You can call me directly at 216.870.9816 or email at ssmith@lakefrontpsychology.com to request an appointment. Messages will be returned within 48 business hours.
Lakefront Psychology is typically open Mondays 9am-6pm, Wednesdays 9am-5:30pm, and Thursdays 9am-5:30pm.
Yes. New patients are welcome to contact the office to arrange an appointment time. Please call 216.870.9816 or email ssmith@lakefrontpsychology.com.
Many people appreciate having an opportunity to speak with me directly prior to making that first appointment. During this phone call I will ask a few questions to better understand why you are considering therapy and what you hope to gain from it. I will also describe a bit about myself and my approach to psychotherapy. We can decide if we are a good fit to begin working together. And if we are not a good fit, I will do my best to provide appropriate referrals. A typical phone consultation lasts 10-20 minutes.
The goal of Lakefront Psychology is to maintain optimal accessibility. Most new patients are seen within two weeks of the first contact. To find out when the next new patient appointments available, simply call 216.870.9816 or email ssmith@lakefrontpsychology.com
It is very common for people to feel a bit nervous entering the first appointment. After all, this is an opportunity to begin working on something that has likely been difficult or even painful. However, I try to make this process as comfortable as possible so that it feels more like a conversation than an interview. My goal is to understand you and your concerns as well as your strengths and coping skills. By the end of this first visit, I hope that you walk away feeling like I have a good sense of your concerns and ideas about how to get started on a path toward greater wellness.
Most people are seen every 1-2 weeks for appointments. We will decide together how often appointments should be scheduled to best meet your goals. During times of crisis, people may need to be seen more frequently. When symptoms have become more stable, we may choose to check in once a month or go longer between appointments to ensure you maintain these gains.
The length of treatment depends on the progress we make toward your goals. Some people may find that they have made sufficient gains in just a few months of treatment. We decide together when treatment should come to an end. Typically, we space out treatment as you feel symptoms improving and goals are being met. When these positive gains feel stable, we choose to terminate treatment together.
Lakefront Psychology is located on the 6th floor of the Gemini I Tower in Westlake, Ohio. This building is on the corner of Detroit Rd. and Crocker Rd., on the northern side closest to Detroit Rd. This location is conveniently accessible right off the exit of I-90.
When you arrive at the Gemini I Tower, take the elevators to the 6th floor. You will enter through the glass doors located on your left as you exit the elevator. One of the welcoming receptionists will be there to greet you and offer coffee or tea. Just let them know that you are there to see Dr. Smith and she will alert me of your arrival.
https://lakefrontpsychology.com/contact
I am an in-network provider with Medical Mutual of Ohio and will be happy to assist with submitting claims for psychotherapy services. Many patients I see have other insurance providers and we work together to submit for reimbursement as an out-of-network provider. I will provide you with a superbill and the necessary paperwork to send your insurance company. This can be used to help cover your insurance deductible as well as potentially result in financial reimbursement directly to you.
You can pay for appointments with cash, check, credit card, or HSA card.
Appointments must be cancelled at least 24 business hours prior to your scheduled appointment time. If you are unable to keep an appointment and give little notice of cancellation, it becomes difficult to offer your reserved time to others who are awaiting an appointment. In the event of a cancellation within 24 business hours of the scheduled appointment or not showing to a scheduled appointment, you will be charged the full cost of the appointment. If you ever need to cancel an appointment, please call the office as soon as possible at 216.870.9816.
I created this private practice to better serve the mental health and relationship needs of the people in my community. The expert care I provide is based on years of advanced training as well as clinical experience. I have been working as a clinical psychologist for more than 15 years and continually hone my skills through professional development workshops and education. I am committed to providing you with the highest quality of mental health care while maintaining my very personal sense of compassion for people who are struggling through tough times. Many people I see have struggled to find the right provider to help them create lasting change. My approach to psychotherapy involves an active component of skills training so that you learn strategies that apply to your real world situations. My goal is that you continue to experience the benefits of this learning long after the therapy sessions end.
A Clinical Psychologist is a mental health professional with expertise in understanding human behavior and psychological health. Clinical Psychologists specialize in diagnostic assessment and applying research based treatment interventions. The minimum acceptable training for a Clinical Psychologist is a doctoral degree in the field of psychology. In order to have a license as a Clinical Psychologist, one must also complete a year of internship training as well as pass a series of board exams. More specialized advanced training can include an optional Postdoctoral Fellowship. This education and training takes approximately 5-7 years to complete. This advanced education and training sets Clinical Psychologists apart from other mental health providers.
Clinical Psychologists DO NOT prescribe medications. Psychiatrists and psychiatrically trained Advanced Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants are the mental health professionals who typically prescribed medications for mental health conditions. Many people also speak with their Primary Care Providers or OBGyns for input on prescriptions.