary will depend on your particular insurance company. Certain insurance
companies limit the number of sessions allowed under your insurance. We are able to accept direct
payments from some insurance companies. However, we prefer that you pay in full for each session
and then seek reimbursement from your insurance company. Also, if your insurance requires a co-
payment, we ask that this be paid at the time of service. We will do our best to work cooperatively with
you and your insurance company.
WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?
If you need to cancel a session, please give us at least a 24-hour notice. Therefore, should you need
to cancel, please let us know as early as possible. If we get less than 24 hours notice and we are
able to fill that time with another client, we will waive the bill; if not, you are responsible for payment.
Should you need to cancel, a message on our answering machine is sufficient.
HOW TO FIND HELP THROUGH PSYCHOTHERAPY
An article written by the American Psychological Association
Millions of Americans have found relief from depression and other emotional difficulties through psychotherapy. Even
so, some people find it hard to get started or stay in psychotherapy. This brief question-and-answer guide provides
some basic information to help individuals take advantage of outpatient (non-hospital) psychotherapy.
Why do people consider using psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is a partnership between an individual and a professional such as a psychologist who is licensed and
trained to help people understand their feelings and assist them with changing their behavior. According to the
National Institute of Mental Health, one-third of adults in the United States experience an emotional or substance
abuse problem. Nearly 25 percent of the adult population suffers at some point from depression or anxiety.
People often consider psychotherapy, also known as therapy, under the following circumstances:
What does research show about the effectiveness of psychotherapy?
Research suggests that therapy effectively decreases patients' depression and anxiety and related symptoms -- such
as pain, fatigue and nausea. Psychotherapy has also been found to increase survival time for heart surgery and
cancer patients, and it can have a positive effect on the body's immune system. Research increasingly supports the
idea that emotional and physical health are very closely linked and that therapy can improve a person's overall health
status.
There is convincing evidence that most people who have at least several sessions of psychotherapy are far better off
than untreated individuals with emotional difficulties. One major study showed that 50 percent of patients noticeably
improved after eight sessions while 75 percent of individuals in psychotherapy improved by the end of six months.
Psychotherapy with children is similar in effectiveness to psychotherapy with adults.
How do I find a qualified therapist?
Selecting a therapist is a highly personal matter.
A professional who works very well with one individual may not be a good choice for another person. There are
several ways to get referrals to qualified therapists such as licensed psychologists, including the following:
Talk to close family members and friends for their recommendations, especially if they have had a good experience
with psychotherapy.
Many state psychological associations operate referral services which put individuals in touch with licensed and
competent mental health providers. (Call the American Psychological Association's Practice Directorate at 202-336-
5800 for the name and phone number of the appropriate state organization.)
Ask your primary care physician (or other health professional) for a referral. Tell the doctor what's important to you in
choosing a therapist so he or she can make appropriate suggestions.
Inquire at your church or synagogue.
Look in the phone book for the listing of a local mental health association or community mental health center and
check these sources for possible referrals.
Ideally, you will end up with more than one lead. Call and request the opportunity, either by phone or in person, to ask
the therapist some questions. You might want to inquire about his or her licensure and level of training, approach to
psychotherapy, participation in insurance plans and fees. Such a discussion should help you sort through your
options and choose someone with whom you believe you might interact well.
If I begin psychotherapy, how should I try to gain the most from it?
There are many approaches to outpatient psychotherapy and various formats in which it may occur -- including
individual, group and family psychotherapy. Despite the variations, all psychotherapy is a two-way process that works
especially well when patients and their therapists communicate openly. Research has shown that the outcome of
psychotherapy is improved when the therapist and patient agree early about what the major problems are and how
psychotherapy can help.
You and your therapist both have responsibilities in establishing and maintaining a good working relationship. Be
clear with your therapist about your expectations and share any concerns that may arise. Psychotherapy works best
when you attend all scheduled sessions and give some forethought to what you want to discuss during each one.
How can I evaluate whether therapy is working well?
As you begin psychotherapy, you should establish clear goals with your therapist. Perhaps you want to overcome
feelings of hopelessness associated with depression. Or maybe you would like to control a fear that disrupts your
daily life. Keep in mind that certain tasks require more time to accomplish than others. You may need to adjust your
goals depending on how long you plan to be in psychotherapy.
After a few sessions, it's a good sign if you feel the experience truly is a joint effort and that you and the therapist enjoy
a good rapport. On the other hand, you should be open with your therapist if you find yourself feeling 'stuck' or lacking
direction once you've been in psychotherapy awhile.
There may be times when a therapist appears cold and disinterested or doesn't seem to regard you positively. Tell
your therapist if this is the situation, or if you question other aspects of his or her approach. If you find yourself thinking
about discontinuing psychotherapy, talk with your therapist. It might be helpful to consult another professional,
provided you let your therapist know you are seeking a second opinion.
Patients often feel a wide range of emotions during psychotherapy. Some qualms about psychotherapy that people
may have result from the difficulty of discussing painful and troubling experiences. When this happens, it can actually
be a positive sign indicating that you are starting to explore your thoughts and behaviors.
You should spend time with your therapist periodically reviewing your progress (or your concern that you are not
making sufficient headway). Although there are other considerations affecting the duration of psychotherapy, success
in reaching your primary goals should be a major factor in deciding when your psychotherapy should end.
