FAQ

Dr. Freshwater does not currently offer any Free phone consultations as she uses her time for scheduled sessions with her patients.  And that is why there is so much information here on the website, so that you can understand the details.  The only way to speak with Dr. Freshwater directly if you are not her patient or her client is to schedule a Consultation so that she can ensure her time and attention are wholly dedicated to you.  If you would like to schedule a consultation, submit form here.

With that being said, Dr. Freshwater's current patients and current clients do have direct access to her, as she values her ability to be helpful if needed and to support progress.

 

The 60-minute New Patient | New Client Intro Consultation helps me get a sense of what services you are seeking.  For example, if you are seeking psychotherapy: we will talk about what brings you to therapy, what do you want help with and why?  And also,  "why now".  What have you tried to help yourself? , what would you like to accomplish ?, what would successful therapy may look like to you ?, what are your expectations about therapy? What is your capacity to receive help ? Any issues to sustain a working therapeutic alliance ? What is your optimism that you can change with professional expert guidance ? When are you hoping to begin therapy ? Do you have any limiting factors that would interfere with your commitment? and importantly what are your your hopes and goals? You are encouraged to share a summary.  It is also an opportunity to ask questions.

*The 60-minute Intro Consultation also helps to determine whether you are best suited for *Online clinic or to be seen *In-person private space or whether *Priority Access Concierge Services is best suited for you.

Request a Private Consultation

 

*The consultation fee is due at the time of booking your consultation appointment.  If you need to reschedule your reserved consultation, you are allowed one time before loosing your booking fee; and please provide at least 48-hours notice during normal business hours before your reserved consultation appointment.

 

Much of the length of therapy depends on your commitment to the therapy process, your investment, and the factors that are driving you to seek therapy in the first place will help to determine how long we may work together.  Someone coming only once a week for a 45-minutes session is going to have less momentum than someone coming each week more frequently.

The majority of people who enter therapy choose to extend their visits over months, and some over years, because they find that the benefits in their life is worth the effort. Keep in mind that therapy is a process that needs time to unfold. It is discovery of where you are at this very moment, where you want to go, and what you want to change and want to heal.

Therapy is not always about getting to the end that is known in advance.

Most people have ways of habitual responding that are deeply engrained, mind conditioned unconscious patterns, conditioned behaviors, suppressed and repressed emotions, and energy blockages that may need to be released, removed, and reprocedured.

 

What is analytic psychotherapy?
Analytic psychotherapy is an approach that draws from psychoanalysis, neuropsychoanalysis, and other Depth psychologies. It offers the opportunity to explore the most alive and creative aspects of yourself.

It is also particularly helpful in addressing longer-term and deep-rooted problems. These are not easily resolved, as they are partly driven unconsciously and based in early childhood experiences that repeatedly present as patterns in the "Here and Now".

This approach views many of our more intractable difficulties beginning as an adaptation to avoid painful internal conflicts, trauma, or problematic dynamics in our earlier lives. As time passes, these mal-adaptations lead to unhelpful patterns of thoughts, feelings, relationships, or behaviors which exacerbate problems further.

A key characteristic is the idea that we all have an internal world which has developed from early childhood. In other words, we carry inside us our earliest experiences including important figures
from our childhood. Our internal world is constantly interacting with the external world, so people and situations we encounter in the present feel very much like experiences from the past. More than this we unconsciously expect, and try to make, these external relationships match those in our internal world. This is known as transference.

In analytic psychotherapy, while current and past problems and experiences are explored as they present In the Here and Now. Transference is also drawn on to help the investigation on a deeper level. Links are emphasized between the relationship of patient and therapist, relationships from the past, and those in the present outside the therapy space. The Analyst encourages exploration and curiosity about all experiences, especially regarding potential and hidden meanings. To help the patient allow examinations to deepen, so that the less conscious aspects of their internal worlds are reached, it is important that the patient  feel safe enough in the relationship with the therapist. This approach therefore emphasizes strict boundaries and the therapist shares little about their 'real' self.

