medic@tyler.net
P.O. Box 889
Rusk, Texas 75785
Evenings and Weekends. Hours by Appointment.
Q: What is Behavioral Medicine?
A: In brief, Behavioral Medicine is the application of psychotherapeutic techniques to the prevention and treatment of medical disorders. Behavioral Medicine is not a substitute for psychiatry or physical medicine, but rather a complement to medical practice, focusing on adaptation, coping with mental or physical disabilities or to chronic illnesses, such as arthritis or diabetes, the adjunct management of chronic pain, and management of related stress. The therapist works with the physician in many cases in the management of chronic medical problems.
Q: Is the therapist licensed as a physician or nurse?
A: No. The therapist is not involved in the practice of medicine or nursing as defined by law. In this case the therapist is licensed in Texas as a Professional Counselor and may provide cognitive and behavioral treatment as an adjunct to the treatment provided by a primary care physician or specialist.
Q: What types of illnesses and disabilities are able to be treated?
A: While the primary care physician or specialist treats the specific illness, behavioral medicine focuses on coping with the distress often associated with a long-term illness, such as depression, anxiety, loss of self-esteem, etc. These symptoms are often concomitant to diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, chronic renal failure, stroke, and cardiovascular problems. Behavioral medicine focuses on changes in lifestyle and adaptation to the necessity for ongoing medical treatment. This sometimes involves the aspect of prevention in treatment.
In addition to the primary patient, the family and loved ones often find themselves “needing to talk to someone.” This may especially be true in cases where a terminal cancer patient is being cared for in the home or in the case of a family caring for an Alzheimer’s patient. In this case therapy would consist of providing information to the caregivers to allow them to cope with their lifestyle changes in response to their increased responsibilities and to manage the associated feelings and stresses.
Q: Because of my disability I am home-bound and being seen by a home health nurse. Will the doctor also make “house calls”?
A: Yes. Arrangements may be made for home visits. Therapeutic techniques are often beneficial in a setting which is comfortable and familiar to the patient.
Q: What about Post-Trauma Counseling?
A: In some cases of serious trauma, such as a traffic accident involving a fatality, a sexual assault or criminal victimization, or even a recreational fatality, e.g., a scuba diving related accident, survivors experience significant distress, such as insomnia, nightmares, and a constant reliving of the incident. In many cases these symptoms are amenable to counseling and therapeutic techniques. In other cases the therapy may be used as an adjunct to medical interventions.
Q: Do I need a referral from my primary care physician?
A: It depends upon your specific insurance plan. In many cases a referral is needed from the primary care physician in order for treatment to be covered. However, some counseling concerns may not necessarily be medically related, such as coping with the stress of a divorce. In some cases you may prefer to contact the therapist directly for an appointment.
Q: Are all major insurance plans accepted?
A: We are able to accept Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Texas and Medicaid plans. Because of the large number of insurance providers available, we regret that we are not able to accept payment from every plan. However, in these cases we do assist the client in filing for reimbursement. As with other providers, payment for services is expected at the time of delivery.
Q: What other forms of payment are accepted?
A: Visa, MasterCard, and personal checks are accepted.
This page was last updated May 28, 1999.