There are multiple ways to contact me regarding services. You can reach out via the "contact" tab on this website. You can also call the practice phone number at : 614-701-7987 and leave a voicemail, or email me directly at Jen@TheDrJenSmith.com . I will respond as soon as possible and schedule you for a free, brief consultation to determine fit.
The brief answer is that Diagnostic Evaluations/Intakes cost $160 and individual psychotherapy sessions (50-55 minutes) are $140. I do not take health insurance, but can provide a superbill upon request. Please see the Services and Fees section of this website for more detailed information and explanation. Sliding Scale may be available upon request.
For every potential client, I schedule a free, brief consultation (video) for this purpose. This allows you to ask any questions to help inform your decision, as well as to get a sense of my general interpersonal style (my "vibe"). I get to ask a bit about your presenting concerns and make sure that I am able to meet your treatment needs (within my scope of services and competencies). At the conclusion of this consultation, you can decide if you feel comfortable with initiating services. If I think it is not a good fit for competency reasons, I will discuss this with you and provide additional referrals if applicable.
I only offer teletherapy (online) services at this time. I hope to offer in-person counseling in the future, but this is not an option currently.
Although there are many advantages of online counseling (it’s , effective, accessible, keeps us safe from infectious diseases), it’s not right for everyone. Online counseling (teletherapy) works best for those with mild to moderate symptoms (not people who are suicidal or in crisis), are comfortable using technology and have access to necessary devices, and have a quiet, private place to have their sessions. If you are unsure if teletherapy (online) is right for you, please consider scheduling a free initial consultation with me and we can talk more about it!
The typical intake(Diagnostic Evaluation) lasts 75 minutes and individual psychotherapy sessions are between 50-55 minutes long.
This is determined by your treatment needs and our availability. It varys from client to client. I am able to provide weekly therapy and will sometimes recommend weekly treatment in the beginning, as we get started. This is to help with working on your goals promptly, but also to help with trust building and continuity of care. If large chunks of time pass between sessions, especially in the beginning of treatment, it could be more difficult to make progress and establish a trusting, therapeutic relationship.
I provide individual therapy to adults (18+ years old) and am licensed in the state of Ohio. Previously, this meant that I could only provide treatment to those who reside in Ohio. With my new PsyPACT license, I am now able to provide teletherapy services to those who reside in approved states, outside of Ohio. There are 30+ states who have now approved this legislation, so please check this link to determine if you reside in a state that offers this option: https://psypact.site-ym.com/page/psypactmap
The Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT) was created by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB). It is an interstate compact that facilitates the practice of psychology using telecommunications technologies (telepsychology) and/or temporary in-person, face-to-face psychological practice.
It was enacted into law by participating states (30+ now) and adresses the increased demand to provide/receive psychological services via electronic means (telepsychology).
As long as I, the licensed clinician, practice from my Home State (Ohio), PSYPACT allows me to provide services to any of the approved states outside of Ohio, without becoming licensed in each individual PSYPACT state.
This allows psychologists to provide services to populations currently underserved or geographically isolated. It also permists psychologists to continue to treat their clients when/if they leave the clinician's Home State for a temporary or permanent (move) period of time. The client has to be located within a PSYPACT approved state when they are receiving services.
The fact that a clinician must be licensed in their home state certifies that psychologists have met acceptable standards of practice and follow legal and ethical guidelines.
Taken directly from the PSYPACT website FAQ (https://psypact.site-ym.com/page/faq) :
"Through PSYPACT, consumers will have greater access to care. PSYPACT will allow licensed psychologists to provide continuity of care as clients/patients relocate. Psychologists will also be able to reach populations that are currently underserved, geographically isolated or lack specialty care. Additionally, states will have an external mechanism that accounts for all psychologists who may enter their state to practice telepsychology or conduct temporary in-person, face-to-face practice, thus indicating psychologists have met defined standards and competencies to practice in other states. PSYPACT will also help states ensure the public will be better protected from harm. "
Hopefully, the free consultation that you attend initially will help make the intake appointment a bit less stressful, as you'll be familiar with me and the teletherapy platform that I use. But, as far as the process, I know that can feel a little intimidating. In the intake, I focus on gathering information about your presenting concerns in detail, so I can understand how I can begin to help. I also gain background information, as I look at a person holistically and want to get a well-rounded picture of you and your context. This includes topics like: how you identify, your family, stressors, social/relationships, past experiences, past mental health treatment, academics or work, physical health, substance use, coping skills, and how your struggles impact you and your functioning.