 

• We are a Bespoke practice and Concierge practice that caters to the individual needs of the patient.  Therefore, duration of sessions and frequency of visits varies depending upon the specific needs of the patient and the patient's requests.
• We will schedule therapy sessions at a time that we agree on, although some sessions may be longer or more frequent depending upon your request and needs, and my professional recommendations. Typically, sessions will occur on the same day(s) and time each week as a standing appointment(s). This will be your weekly space.
• Initial Clinical Intake 90-minutes, and Psychological Assessment sessions are schedule as 90-minutes each session, or longer, if needed.

Once an appointment session is scheduled, you will be expected to pay for it unless you provide 48-hours advanced notice of cancellation during normal business hours 9am to 5pm East Coast time zone USA. Thank you. Your appointment time is specifically for you.

The brief answer is that we all can benefit from therapy. We all go through life’s journey of challenges, losses, and stressful situations. We all acquire along the journey some psychological and emotional bruises and mind conditioned patterns of responding that are often maladaptive and unhealthy for our well-BEING.

We all develop defenses and conditioned responses against unpleasant emotions and experiences. We all experience periods of fear, anxieties, depressed mood, and stress. We all struggle to fit in, form intimate relationship bonds, and develop meaning in our lives. We all wish for holistic health. Overall, the most important factors for the ability to benefit from therapy are the motivation to explore our self, our habitual reactions of suffering, and a desire to change or heal some aspect of it.

Q: What if I need to cancel the first session ?

The first intake session fee is due at the time of booking.  We collect this fee ahead of time to reserve your appointment with the doctor and the additional time the doctor devotes to documentation and other work on your behalf.  You are allowed to reschedule your first intake session appointment one time before loosing your booking fee. This policy ensures the doctor remains available to patients and clients who are committed and ready to start. If you need to reschedule your first intake session, then please provide at least 48-hours notification during normal business days and normal business hours. Thank you.  In the event of your cancellation, please book your make-up session for that same week, if available.  Please limit your cancellations to no more than 2 per year. Please reschedule your appointment for the same week

 

Your session fee secures a dedicated day and time in Dr. Freshwater's schedule.  This fee is set in advance to cover the doctor's professional time with you and use her training and expertise.  During this time you can safely explore your thoughts, feelings, experiences with an expert trained professional in order to understand your issues and work towards personal growth, however that make look to you.

I choose not to take insurance in my private bespoke practice because it allows me to remain ethical and provide the highest quality of care without your care being compromised by the limitations imposed by insurance companies and their corporate affiliated financial interests and their financial interests in the pharmaceutical industry.  Their aims: maximized profits.  In the USA, Drug companies and insurance companies have a substantial partnership and financial stake in construing psychological problems as a disease and to market their drugs.

In the USA, Insurance companies require diagnoses (which they will permanently keep in your records & they do not maintain confidentiality), dictate the number of therapy sessions you are allowed, dictate duration of therapy session, dictate frequency, and dictate the course of therapy based on their business policies and their business algorithms rather than your unique needs. This can interfere with the depth and flexibility necessary formeaningful therapeutic work.

By not working for insurance companies, I remain ethical and can focus solely on your well-being and the process that best supports your growth and optimal health. This approach also maintains your privacy and ensures that your therapy stays between us, to the letter of the law, and without third-party involvement. It also gives us the freedom to work at a pace that feels right for you, especially for those seeking meaningful in-depth change, personal growth, insight, and optimal health, which is the foundation of my approach.

 

We do not panel with insurance carriers.  We are a Fee for Service Bespoke Clinical practice, Forensic practice, and Research practice.

We also provide Bespoke Concierge services: National and International.

 

We do not affiliate nor contract with health insurance plans.

We do not collect from insurance carriers.   Payment for professional services are due prior to service.

No, you do not need a referral for clinical work. Just contact me to set up consultation. If you are involved in legal proceedings or anticipated legal, then your representing attorney will need to contact me and set up an appointment.

When you pay for therapy without involving your insurance carrier, your therapy, treatment is private/confidential. No one besides you will know that you are seeing a clinical psychologist and for how many visits. You also will not need to be diagnosed with a “psychiatric disorder” and your medical record can remain diagnosis clear. More over, your insurance carrier will not be able to dictate how many sessions, how often your sessions, the length/ time of your session, how long you can attend therapy, or the kind of therapy that you receive. This gives you and your therapist greater collaborative freedom to tailor and customize the therapy to your individual needs.

