FAQ’s

The initial consultation is 60 to 75 minutes in length and is an opportunity for both you and Dr. Perez to gather information. Dr. Perez conducts a comprehensive interview and assessment of your well-being in order to understand your presenting issue and identify both strengths and challenges in your coping. This is carried out in a very comfortable, goal-oriented and team-like approach.

Dr. Perez will render an opinion on how he may be of assistance and present you with a preliminary individualized care plan with goals for you to consider. The consultation will also provide you with an opportunity to experience what it’s like to speak with Dr. Perez and ask questions so that you can make an informed decision regarding possible follow-up services.

No, typically only Psychiatrists and other medical doctors can prescribe medications. Dr. Perez is licensed as a clinical psychologist. His specialization focuses on implementing non-medication interventions to treat psychological distress. However, Dr. Perez can make recommendations for you to consider medications if needed, and refer you to a Psychiatrist. If you are on medication for psychological symptoms Dr. Perez can coordinate care with your Psychiatrist and help monitor how you are responding to any medication intervention.

In most cases Dr. Perez conducts brief psychotherapy protocols that are 4 to 6 months in duration and include weekly or bi-monthly sessions. The goal is for patients to assemble a psychological “tool kit” and become independent and confident in implementing coping strategies on their own. The frequency and length of time in therapy of course depends on many factors, and your psychological care plan will be individualized to meet your unique needs. In many instances Dr. Perez works with medical patients from initial diagnosis through completion of medical treatment and beyond. In other instances patients complete brief psychological treatment but continue open-ended maintenance sessions as needed throughout their illness continuum. Completion of psychological care and “next steps” are decided in a very collaborative manner between the patient and Dr. Perez.

Dr. Perez can provide care to patients and their loved ones. However, this is decided on a case-by-case basis. Often times dealing with a crisis or challenging situation affects the whole family and it is productive for the whole system to be supported by one psychologist. In other instances it is better if you work only individually with Dr. Perez. At the time of initial consultation, Dr. Perez can discuss the appropriateness of providing psychological care to your loved ones in addition to yourself.