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Frequently Asked QuestionsFrequently Asked Questions

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What are counseling and psychotherapy?

Counseling and psychotherapy are terms that are often used interchangeably.  They are a process by which people improve and change how they feel, act or think by talking with someone.  Children in their families meet with the therapist in a respectful, relaxed atmosphere to discuss their difficulties, problems and issues.  Sharing feelings might be difficult.  Your child or you may even feel worse before things improve.  In addition, you may be asked to change things that you do to improve your situation.  Often, if parents alter or change their responses to their child’s problematic behaviors the child’s behavior is likely to change in a beneficial manner.  The outcome of counseling and psychotherapy varies widely and is dependent upon a number of factors.

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How does counseling and psychotherapy work with children?

Because children behave and think differently than adults, therapy must be approached with these differences in mind.  Often children are reluctant to enter into therapy and are much less motivated.  Further, they present with cognitive and language constraints that also influence the process of therapy.  Consequently, young children are involved in play therapy. A therapy that uses board games, puppets, art material, clay and miniature people or animal figures to aid and assist a child’s expression of their feelings.  As the child and therapist play with these materials, the therapist develops a better understanding of the child’s emotional and behavioral needs.  The therapy relieves the child’s anxieties and conflicts and the process offers the child solutions to their problems.

Generally, Dr. Chiarella will meet the parents first to determine their concerns, the history of their concerns and how they have been dealing with them.  He will ask about historical events in your family’s life. At that point, he will develop a plan and then involve your child. For adolescents, Dr. Chiarella will most likely meet with the adolescent individually during the first session in order to better establish rapport and an alliance.  Additional information might be gained through more interviewing and psychological testing.  After he understands your concerns as well as the adolescent’s perspective, he will develop a treatment plan to work with you and schedule sessions accordingly.

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How long will therapy take?

Frequency and length of therapy is dependent upon a number of factors.  This questions is better answered after the initial consultation session.  In general, Dr. Chiarella provides short term counseling that lasts six to twelve months.

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What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?

The title of psychologist is reserved for individuals who have a doctoral-level degree (Ph. D, Psy. D, Ed. D), and are licensed by the state.  The doctoral degree requires yeas of graduate training beyond the undergraduate level plus a year long supervised internship and a further year of supervised work prior to licensure.  In Ohio, a psychologist must pass a national examination and an oral examination in order to practice.  Psychologists, in addition to provide psychotherapy, administer psychological tests.  A psychiatrist holds an MD degree and has completed medical school as well as a residency in psychiatry, either adult or child.  A psychiatrist is required to pass a written examination administered by a national board and is qualified to prescribe medication.  Some psychiatrists also provide psychotherapy. 

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How do I begin to receive services?

To receive services, you must decide whether you are going to use your mental health insurance benefit.  Dr. Chiarella is a member on many managed care panels.  He is reimbursable under Ohio state law.  If you decide to use your benefit, you must contact your insurance company (by calling the number on your insurance identification card) and to ask whether your policy covers mental health, whether your policy allows you to see a clinician of your choosing, or whether you are required to see someone on your insurance company’s panel of mental health providers.  You insurance company can clarify their policies regarding these requirements, limitations, deductibles, and co-payment.  For further information, contact us.  It is Dr. Chiarella’s policy to schedule and see new clients as quickly as possible.  However, these wait times can vary and you may be asked to schedule your initial appointment 10-20 days in the future.

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What is confidential?

All contact with Dr. Chiarella is held in the strictest confidence.  However, there are limitations to confidentiality, particularly situations that Dr. Chiarella may ascertain that the client is in danger to harm himself/herself or to harm others. Further, parents often have specific questions about confidentiality with children. Because children are minors, the parent(s) enjoys the privilege and confidentiality.  On the one hand, parents understand that Dr. Chiarella must maintain confidentiality so that their child can trust him.  On the other hand, they are responsible for their child’s well being.  This can be a sensitive issue and Dr. Chiarella has worked with children and teenagers extensively and is more than willing to discuss the details of what information is shared and how to balance these two concerns.

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