Most people do not to use their insurance coverage because of privacy concerns and the significant insurance policy limitations and caps to mental health services, insurance policy limitations on number and length of sessions, lengthy processing of reimbursement benefits, your time invested in insurance negotiations for mental health disputes of coverage, et cetera.

Other Importance:

Whenever you file a medical insurance claim, whether it is for counseling or a broken leg, that information goes into a national clearinghouse called the Medical Information Bureau (www.mib.com).

The information MIB has in your file is used to deny you life insurance and disability insurance - and until the Affordable Care Act was passed, medical insurance. Because my role is to advocate for and serve my patients, I do not participate in insurance claim filing. If you do choose to file with your insurance company, I will give you a receipt. I do recommend you go to the MIB link and ask for a copy of your file

We are a Concierge practice, Fee for Services, Clinical and Forensic. We do not panel with insurance carriers.   Fees for services are paid in advance or at time of session, depending upon the services that will be provided.

The first couple of sessions will focus on exploration and investigation of the most pressing issues, or your most immediate problems, symptoms and signs of distress, and salient challenges in your life.

I will ask general questions and other times very specific questions about different aspects of your life. I will share with you some initial impressions. Later, some sessions will be less structured (e.g. sharing your unedited thoughts) and other sessions more structured where I help you to go deeper into your thought patterns and their meaning and connections to emotions, relationships, physical sensations, and your spirit.

I will help create the spaciousness so that you can go deeper and help you uncover the root causes of your issues, symptoms/signs, and challenges, so that you can awake, evolve, transform into your true centered and balanced Authentic Being.

What is the Therapeutic Frame in psychotherapy and psychoanalysis 

The Therapeutic Frame is the establishment of the consistent conditions.

The Therapeutic Frame includes not only arrangements as to time and fee but may also involve numerous other decisions about the boundaries of the therapeutic relationship.  These include contracts, consequences, rules of the treatment, ways to limit self-destructiveness, to maintain treatment via explicit boundary conditions.

The possibilities for boundary struggles and threats to the Therapeutic Frame are limitless with people who have unhealthy personality organizations (i.e. neurotic, borderline, psychotic) and the critical thing for the patient to know is not so much what conditions will be set (these may vary according to the patient's personality, the psychologist's recommendations, and the situation and etcetera) but that they must be set, consistently observed, and enforced by specific sanctions if the patient fails to respect them. 

Individuals with unhealthy personality organizations will often react with anger or any other forms of "acting out"  to the psychologist’s boundaries and the Therapeutic Frame, but two therapeutic messages will be received nonetheless: 1)  the Psychologist regards the patient as a grown-up and has confidence in his or her ability to tolerate frustration, and (2) the Psychologist refuses to be exploited and is therefore a model of self-respect. 

People with healthy personality organizations rarely, if ever, threaten the Therapeutic Frame.

When you utilize your insurance benefits, the insurance company has a right to request your records as well as speak with your doctor regarding your treatment. Often, the insurance companies require their nurses to review your case and determine if you are progressing far enough in your treatment and whether they should continue to pay for therapy. Due to patients not wanting their personal confidential information to be told to insurance companies who keep databases on their treatment, patients often feel that they would rather pay for services out of pocket rather than expose themselves to unnecessary privacy concerns as well as having their treatment dictated by a nurse rather than by their doctor.

Whether or not you use your insurance is a personal decision that should be made after careful thought. We do not contract with insurance plans. In order for us to provide you with the highest quality of care, we are an OON "out-of-network" providers.  This means that Dr. Freshwater and associates are not in network with any health insurance companies. If you plan to use your insurance to reimburse you, then you should carefully check your insurance contract policy by determining the following:

• Do I have mental health benefits?
• Do I have Out of Network (OON) coverage ?
• What is my mental health deductible ? and has it been met during this insurance policy contract?
• How many sessions does my plan allow for the policy period?
• How many minutes per therapy session does my policy allow?
• How much does my insurance plan cover of the Doctors professional fees for services provided?
• What is the insurance coverage amount per therapy session?
• Do I need approval and prescription from my primary care doctor?
• What is your claims address for submission ?
• How do I submit a claim ?

