Note: This site is under construction(2008-05-12)       Easy Downloadable PDF Forms: Intake | Patient History

What is the meaning of the letters after a therapist’s name? What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist? Can credentials guarantee competence? What credentials does a good therapist posses? What are Dr. Robb’s credentials? What is the best psychotherapy approach? How do you judge the potential for a good relationship with a therapist? What is a How do I make an appointment? How long does it take to get an appointment? Does Dr. Robb have evening appointments ? What is a Naturopathic doctor ? What is naturopathic medicine ? What is homeopathy ? What is the meaning of the letters after a therapist’s name? Anyone can call himself or herself DOCTOR. It is the letters after their name that identifies the nature of their education. What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist? A psychologist (PhD or PsyD) is a mental health professional whose graduate education and training is in the area of human behavior and therapeutic treatment of emotional problems. Clinical psychologists (PsyD) Have the most rigorous training in theories and techniques of psychotherapy. A psychiatrist (MD) is a medical doctors whose training and education includes medical school and additional training giving them special understanding of medical as well as emotional issues. Psychiatrists possess an in-depth knowledge of psychoactive drugs and have prescription privileges. Can credentials guarantee competence? An academic degree, and even a government license, is not an infallible guarantee that a particular therapist is competent. Therapy is both an art and a science. There is a degree of plain old talent that is difficult to define with credentials. Other vital qualities include maturity, experience, compassion, empathy and character. What credentials does a good therapist posses? A good therapist has completed intensive academic study in the field of mental health. He/she has completed a master’s degree or a doctorate (MA, MS, MDiv, MSW, PhD, PsyD, EdD, DMin, MD). Wisdom, compassion and character are necessary, but they aren’t enough; knowledge is essential. A good therapist has also completed extensive clinical training. Some PhD’s and MD’s have academic knowledge about psychological research or medication, but have never had actual training or practice in psychotherapy. Psychotherapy cannot be simply learned out of a book or in a classroom. A therapist learns the practical application of his/her trade through supervised clinical training. A good therapist has been pronounced worthy by an authority to which they will be accountable. It could be a government licensing board, or some other credentialing organization that upholds a specific standard of practice. What are Dr. Robb’s credentials? The letters PsyD represent a doctorate is in clinical psychology. A PsyD program is distinct from a PhD program by virtue of the fact that the clinical training takes place throughout the course of the program. Dr. Robb has had clinical experiences in: state mental hospital – inpatient program school based program for children with behavioral problems after school program for at risk children student counseling center at a small private university student counseling center at a large urban university outpatient psychological services center community mental health crisis team hospital emergency department Dr. Robb is licensed by both the State of Washington and the State of Oregon board of psychological examiners. What is the best psychotherapy approach? Research has shown that the "orientation"of the therapist, and the technique that he/she uses, is not the biggest factor in the success of your therapy. What does matter is the relationship between the therapist and the client. It is also important that the therapist has some knowledge about the specific issues to be addressed. For example, an individual with a drug and alcohol problem should go to a practitioner who has knowledge and training about treating substance abuse. How do you judge the potential for a good relationship with a therapist? The same way you gauge whether you like or dislike any individual. You wouldn’t hire a plumber with out first meeting them. Why would you consider services from a health care professional without checking them out? Make an appointment for the purpose of evaluation. Pay attention to how you feel in the office environment. Trust your gut. You should have a sense of comfort and support. Be prepared to talk about what distress caused you to seek therapy. Don’t worry. It is the therapist’s job to guide you through your initial time together. If you can’t think of what to say, he/she will ask questions. If you feel terribly awkward, that could be a red flag that this therapist is not a good fit for you. It is appropriate to ask any questions you have about therapy and what to expect. What is a Dr. Robb offers a complimentary first session for the purpose of establishing whether or not the relationship will be a "good fit" At the first session, she will tell you about her education and her experience. She will discuss what to expect in therapy and the anticipated duration of treatment. She will also tell you about her fees and give you information about the limits of confidentiality. How do I make an appointment? Just call the main Integrative Primary Care Associates number: (503) 227-0350 Sandra, the office manager can schedule an appointment. How long does it take to get an appointment? Depending on your schedule, you can usually be seen sometime during the week that you call. Does Dr. Robb have evening appointments ? Yes. What is a Naturopathic doctor ? A Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND) has a degree from a graduate level naturopathic medical college with admission requirements comparable to those of conventional medical school which requires four years of graduate level study in medical sciences. In addition to the standard medical curriculum, naturopathic students must do extensive course work in natural therapeutics. Prior to practicing naturopathic medicine, graduates must pass a board licensing examination and are then subject to review by the state Board of Examiners. What is naturopathic medicine ? Naturopathic medicine is a system of medicine fojun ded on an honored medical principle which is: nature heals. The body has an inherent ability to establish, maintain and restore health and the naturopathic physician’s role is to facilitate and support this process. By identifying and removing obstacles to health and recovery through treatments that enhance healing, naturopathic physicians can help the body’s innate healing process. What is homeopathy ? Homeopathic treatment, like all truly natural therapies, stimulates the innate healing capacity of an individual such that all physiological systems function at optimal levels. When a homeopathic treatment begins to act, localized symptoms improve and strengthened body defenses become active. The homeopathic remedy does not directly treat a single symptom or condition. Instead, it simply initiates or stimulates a deeper, general healing process. Unlike many conventional treatment outcomes, homeopathy leaves a person healthier and stronger after treatment.