Dr. Jennifer D. Cassatly, Psy.D.
Clinical Psychologist
Serving Children, Adolescents, and Adults
Frequently Asked Questions
What are your office hours?
Monday: 7am - 4pm
Tuesday - Thursday: 7am - 6pm
Friday: 7am - 12pm
Saturday hours are available by appointment only.
What age range do you treat?
Individual Therapy: by training, my area of specialization is working with families and adolescents. I also have expertise working with school-age children and adults.
Psycho-Educational Assessment: I am experienced in testing children, ages 5-18, and adults.
How long is a session?
Each weekly session typically lasts 45 minutes.
How many sessions does therapy require?
The number of sessions varies for each client depending upon their reasons for seeking counseling and situation. Some problems can be resolved within a few sessions whereas others can take longer. One of the first steps I take when meeting with prospective clients is gathering a comprehensive understanding of his or her reasons for seeking treatment, strengths, and the ways in which they have coped with their challenges in the past. This allows us to identify and set attainable and individualized therapeutic goals which can be met in a timely manner.
Do you accept insurance?
My practice is fee-for-service; meaning that clients pay for each session. However, depending on the type of plan, many clients submit their claims independently and are able to obtain full or partial reimbursement. I provide a monthly billing statement (as requested) which can be submitted by each client to their insurance agency for reimbursement. I accept cash, credit card, and check payments.
I am now accepting Aetna and Blue Shield health insurance and can bill them directly for sessions. If you would like to bill through your insurance, please contact your provider to determine your deductible and co-pay.
Is psychotherapy only for people with "serious" problems?
Counseling is for anyone who is dissatisfied with their lives and seeking support with making positive and lasting changes. For example, psychotherapy can help with personal growth, stress reduction, improving the quality of relationships, and the attainment of personal or professional goals.
What is a psychological assessment?
Psychological testing is a formal means of gathering information to aid in diagnosis and treatment. A comprehensive evaluation includes interviews to gather history and background information, observations, and the administration of specific test instruments. When the testing is completed, I provide results in a written report and meet with the client/family to discuss any questions related to diagnosis and treatment recommendations. To Learn more about testing please click here to listen to an interview about this subject.
When might I need psychological testing?
There are a number of reasons for conducting evaluations. These range from school placement and identifying giftedness to understanding and treating educational, emotional, or behavioral issues. When a child is having emotional or behavioral difficulties that are interfering with their his or her abilities and/or relationships, testing can help get an accurate picture of the child's level of functioning, including strengths as well as weaknesses. Often testing is initiated by schools when they suspect any learning disability that is negatively impacting with a child's ability to succeed in the classroom. Parents may also request an assessment in order to get a second opinion about a diagnosis that they suspect is inaccurate or outdated.
What is your privacy policy?
The matters you discuss in treatment are confidential, meaning that I do not discuss them with anyone without your written permission. However, there are certain exceptions which are mandated by federal and state law as well as by the ethical codes set forth by the California Board of Psychology. Limits of confidentiality include but are not limited to: court orders, situations in which there is a suspicion of child or elderly/dependent abuse (involving physical, sexual, emotional abuse and neglect), domestic violence, and in the event that you are in danger of seriously harming yourself or another person. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your rights to confidentiality and privacy please don't hesitate to ask questions.