Please be aware that it is ultimately your responsibility to know the terms and facts of your insurance plan. Your insurance plan is a contract that you signed with your insurance company. Your insurance card should have a phone number on the back side so you can call them with any questions regarding your policy.

Any disputes you have with the benefits quoted must be dealt with directly with your insurance company. Please understand that all of our doctors are in the profession of healing and bringing awareness to the harms caused by medicating and overly pathologizing the human experience.

We are not in the profession of insurance policies nor insurance contracts.

Fees vary depending upon type of service, type of session, and length of session.

Please see fees page.

Couples Therapy:

When initiating Couples Therapy, a 90-minutes initial evaluation with both partners present is recommended in order to gather essential back ground information regarding the couple's problem(s). After this initial meeting, and individual session and evaluation session is held with each partner; and then followed up by weekly joint couple's therapy sessions.

The most significant differences between mental health professionals are specialties, years of education and training, and experience.

I've gone into depth on this topic on my blog if you'd like to go deeper.

Yes. All new clients and new patients participate in (Individual 45-minute \ Couples 90-minutes ) Online video consultation with the doctor to better understand each client's needs and patient's needs; and to make sure we are the right fit before starting any treatment or any other services that you request and the doctor provides.  The consultation fee is due at the time of booking your appointment.  If you need to reschedule your reserved consultation, you are allowed one time before loosing your booking fee and you must provide at least 48-hours notice during normal business hours before your reserved appointment.

In this psychological evaluation format, each member of the relationship is evaluated separately, to assess any mental health concerns or personality organization that may be impacting them as individuals or the relationship dyad.  Next, it evaluates how both partners relate to each other, and provides the couples with a plan for addressing their concerns individually and together.

The short answer is NO.

 

CPT  code 90847:

This code is used when the identified patient (the individual with the primary diagnosis) is present during the family or couples therapy session.

CPT code 90846:

This code is used when the identified patient is not present during the therapy session, such as when a therapist is meeting with a partner or family member separately.

 

It's important to note that these codes are not specific to "marriage counseling" but are used for any family or couples therapy where the identified patient's treatment is being addressed.

Important Considerations:

Medical Necessity:

Ensure that the couples therapy is medically necessary for the identified patient's treatment plan.

Documentation:

Thorough documentation of the session, including the reasons for the therapy, the participants involved, and the treatment plan, is crucial for accurate billing and reimbursement.

Insurance Specifics:

Check with individual insurance providers for their specific guidelines and requirements for billing couples Or family

We do not collect from insurance carriers.   Payment for professional services are due prior to service.

I keep notes locked. Notes and diagnostic testing records are kept for 7-years per Florida Law and then destroyed. All sessions are confidential and all psychotherapy records and diagnostic protocols are confidential. Note: if you choose legal or become involved in legal proceedings, then information that is normally confidential will be released. You will or your attorney will be notified.

Please note: we value keeping your health records confidential, to the letter of the law. However, if you elect to submit to your insurance carrier, we then are required to inform them of your of your diagnoses, type of treatments, and your clinical notes, and it will become part of your permanent medical public record. You will have to think wisely and decide whether you want outsiders to know your personal sensitive information.  Most patients do not. Whenever you file a medical insurance claim, whether it is for counseling or a broken leg, that information goes into a national clearinghouse called the Medical Information Bureau (www.mib.com)

 

Federal and State law exceptions. Please read below.

Confidentiality and Exceptions

The law protects the privacy of all communications between a patient and a psychologist. In most situations, I can only release information about your treatment to others if you sign a written Authorization Form that meets certain legal requirements imposed by HIPAA. There are other situations that require only that provide written, advanced consent. There are some situations where I am permitted or required to disclose information without either your consent or your authorization.

Duty to Warn and Protect

When a patient discloses intentions or a plan to harm another person, the mental health professional is required to warn the intended victim and report this information to legal authorities. In situations in which the patient discloses or implies suicide, the health care professional is required to notify legal authorities and make reasonable attempts to notify the patient’s family.

Abuse of Children and Vulnerable Adults

If a patient states or suggests that he/she is abusing a child (or vulnerable adult) or has recently abused a child (or vulnerable adult), or there is danger of imminent abuse, then the mental health professional is required to report this information to appropriate legal authorities and social services.

