Q: If I score high on one of the
screening forms, does it mean that I am sick or have
a disorder?
Q: Do some emotional symptoms have
a "physical" basis?
Q: What is the difference
between a psychotherapist, psychologist and psychiatrist?
Q: If I go to a psychiatrist, does that
mean that I am mentally ill?
Q: Does Dr. Dal always prescribe
medication?
Q: Is information that I provide to
Dr. Dal confidential?
Q: Are Dr. Dal's services covered
by health insurance?
Q: How long is my first appointment
with Dr. Dal?
Q: How do I reach Dr. Dal or his staff?
Q: If I score high on one of the screening forms, does
it mean that I am sick or have a disorder?
A: Not necessarily. Diagnosis must
be made in the context of a full psychiatric examination,
not just from one test score. A high test score may
indicate that you have a number of symptoms, but it
does not necessarily mean that you have a disorder.
Q: Do some emotional symptoms have a "physical"
basis?
A: Many emotional symptoms in
depression and anxiety disorders occur when the levels
of certain brain neurotransmitters, such as serotonin
or norepinephrine, drop below effective levels due to
stress or other causes. Our modern day antidepressants
and anti-anxiety medications help restore the natural
balance of these neurotransmitters and are not addicting
or habit forming.
Q: What is the difference between a psychotherapist,
psychologist and psychiatrist?
A: Psychotherapists are trained
counselors who treat persons with emotional symptoms
with counseling or psychotherapy. A psychologist has
a doctoral degree in psychology. A psychiatrist has
a doctor of medicine degree and specializes in psychiatry
following medical training. A psychiatrist is the only
psychotherapist who can prescribe medication. A psychopharmacologist
is a psychiatrist who specialized in the use of medications
to treat emotional symptoms. Psychopharmacology is simply
the study of how medications affect the mind and thinking
processes.
Q: If I go to a psychiatrist, does that mean
that I am mentally ill?
A: "Mentally ill" is a term
usually reserved for those with severe emotional disturbances
such as schizophrenia. Many individuals consult with
psychiatrists for medication and therapy for transient
symptoms such as stress, depression and anxiety. Most
individuals in treatment with a psychiatrist are able
to function normally in their everyday life and in society.
Q: Does Dr. Dal always prescribe medication?
A: If your condition warrants
psychotherapy alone or other forms of treatment, Dr.
Dal will not necessarily prescribe medication.
Q: Is information that I provide to Dr. Dal
confidential?
A: All information provided to Dr.
Dal is confidential and can only be released with your
written consent. The only exceptions to this are in
the areas of child abuse, elder abuse, or threats of
homicide.
Q: Are Dr. Dal's services covered by health insurance?
A: Dr. Dal's services are covered
by most health insurance plans. Please have your health
insurance information at hand when you call to schedule
an initial evaluation. Our office manager will then
check on your benefits.
Q: How long is my first appointment with Dr.
Dal?
A: Your initial evaluation will
take about 50 minutes in most instances. If Dr. Dal
believes that you will benefit from medication and if
you desire to try medication, he will write a prescription
at that first visit. Follow-up visits are typically
one month later and usually last for 20-30 minutes.
If Dr. Dal needs more time in your particular instance,
he will arrange for additional time with you.
Q: How do I reach Dr. Dal or his staff?
A: We are available by telephone
at (856)-478-4043. If you get voice mail please leave
a message, most of the time we return your call the
same day. Often we are able to schedule an appointment
within 24 hours of your call. For directions to our
offices, please click here.