Though it makes sense in an intake, the many questions can feel intimidating or intense. I try my best to be conversational and see the intake appointment as a continuation of you determining if my style/approach is a good fit for you. After all, the intake is only the second time you would've met with me.
I like to remind my clients of a few things while I'm gathering information that seems to help ease their very normal and expected nervousness.
First, I will never ask a question if I do not think it is important to my understanding of you and your presenting concerns. I use the metaphor of "boxes" a considerable amount, to represent the buckets/boxes that we use to compartmentalize our experiences/lives. In the intake (and in therapy in general), we are "going through" those boxes, with you talking through it with me. Sometimes, I ask about "boxes" that are in the back of the "closet" or put away, that you haven't thought about in a long time. Or perhaps I ask about a box that contains a memory or experience that was difficult, that you tend to avoid due to distress. I understand this is sensitive and that it might take you time to tell me the details. In sum, I don't expect to go through any of the "boxes" in entirety, but just get an inventory of them and note the ones that appear directly related to your presenting concerns.
Second, you do not have to answer if you aren't comfortable. This is your story. I am here to help. If I ask something and you're not quite ready to "go through" that "box", please tell me. I see this as a communication of your boundaries. I will follow-up and may ask you why this "box" is so sensitive for you, and what might be a way to approach this topic in the future. Most of the time, my clients just need time to trust me, and get used to the process. This is completely OK, and invited.
Lastly, once I gather your information, we will discuss frequency of sessions, the tentative treatment plan (your goals), and then schedule our next session. I will also check in again about fit, and confirm that I have understood the things you want to work on clearly.
No, I can not prescribe medication, but a medical doctor or psychiatrist can provide this. I do think medication can be helpful at times with mental health struggles, but by no means push this in my treatment. If I think it might be beneficial, I will bring it up with my client and explain the reasons that I might recommend considering it. It will always be a client's decision if they take medication. I can help faciliate a referral or arrange a consultation with a client's prescribing doctor to discuss medication and treatment, per client request.
Due to the fact that I look at a client holistically and base my interventions on their presenting concerns, I draw from many theoretical approaches in order to best address treatment concerns. This includes using interventions from a range of therapies such as: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Interpersonal/Relational Therapy, Mindfulness Based Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). Overarching any theoretical approach, is my stance of non-judgement. I first and foremost focus on creating a safe space for my client and I to work, and to build a trusting therapeutic relationship/interaction. I would never judge a client for the vulnerable things shared in session, so I also help them to not shame themselves.
I consider myself client-centered and approach therapy from a psychodynamic and interpersonal/relational perspective. This just means that I believe that sometimes individuals aren't aware of why they experience some of their struggles and that by uncovering and identifying these patterns of behaving and interacting, we can make positive changes. I think that relationships in our lives are very influential, including our relationship with ourselves (our internal world). Oftentimes, there are patterns in these relationships and some may be unhealthy and negatively impact how a client feels about themselves and others. I focus on empowering my client in the present and often use interventions based in Mindfulness, to help a client learn how to quiet their mind and cope with strong feelings, ruminating thoughts, or anxiety about the future. I address negative self-talk (your own internal voice, what you say to yourself) and the impact that negative thoughts and critical self-talk can have on your mood, behavior, and relationships. If you take a second to consider your internal dialogue, you might find some unhealthy ways of thinking that do not benefit you and, worse, might get in your way or greatly impact your worldview (since they are inaccurate, and negative). I help clients change the way they talk to themselves, see themselves, and interact with other people, when these ways have become maladaptive or problematic in their lives.
I am always willing to discuss my overall therapeutic style, as well as my approach and interventions used in my clinical work. I am transparent and talk openly about why I am suggesting a certain coping tool or intervention. I don't look to some equation, theory, or cookie cutter way to help you, but instead I focus on each client's needs and how I can best address them in treatment. I check-in often regarding if you are getting what you need in treatment and how we might alter our approach to best help you if needed. I see myself as the doctor that you trusted to help you, so I take that role seriously.