Prenatal Exposure to Potentially Harmful Substances

Mental health care professionals are required to report admitted prenatal exposure to controlled substances that are potentially harmful.

Minors/Guardianship

Parents or legal guardians of non-emancipated minors patients have the right to access patient records.

(when applicable)

3rd-Party payers, For example, such as Forensic, Legal, SSDI, Disability, and Workmens Comp are given information that they require regarding services.  Information that may be requested includes type of service, date/times of services, diagnoses, treatment plan, and description of impairment, progress of therapy, case notes, and summaries.

NOTE:

1. If you are involved in court proceedings, or become involved in legal proceedings, and a request is made for information concerning your diagnosis and treatment, such information is protected by the psychologist-patient privilege law. I cannot provide any information without your (or legal representative’s) written permission/authorization, OR a court order, OR if I receive a subpoena of which you have been properly notified and you have failed to inform me that you oppose the subpoena. If you are involved or contemplating litigation, you should consult with your attorney whether a court would be likely to order to me to disclose information.

2. If a government agency is requesting the information for health oversight activities, within its appropriate legal authority, I may be required to provide it to them.

3. If a patient files a complaint or a lawsuit against me or Neuropsychological Institute, P.A. I may disclose relevant information regarding that patient in order to defend myself and defend the practice.

4. If a patient files a worker compensation claim, and I am providing necessary testing and/or treatment related to that claim. I must, upon request, submit treatment reports to the appropriate parties, including the patient’s employer, the insurance carrier or an authorized qualified rehabilitation provider.

5. If I am hired to conduct a forensic evaluation (IME), you will be provided with specific consents authorizing the release of forensic records, data, testing results, reports et cetera.

*****You will find Confidentiality Exceptions Form under HelpFul Forms.

These forms need to be printed out and signed by you. Thank you

Once an appointment session is scheduled, you will be expected to pay for it unless you provide 48-hours advanced notice of cancellation (week-ends do not apply). This policy is representative of the industry standard for doctors within the counseling and psychotherapy professions.

You will find that treatment progresses best and produces long lasting change when appointments are regular and consistent. So, as an example, if you have a Monday  morning appointment time, then you would need to cancel that appointment by Thursday morning the preceding week. In the event of your cancellation, please book your make-up session for that same week, if available.  Please limit your cancellations to no more than 2 per year.

PLEASE NOTE:  If we are working together in intensive ~ a schedule of 2 to 4 sessions per week a set time is protocol. If you are not able to keep your appointment(s), you will be charged for the missed or cancelled session(s) as these days and times are reserved specifically and only for you.

If we are doing deep work together, that is,  intensive psychotherapy or psychodynamic, and if you plan to be on vacation or plan to be away from psychotherapy treatment for extended time frame, then please provide at least a 2-week advance notice to Dr. Shawna Freshwater. This is policy representative of industry standards for doctors utilizing depth psychology, intensive, or psychodynamic modalities of treatment.

Please limit your appointment cancellations to no more than 2 per year. Please reschedule your missed appointment for the same week, if the doctor is available.   Thank you

Please see Helpful Forms

* Cancellation Policy Form

* Credit Card Authorization Form

A superbill is a medical receipt you can submit to your insurance carrier, if you choose, for reimbursement. Your insurance carrier will reimburse you directly with a check.  In regards to how much your insurance carrier will reimburse you depends upon your specific plan that you contracted with your insurance carrier. Please refer to your contract and/or call the number on the back side of your insurance card.

Please note: we value keeping your health records confidential, to the letter of the law. However, if you elect to submit to your insurance carrier, we then are required to inform them of your of your diagnoses, type of treatments that we are providing, and your clinical notes, and it will become part of your permanent medical public record. You will have to think wisely and decide whether you want outsiders to know your personal sensitive information.  Most patients do not. Whenever you file a medical insurance claim, whether it is for counseling or a broken leg, that information goes into a national clearinghouse called the Medical Information Bureau (www.mib.com)

You may also elect to use your FSA (flexible saving account) or HSA (health saving account) to pay for our services, however, you will need to contact your fund administrator to learn more about this option.

Additionally, you may be able to include our fees as a medical expense as part of your itemized deductions on your tax return.

