FAQs
Questions About Therapy:
Duration of therapy
Cost of therapy and Insurance issues
Questions About Sessions:
In-office or Telehealth
How to make an appointment
Appointment preparation
Contact Us
Driving directions
Map
Questions About Office Policies:
Confidentiality
Legal/Consent
Telephone and Emergency Procedures
Disclaimer
QUESTIONS ABOUT THERAPY:
HOW LONG DOES THERAPY LAST?
Dr. Howell is flexible in working with her clients depending on their values, objectives, and opinions in defining the length of time they desire to be in treatment. If you are using insurance insurance, your sessions may need approval, and may also be time limited depending on your policy. Most insurance companies prefer a symptom reduction and brief therapy approach to treatment. Dr. Howell feels comfort in working with clients in resolving issues quickly or providing an extended in-depth approach.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Dr. Howell prefers to work with clients on a private pay basis, as she believes this promotes confidentiality and freedom in the conversations that be generated while in therapy. Her private pay charge is $150.00 for 60 minutes. However, she is a provider for most insurance companies. Please note that most insurance companies reimburse for a 45- to 60-minute hour. Please check your policy for deductible requirements and copay amount before attending your first session. You will be responsible for payment at the time of your session, and any unmet charges not covered by your insurance company.
QUESTIONS ABOUT SESSIONS:
IN-OFFICE OR TELEHEALTH?
Dr. Howell provides both in-office and telehealth sessions*. If you plan to meet in person with Dr. Howell, please complete the forms below and bring them with you to your initial consultation. If you are meeting via ZOOM, please complete the forms and email them at least 24 hours before your first session to LHowell14@gmail.com.
*Telehealth sessions are conducted over ZOOM and are limited to clients whose primary residence is in Arizona.
HOW DO I MAKE AN APPOINTMENT?
The best way to make an appointment is to telephone our office at 480-756-8686.
HOW DO I PREPARE FOR MY APPOINTMENT?
Potential clients should spend a little time organizing their thoughts and records before their first appointment. Plan to arrive a few minutes early so you can settle into the calm office atmosphere. You may wish to identify goals for therapy prior to the session. Gather records that may be helpful in your work with Dr. Howell, including prior medical, educational, or psychological records you may have (please bring copies, leave your originals at home so they will not get lost). Identify individuals whom Dr. Howell should contact for additional information.
Please download and complete the forms below in preparation of your first appointment. If you are meeting in person, please bring them with you to your initial consultation. If you are meeting via ZOOM, please complete and email them at least 24 hours before your first session to LHowell14@gmail.com. It should be noted that many of the forms will be reviewed by Dr. Howell and yourself during your first appointment. Please bring your insurance card at the time of your first appointment.
Forms: (Note: all forms are PDFs)
-
Informed Consent Checklist for Telepsychology Services (Telehealth Only)
Client Intake Top Sheet (Client Information)
Client-Therapist Agreement
Client-Therapist Agreement (Client Copy)
Medical Information and Substance Abuse History
Presenting Problems
Privacy Practices
Acknowledgement of Receipt of Privacy Notice
Child or Minor Consent Form
WHAT IS THE ADDRESS OF YOUR OFFICE, PHONE NUMBER, OR FAX?
Mailing and physical Address of the office:
5410 South Lakeshore Drive, Suite 103
Tempe, Arizona 85283-2171
Telephone #: 480-756-8686
Fax #: 480-756-8918
HOW DO I GET TO YOUR OFFICE?
DRIVING DIRECTIONS:
My office is located between McClintock and Rural roads, south of Baseline. Turn south onto Lakeshore Drive at the light on Baseline. Take the second right into Lakeshore Village. Drive to the far west end of the parking lot. My office is located in the second building in from the parking lot, on the lake, and the second door from the left. My name is above the door. The office is HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE, however, the bathrooms are a short distance from the office suite.
QUESTIONS ABOUT OFFICE POLICIES:
WHAT DOES CONFIDENTIALITY MEAN AND HOW DOES IT AFFECT ME?
All information that a patient discloses in psychotherapy, including the therapist's written notes and records, is confidential. A psychotherapist may not disclose confidential information to anyone unless the patient has granted permission in writing, or where the law requires disclosure (for further information on this, please refer to the NPP form). In situations such as couple or family therapy, where individuals are in treatment together, all participants would need to grant permission in writing before any notes or records can be disclosed.
In situations such as couple or family therapy, where individuals are in treatment together, all parties of age, must grant permission in writing before any notes or records can be disclosed.
WHAT SORT OF LEGAL/CONSENT ISSUES ARE PRESENT WHILE I AM IN THERAPY?
As a health care provider and Licensed Psychologist, Dr. Howell is required to follow the procedures of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPAA) and Arizona state law. All patients will be provided with a Notice of Privacy Practices, which addresses issues of consent to evaluation/treatment, confidentiality, records keeping, fees, parents/minors, and other important information. It is essential for the patient and their families to review this information, and ask questions about any issues or concerns.
TELEPHONE AND EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
If for any reason you have a psychiatric or medical emergency, please call 911. If you need to contact Dr. Howell for routine matters, please leave a message on her personal and confidential voice mail at any time of the day or evening. Telephone calls are typically returned during the day or within 24 hours of the next business day. If it is an urgent matter for an existing client, you may call her cell phone.
DISCLAIMER
The content of this web site including all pages were created for your information. The hope was to present the type of services that Dr. Howell offers so to present her services to you. The material included on this site is intended for informational purposes only and in no way is meant to substitute for individualized mental health therapy provided in person by a professional. No claim to cure, treat, diagnose, or otherwise provide mental or behavioral healthcare is guaranteed, promised, or implied by this site.