FAQs

What is a Clinical Psychologist?

Clinical psychologist have specialized knowledge in psychopathology, behavioral and mental health. Clinical psychologists have the ability to assess cognitive, behavioral, emotional, and interpersonal functioning. Clinical psychologists are more focused on evaluation and provide evidence based interventions for clients with specific disorders through diagnostic test administration, consultation with healthcare professionals and research.

What is a Forensic Psychologist?

Forensic psychology is the intersection between law and psychology. Forensic psychologists select, administer and interpret psychological test data to educate attorneys and jurors in litigation. Forensic psychologists study and evaluate how people think, feel, and behave. They are specially trained to interact with attorneys, judges, and jurors in order to provide expert opinions in criminal or civil legal proceedings. They have additional law training and are often designated as witnesses in their particular area(s) of expertise, such as clinical psychology, neuropsychology, or social psychology.

What is the relevance of Cultural Competence in your Clinical and Forensic Psychology Practice?

There is rich scientific literature and growing awareness within the medical and mental healthcare system on the importance of cultural and structural issues on mental health and illness, treatment seeking behaviors and a myriad of life outcomes. Issues related to cultural and structural competence have relevance in personal interactions, decision-making, criminality, legal system involvement and even the way certain mental illnesses are perceived or treated. These issues should also inform the lens through which evaluation or treatment is conducted. Cultural Competence illuminates the impact of oppressive systems in individual and collective livelihood in order to deepen the understanding of the individual in context. In sum, cultural and and structural competence expertise is of the utmost importance for any mental health professional, whether they are acting in the role of clinician, confidential consultant or expert.

How is it determined if a Forensic Psychologist is needed?

In legal cases where psychological or neuropsychological testing is required, or when knowledge of psychotherapy is required, or when understanding of clinical psychology intersection with legal system is needed, a forensic psychologist is generally chosen for litigation involvement.

What kinds of cases could benefit from a Forensic Psychologist?

Forensic psychology experts can assist in a variety of legal matters including criminal, family, administrative, and civil proceedings. Civil cases can include litigation where damages are claimed as a result of allegations of discrimination based on race, gender, sex, or disability. Forensic psychologist experts can be retained in personal injury litigation to address issues of emotional damages or to determine mental health stability for parenting capacity. In criminal matters, Forensic Psychologist address mental capacity, risk to community safety, or mitigation in the sentencing phase of a criminal trial. In workplace cases, a Forensic Psychologist maybe tasked with whether a disability claim for a chronic illness such as depression, trauma is valid and work stress related. There are a myriad of ways a Forensic Psychologist can assist attorneys in the management of a legal case.

What does it mean to practice in an Anti-Racist and Anti-Oppresive framework?

The acknowledgement of White Supremacy being embedded in the foundation of all of our institutions in the United States and psychotherapy is no exception. Therapeutic work must address oppression, relational structures, cultural and political context, and yes, how whiteness, or the illusion of whiteness, has affected how people conceptualize success, mental health, work, communication, social norms, gender, sexuality, and identity. Getting to the root of how white supremacy as been folded into a belief system and psychological framework is necessary for healing.

What can I expect in the complimentary 30 minutes consultation?

In the complimentary consultation, the primary goals are to develop a mutual understanding of your reason for referral and answer any questions you may have. This is the where you will learn about the logistics of the service you are seeking. In this consultation, you will be able to experience an idea of what the Clinical or Forensic Service space will feel like. This opportunity is to develop a connection and determine if there is an appropriate match to address your concerns in living, psychological or forensic inquiry.

What can I expect in beginning Psychological Testing or Forensic Evaluation?

You can expect to be greeted with warmth, unconditional positive regard, and expertise. We will complete a consultation to determine the specific referral questions. The appropriate testing methods and procedures will be identified, which are labeled the test battery. Additional testing or evaluation time will be scheduled and you will be at the start of your self discovery or answer to legal inquiry.

How can Psychological Testing help me?

Psychological Testing can help provide accommodations for testing. This includes the SAT, ACT, GRE, LSAT and MCAT, among others. Psychological Testing can help you qualify for disability or special education service. These evaluations can be a first step towards providing you with an opportunity to perform at your maximum potential.

What can I expect in my first Individual Psychotherapy session?

You can expect to be greeted with warmth, unconditional positive regard, and expertise. We will further discuss your concerns in living and you will receive more information about what you can expect from a healing process. At the end of the first session, we will inquire about how you felt in the therapeutic space and we will determine a treatment schedule.

How long does Individual Psychotherapy last?

The length of your healing process is unique to you and depends on your desire for personal development, your commitment, and your concerns in living. We will collaborate in treatment planning and will use evidence based strategies to support your healing. Individual Psychotherapy with us is deep, insight oriented, with pragmatic skill building. We invite you to keep in mind that change and growth can be slow, which requires compassion, patience, and dedication.

What can I expect in Clinical Consultation?

We will discuss your goals for Clinical Consultation. Clinical Consultation supports licensed clinicians with building confidence in areas of clinical work that may need to be strengthened for client success. The goals to be discussed are: psychological theory, skill development, diagnosis, cultural competence, counter-transference, and current knowledge on clinical topic.

What can I expect from a Community Engagement?

We will discuss your goals for the Community Engagement. A Community Engagement is a group process that includes members of your choice. The goals to be discussed are: content, goals, duration, frequency, and number of attendees. Topic areas include: Racial Dynamics in Mental Health and/or Forensic Settings, Cultural Competence, Restorative Justice, Inter-generational and/or Race-based Trauma, Intimate Partner Violence, Substance Abuse, Sex Offender Dynamics, Sexuality, Cognitive Behavioral Interventions, and Meditation/Mindfulness.

What hours are you available?

Hours are available by appointment only. We offer daytime and evening availability. Please connect to schedule an appointment. If we are in session or out of the office, you will receive our voice mail. Please leave a brief message, and we will return all messages as soon as possible, typically within 48 hours. First-time appointments are typically scheduled within one week of the initial call or sooner if needed. If you are calling about a psychiatric emergency, call 911 or present yourself to emergency services.

What is your cancellation policy?

If you do not show up for your scheduled appointment and you have not notified at least 24 hours in advance, you will be required to pay the full cost of the session.

Do you take insurance?

We do not currently providing services on any insurance panels. However, we work with insurance panels as an out-of-network provider. We can offer you billing documents that include a description of services and provider information so you may submit the claims directly to your insurance company for reimbursement. If you would like to use your insurance, please contact your insurance provider directly via the 800 number on the back of your insurance card and ask about self-filing options for “out-of-network providers.” If possible, ask them to fax or email you a copy of your coverage so that you can use this when you submit any future documents. We do not make any guarantees or promises that you will receive reimbursement from your insurance company for our services.

What is your payment policy?

Payment is due prior to service at the time of service unless otherwise agreed upon. We accept cash and credit cards. We accept Cash, Venmo, Zelle, and Paypal. We offer payment plans depending on the service of interest.

Dr. L. Mixon Psychology Services, APC