In order for us to provide you with the highest quality of care, we are an OON "out-of-network" providers.  This means that Dr. Freshwater and associates are not in network with any health insurance companies.  Since, we do not directly bill insurance and we do not accept payment from insurance carriers, we expect payment for services up front at the time of your visit.  Thank you.

 

 

 

 

We will schedule sessions to occur on same day and time each week. Over the course of the initials sessions or course of treatment, it may be decided that more than one session per week is needed. Standing weekly appointments at the same time every session helps builds consistency and helps our work together.  The standing sessions and time are reserved specially for you.

The harder you work in therapy the better your outcome will be.  This means coming to sessions regularly and on time; writing down your questions, comments, observations, concerns, and even your dreams between sessions, so that we can work on them together.  It also helps to get clear on your goals for your life; and by all means doing assignments that we develop together in session and practicing them outside of session.

I only have a small amount of time with you each week, so it's important that we use our time wisely, effectively, and therapeutically. Please limit your cancellations to no more than 2 per year. Please reschedule your missed appointment for the same week.

The more prepared you are for our sessions, the more quickly the therapy will proceed and the more you will get out of it.

Think about our sessions during the week. I encourage you to keep a therapy journal-to take notes after session about key points or things that you may want to try differently, and before your next session document your agenda.

Be patient with yourself and the therapeutic process.  Therapy is hard work and often brings up a lot of buried unpleasant emotions that you have not been dealing with for years.  However, to go through life carrying all that heavy weighted unnecessary emotional baggage is self-sabatog.

There will be times when you leave a session that you feel worse than when you walked in. However, that means we are talking about and you are processing the right things.

You are not coming to get a massage, so you have to expect some times that you are not going to feel immediate relief, but that will arrive if you stay with the process. You are much stronger than you believe.

Hopefully, over the course of treatment as a whole, you will walk out of my presence for the very last time feeling light, free, and empowered then when you entered for the very first time.

It will be my honor to co-create with you the life you want....and it will be my honor to have worked with you.

Peace, Dr. Freshwater

If I am honest, I think we all could benefit from therapy at some point in our lives, but of course, I would say that as a psychologist because I know how important our mental and emotional state influences our physical health and our relationships.

However, without knowing the specifics of your situation, I can not say for sure. We have yet to meet.   I encourage you to consider the following questions:  Do you keep running into the same conflict in your relationships?  Do you keep getting the same feedback from others?  Do you have emotional distress that does not seem to get better ? or presents over time?  Ever feel like you are putting strain on your relationships because you need so much advice?  Do you just feel that something is not quite right about how you are feeling or thinking or acting ? or just feel lost and not enough?

The brief answer:  we all can benefit from therapy. We all go through life’s journey of challenges, losses, and stressful situations. We all acquire along the journey some psychological and emotional bruises and mind conditioned patterns of responding that are often maladaptive and unhealthy for our well-BEING. Every human has the right to be empowered, healthy, resilient.  That includes YOU.

Longer Answer: Deciding when to seek out individual therapy can
be a complex question. You don't have to wait until your lowest point to ask for help. Getting help and feeling better, starts when you decide you're ready to receive support and for things to be different. Individual therapy offers you one-on-one personalized attention.

Individual talk therapy can be helpful for anyone. Whether you are facing life stressors, past or current trauma, relational problems.

Individual therapy can also help with socialization skills, developing health boundaries, improving your relationships,
concerns with self-esteem, depression, anxiety or
anything that is causing distress.

Individual therapy can also assist with major life changes
such as starting a new job, moving, getting married or divorced, dating, or having a child.

Starting individual therapy is a great way to improve
your life, your mental health, or explore what has been keeping you from living our best life. If you are wondering if it's time to talk with someone, I invite you to take that brave empowering step forward towards self-care and discovery.    When you are ready for a Consultation, I am will be honored.

