Choosing to see a psychologist
Can I benefit from therapy?
What should I expect?
How many sessions will I need?
Meet Dr. Rhodes
My areas of specialty

Course of treatment
How should I prepare for my first session?
Will I be prescribed medication?
Can I bring my spouse?

Making an appointment
How do I make an appointment?
What if I have to cancel?
What information do I need to bring with me?


Online Tools & Resources
The following web sites have helpful information about therapy and common problems and issues. Many also include tools and guides to help you self-assess specific conditions, such as depression and attention deficit disorder (ADD).
     Psychology Today
     PsychCentral

Every one has problems- it's a fact of life. But when a problem begins to interfere with work, or family or our enjoyment of life, then that may be a sign that a problem has gotten out of hand.

Seeking treatment from a professional, licensed psychologist is one way of working through those problems. A psychologist can help you identify and understand the issues that are causing your problems. He or she will work with you to determine a course of action for dealing with those issues. Together, you and your psychologist will monitor your success in coping and resolving those issues.

There are numerous web sites that have assessment tools to help you determine whether you are a candidate for therapy.
Psych Central -- http://psychcentral.com/therapy/
Psychology Today -- http://psychologytoday.psychtests.com/tests/do_i_need_therapy_access.html

Your treatment typically begins with an introductory session to gather a complete history of the problem(s) you are experiencing. We will then agree on the goals you'd like to accomplish in therapy, and jointly develop a treatment plan tailored to meeting those goals.

We may meet fairly often with your therapist in this initial stage, perhaps even once a week. As you follow your plan and see results, you will have fewer office sessions.

That's difficult to say because each person has unique problems. Generally, the longer the problem has existed, and the more severe it is, the more sessions that are required. A typical course of treatment may call for six to ten weekly sessions, then once every other week for a period of a couple of months, and then monthly with a long-term follow-up to check on how the client is doing.

Once you've made an appointment, be prepared to go over all relevant history, and begin to define your goals, as well as an early treatment plan.  You may be sent a form to complete before the session.

Psychiatrists are physicians who prescribe medications for the treatment of mental disorders, such as psychosis or chronic depression. People are referred to psychologists for problems that are learned and can be treated through developing new skills. They are referred to psychiatrists for the treatment of mental health disorders that are physiological or medical in origin.

Psychologists and psychiatrists often work together on different aspects of the same person's problems. If we agree that there is probably a physiological basis to the problem you are experiencing, we will discuss referral to a psychiatrist.

Spouses are generally welcomed, and often have a "standing invitation" to attend as they and the client see fit. For many marital and family issues, the presence of the spouse is necessary.

Before inviting a spouse to attend, consider whether you will feel comfortable speaking openly with your spouse present. Many people don't for many different reasons and prefer to attend the sessions alone.

To make an appointment, email us at rsr@etownpsych.com or

call us at 270.765.6709

As with most physicians, we ask that you provide our office with 24 hours advanced notice of your intention to cancel your appointment. If you cancel less than 24 hours prior to your appointment, you will be charged a cancellation fee.

You will want to let your psychologist know if you are currently taking any medications prescribed by a psychiatrist, or any other physician.

Sessions are typically $150 for the initial session, and $120 for subsequent sessions.

We request that you pay before the beginning of your session. You may pay by cash, or personal check.  We plan to accept credit cards soon.