Initial Phone Consultation

A brief phone consultation is completed prior to scheduling an initial intake assessment so that I can gather information about your concerns and current situation. During the call I will ask you some basic questions and you will have the opportunity to ask me any questions that you may have. In addition, we will discuss fees and scheduling, and I will provide you with recommendations for next steps. At the end of the phone consultation, if we conclude that working together would be a good fit, we will schedule an initial intake assessment.

To schedule your no-cost 15 minute phone consultation, please contact me via phone or email: drbrittanyspeed@hudsonvalleypsych.com (518) 212-7854

Preparing For Your First Appointment

Prior to your scheduled intake assessment you will be emailed a package of documents through our secure online system. The packet includes important documents that should be reviewed and completed prior to your first appointment, including consent forms, an intake questionnaire and brief symptom measures.

Intake Assessment Session(s)

The intake assessment is typically completed in 1-2 50 minute sessions, it allows me to learn in greater detail about your concerns, goals for treatment and history. At the end of the assessment I will share my impressions, including relevant diagnoses, and recommendations. Next, we will collaboratively develop a personalized treatment plan and schedule psychotherapy sessions.

Psychological research has consistently shown that an important predictor of successful treatment outcome is the quality of the therapeutic relationship. The therapeutic relationship consists of 3 factors: 1) rapport, 2) agreement on treatment goals, and 3) agreement on treatment plan - all of which begin to develop during the initial intake assessment and continue to evolve over the course of treatment. Thus, I consider the intake sessions an invaluable time for us to get to know one another and decide if we are a good fit. I strive to provide the highest-quality care, and if we determine that your needs do not align with my expertise, I will help you connect with another provider in the community who is better suited to help.

Psychotherapy Sessions

Psychotherapy sessions are 50 minutes and typically occur weekly. The overall duration of your treatment will depend on the nature of your presenting concerns and treatment goals. Together we will determine the course of treatment, and we will regularly evaluate treatment progress to help guide treatment planning and duration.

Particularly in the early stages of treatment, weekly sessions are recommended as this allows us to work consistently on overcoming challenges and skill building. Less frequent or irregularly scheduled sessions make adhering to a treatment plan and skill acquisition more difficult, as there are fewer opportunities to receive support and engage in collaborative problem-solving. I will do my best to work with you to accommodate your schedule. More or less frequent sessions can be arranged when appropriate, based on treatment needs and availability.