 

 

• I am licensed Clinical Psychologist and NeuroPsychologist.
• I am licensed since 2001.
• I earned a multiple diplomas: Bachelors of Arts, Masters of Science, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Clinical Psychology and NeuroPsychology with Internships, residency, and additional 3 Post Doctoral Fellowships from prestigious Institutions including Cornell NY Presbyterian, University of Florida College of Medicine, Veterans Affairs Medical Centers, McKnight Brain Institute, and NIH supported programs.
• I have been conducting psychological (personality & emotional) evaluations and neuropsychological (brain-behavior-neuroscience) evaluations for since 1995
• I have been conducting psychotherapy since 1995
• I am highly trained in various psychological theories and paradigms, multi-specialities, and utilizing an integrated and specialist approach for 29+years.
• I am a practitioner of both Western and Eastern therapeutic paradigms.
• I am educated, trained, and experienced with Child/Pediatrics, Adolescents, Adult, and Geriatric assessments and clinical psychotherapies.
• I am currently only accepting new therapy patients who request individual sessions and/or relational sessions and are at least 18-years-old, Adult.
• I actively continue my ongoing education from 40-educational credits to 60- educational credits per year.
• I am a highly respected doctor, clinician, clinical researcher, and authored 19 scientific publications in medical journals, developed Psychological and Neuropsychological Tests, and presented at national and international medical conferences.
• I have earned and received multiple accolades that include the following:
  • Who’s Who in Medicine and Healthcare
  • Who’s Who of American Women
  • Who’s Who in America
  • Phi Beta Kappa, Honors in Liberal Scholarship
  • Phi Kappa Phi, Honors in Scholastic Achievement
  • Phi Theta Kappa, Honors in the Arts and Sciences
  • Psi Chi, Honors in Psychology
  • Golden Key, Honors in Academic Achievement
  • Phi Kappa Phi’s National Fellowship Competition
  • Golden Key’s National Fellowship Competition

If you have more interest please visit my about me page

Psychological Testing is conducted by licensed PhD Clinical Psychologists; and are the only doctors licensed and trained to administer and interpret these in-depth evaluations. Dr. Freshwater is both a PhD Clinical Psychologist and PhD Neuropsychologist.

The psychological evaluation provides valuable information and insight into your personality organization, your current symptoms, root causes to your symptoms, diagnosis, and the severity of any mental health condition that you may have.

The psychological evaluation helps you understand you and assists with the outline of the best scientific based evidence treatment options for curing the Root Causes of symptoms, symptoms reduction, and management.

The psychological evaluation is designed to provided a detailed picture of your current mental health profile and personality organization.

The psychological evaluation can help clarify diagnoses, such as anxiety disorders, depression, complex-traumas, PTSD, Stress disorders, and personality disorders.  The evaluation helps fortify a plan for treatment that maximizes your strengths, evaluates the possible Causes of symptoms, reducing symptoms, and cultivates a plan for healing and building your resilience.

A typical psychological evaluation consists of a very thorough clinical interview, review of records (if there are any), (and when relevant interviews with collateral sources if you have provided consent),  the administration of psychological tests, scoring of test data, and interpretation of the collected data.

Dr. Freshwater administers the gold standard in psychological tests.

https://spacioustherapy.com/neuropsychology-testing-guide-for-patients/Neuropsychological Evaluation is conducted by licensed PhD Clinical Psychologist who also meets the stringent criteria with highly specialized advance education in PhD program, training, supervision, and additional years of education, training, and additional years (at least 2 more years of Post-doctoral Fellowships) in Neuropsychology. These additional years are directed and approved by the National Academy of Neuropsychology (NAN).

Would you like to understand what a Neuropsychological Evaluation entails ?    Please read: https://spacioustherapy.com/neuropsychology-testing-guide-for-patients/

Psychological Testing is conducted by licensed PhD Clinical Psychologists; and are the only doctors licensed and trained to administer and interpret these in-depth evaluations. Dr. Freshwater is both a PhD Clinical Psychologist and PhD Neuropsychologist.

You may have been referred by another doctor, such as another psychologist, or a psychiatrist,  or alternatively by a non-doctoral therapist, such as a LMHC, LCSW, or LPC.

The psychological evaluation provides valuable information and insight into your personality organization, root causes to your symptoms, accurate diagnosis, and the severity of any mental health condition that you may have.

The psychological evaluation helps you understand you and assists your therapist or treatment team to help guide the next stage: treatment options or provide clarity of your progress.

The psychological evaluation is designed to provided a detailed picture of your current mental health profile and personality organization.

The psychological evaluation can help clarify diagnoses, such as anxiety disorders, depression, complex-traumas, PTSD, Stress disorders, and personality disorders.  You can also request a psychological evaluation to get a clearer picture of the severity of a condition or addiction.

