Dr. Alan Dienstag

I am not a network provider for any insurance plans.  As a licensed psychologist my services are reimbursible if you have an out of network benefit.

The only insurance plan I fully participate in is Medicare.  I am a Medicare provider.

They are both doctoral level degrees in psychology.  Although it varies somewhat from program to program, the basic difference is that the Ph.D. has a more stringent research requirement and the Psy.D. more of a focus on clinical practice.  

I am not a medical doctor and cannot prescribe medication.  I collaborate with psychiatrists when I have a patient who needs medication. 

I have been leading groups in my practice for 20 years.  In addition to my graduate training I have received advanced training in group psychotherapy and have lead therapy groups, support groups, supervision groups and short-term educational groups in my practice for 20 years.  As you can see from other sections of this site, group work has been an important part of my work with older adults and people with Alzheimer's disease as well.  I believe that groups offer an important antidote to the alienation that is part of modern life.  My experience as a husband and parent of two children are also an assett in leading a parents group. 

Many people worry that this is what it would be like to be in a support group.  In a well run support group participants are screened to insure that their needs are in line with what the group can provide.  It is the respoonsibility of the leader to help members listen and benefit from each others presence without being overwhelmed and to intervene if this is not happening.  This is why it is useful to have a professional in the room.

My group fee is $45 per session.

Generally yes.