www.TalkingDoc.net
Dr. Catherine Anne Walsh: Offering a safe, caring place to develop a new perspective on your life and your future.
Psychologist.
Psychiatrist.
What IS the difference?
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Learn More:
Coaching for the “Next Phase of Life:”
Thinking about retirement? Studies show attitude is every bit as important
as finances.
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Other Services:
For individuals, couples or families.
Welcome
Homepage | What Happens First?
What Happens First?
Taking the First Step
The first big step is picking up the telephone and calling me. That takes courage, a willingness to admit that something needs help, and a willingness to ask questions about what can be done. When you call, you most likely will get my voicemail – I know that you just hate that, but I promise you I will call you back usually within a few hours (if a business day). When we get to talk, I will ask you how I can help, and that is when you get to tell me what it is you are looking for. If you are not sure, I will help out by asking some questions about what is going on, what led you to make the call, etc.
Our conversation is not only a chance for you to ask me questions, but also to get a feel for me from our talk. I will probably ask questions about the nature of your concern to be sure that I am the right person to help you. What do I mean? If the problems involve alcohol or drug abuse, for example, I will refer you to someone else.
A First Appointment
Before you come in, I will have you download and read/complete the various forms on the Resources page of my website. These forms give me basic information about you (address, date of birth, Social Security number, telephone numbers, etc.), insurance information (if any) because we will file your insurance for you, and information from the Hospital Information Privacy and Portability Act, and more detailed information about your rights of confidentiality and about my practice. I will give you directions, or have you go to my map on the website, and I will remind you of the appointment the day before.
When
you first come to my office, you will have to wait in the waiting
room. I do not have a secretary so
no one will greet you until I come out.
We will go to my office and begin talking (read about The Experience). By the end of the second session, usually, I will have asked you to summarize what you want out of our collaborative work and put that into writing. We will use this to guide our work.