Psychotherapy isn't easy. But patients who are willing to work in close partnership with their therapist often find relief
from their emotional distress and begin to lead more productive and fulfilling lives.
An article written by the American Psychological Association
Millions of Americans have found relief from depression and other emotional difficulties through psychotherapy. Even
so, some people find it hard to get started or stay in psychotherapy. This brief question-and-answer guide provides
some basic information to help individuals take advantage of outpatient (non-hospital) psychotherapy.
Why do people consider using psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is a partnership between an individual and a professional such as a psychologist who is licensed and
trained to help people understand their feelings and assist them with changing their behavior. According to the
National Institute of Mental Health, one-third of adults in the United States experience an emotional or substance
abuse problem. Nearly 25 percent of the adult population suffers at some point from depression or anxiety.
People often consider psychotherapy, also known as therapy, under the following circumstances:
- They feel an overwhelming and prolonged sense of sadness and helplessness, and they lack hope in their
lives.
- Their emotional difficulties make it hard for them to function from day to day. For example, they are unable to
concentrate on assignments and their job performance suffers as a result.
- Their actions are harmful to themselves or to others. For instance, they drink too much alcohol and become
overly aggressive.
- They are troubled by emotional difficulties facing family members or close friends.
What does research show about the effectiveness of psychotherapy?
Research suggests that therapy effectively decreases patients' depression and anxiety and related symptoms -- such
as pain, fatigue and nausea. Psychotherapy has also been found to increase survival time for heart surgery and
cancer patients, and it can have a positive effect on the body's immune system. Research increasingly supports the
idea that emotional and physical health are very closely linked and that therapy can improve a person's overall health
status.
There is convincing evidence that most people who have at least several sessions of psychotherapy are far better off
than untreated individuals with emotional difficulties. One major study showed that 50 percent of patients noticeably
improved after eight sessions while 75 percent of individuals in psychotherapy improved by the end of six months.
Psychotherapy with children is similar in effectiveness to psychotherapy with adults.
How do I find a qualified therapist?
Selecting a therapist is a highly personal matter.
A professional who works very well with one individual may not be a good choice for another person. There are
several ways to get referrals to qualified therapists such as licensed psychologists, including the following:
Talk to close family members and friends for their recommendations, especially if they have had a good experience
with psychotherapy.
Many state psychological associations operate referral services which put individuals in touch with licensed and
competent mental health providers. (Call the American Psychological Association's Practice Directorate at 202-336-
5800 for the name and phone number of the appropriate state organization.)
Ask your primary care physician (or other health professional) for a referral. Tell the doctor what's important to you in
choosing a therapist so he or she can make appropriate suggestions.
Inquire at your church or synagogue.
Look in the phone book for the listing of a local mental health association or community mental health center and
check these sources for possible referrals.
Ideally, you will end up with more than one lead. Call and request the opportunity, either by phone or in person, to ask
the therapist some questions. You might want to inquire about his or her licensure and level of training, approach to
psychotherapy, participation in insurance plans and fees. Such a discussion should help you sort through your
options and choose someone with whom you believe you might interact well.
If I begin psychotherapy, how should I try to gain the most from it?
There are many approaches to outpatient psychotherapy and various formats in which it may occur -- including
individual, group and family psychotherapy. Despite the variations, all psychotherapy is a two-way process that works
especially well when patients and their therapists communicate openly. Research has shown that the outcome of
psychotherapy is improved when the therapist and patient agree early about what the major problems are and how
psychotherapy can help.
You and your therapist both have responsibilities in establishing and maintaining a good working relationship. Be
clear with your therapist about your expectations and share any concerns that may arise. Psychotherapy works best
when you attend all scheduled sessions and give some forethought to what you want to discuss during each one.
How can I evaluate whether therapy is working well?
As you begin psychotherapy, you should establish clear goals with your therapist. Perhaps you want to overcome
feelings of hopelessness associated with depression. Or maybe you would like to control a fear that disrupts your
daily life. Keep in mind that certain tasks require more time to accomplish than others. You may need to adjust your
goals depending on how long you plan to be in psychotherapy.
After a few sessions, it's a good sign if you feel the experience truly is a joint effort and that you and the therapist enjoy
a good rapport. On the other hand, you should be open with your therapist if you find yourself feeling 'stuck' or lacking
direction once you've been in psychotherapy awhile.
There may be times when a therapist appears cold and disinterested or doesn't seem to regard you positively. Tell
your therapist if this is the situation, or if you question other aspects of his or her approach. If you find yourself thinking
about discontinuing psychotherapy, talk with your therapist. It might be helpful to consult another professional,
provided you let your therapist know you are seeking a second opinion.
Patients often feel a wide range of emotions during psychotherapy. Some qualms about psychotherapy that people
may have result from the difficulty of discussing painful and troubling experiences. When this happens, it can actually
be a positive sign indicating that you are starting to explore your thoughts and behaviors.
You should spend time with your therapist periodically reviewing your progress (or your concern that you are not
making sufficient headway). Although there are other considerations affecting the duration of psychotherapy, success
in reaching your primary goals should be a major factor in deciding when your psychotherapy should end.
Psychotherapy isn't easy. But patients who are willing to work in close partnership with their therapist often find relief
from their emotional distress and begin to lead more productive and fulfilling lives.