A typical psychological evaluation consists of a very thorough clinical interview, review of records (if there are any), (and when relevant interviews with collateral sources if you have provided consent),  the administration of psychological tests, scoring of test data, and interpretation of the collected data.

Dr. Freshwater administers the gold standard in psychological tests.

In Forensic evaluations, a psychological evaluation may be requested as part of a legal process or legal proceeding, for example child custody, domestic violence, or personal injury cases.    Legal proceedings or court ordered, you do not have the same expectations of confidentiality.

Individual Therapy with Dr. Freshwater, a PhD Clinical Psychologist Covers Significant Areas and a wide range of challenges like:

• Personality Organization
• Your personality identity
• Past and Current Relationship Dynamics
• Past and current Trauma injuries
• Intimacy concerns
• Attachment injuries
• Intense emotions or "mood swings"
• Your internal dialogue and beliefs
• Feeling lost, or Stuck in life, or feelings of no purpose
• Treatment of various mental illness conditions
• Your stress tolerance, resilience, your behavioral conflicts around conflict.

These are just a few of the most common patterns that Dr. Freshwater sees with patients and what they bring to therapy.  Your story is unique to you.

Dr. Freshwater's goal is to guide you in determining what is interfering or blocking you from achieving the LIFE you most desire to live and support you in getting there.

Life and relationship coaching services are worldwide.  Coaching services can be provided to individuals and couples no matter where they reside in the World.

Online Coaching is convenient and conducted via a secure encrypted synchronous platform so that your coaching sessions are private and confidential.

In individual therapy, you are able to take pre-noticed scheduled breaks or breaks for holidays.  However, while it isn't uncommon to return to therapy after you have stopped, It is not recommended as  stopping interferes with the therapeutic process and treatment.

In couples therapy, occasionally it may be appropriate to pause sessions temporarily in order to implement what you have been working on.  You can agree to set a return date for couples to continue your sessions

Doctors who are  Clinical Psychologists utilize Evidence Based Treatment ~ Evidence Based Therapies. We are extensively trained and skilled with decades of expertise.  The American Psychological Association (APA) defined Evidence Based Treatments as "the integration of the best available research with clinical expertise in the context patient characteristics, culture, and preferences."  This does not mean you get a "cookie-cutter" approach. Rather, it means I use clinical judgement and expertise to formulate a specific treatment plan that considers all factors and symptoms unique to you.

If you have questions, then please ask.

Dr. Shawna Freshwater

Absolutely not. I can assure you that there is no such diagnosis as "Crazy" nor "weak".   It takes an incredible amount of strength to reach out for support.  Once, you engage in therapy, you may be surprised to learn that many of your symptoms actually have a name and are more common than you think.

There are multiple and various benefits from therapy. Psychotherapy has been empirically validated to have many benefits and in most cases significantly greater clinical benefit than any medication. The majority of individuals who obtain therapy benefit from the process and practice.

Benefits may include relief of emotional distress. That is a form of suffering (e.g., symptoms of anxiety, depression, stress, fears), physical symptoms (e.g. headaches, GI problems), improved inter-personal relationships, greater self-confidence, easier decision-making, improvement in the specific concerns that led you to seek therapy, and overall resulting in healthier physical and psychological well-being.

Success may vary depending on the particular problems being addressed as well as your consistency, motivation, and dedication to improving yourself. I emphasize again that your journey of transformation and healing involves active participation, self-exploration, gaining new insights about yourself and others, finding ways of dealing with problems, learning new skills, and diligent practice.

All therapy services can be paid with all major credit cards issued by USA institutions, cash, cashiers check, retainer check, personal check,  and ZELLE.

Package plans are offered to Concierge patients and clients. Please inquire if a package plan best suits your needs.  Checks can be accepted for Package plans.

Coaching is a great for navigating a difficult life transition (e.g. break up, new job, moving to a new city, moving to college), wanting to improve your personal development, social skills, dating and relationships, navigate career choices and challenges.

Are your relationships failing repeatedly, but you can't figure out why?  Do you feel unable to get your needs met at work? or not performing as well as you would like in school or your career?  Are you procrastinating ?  Are you afraid to take the next big step towards your goals?  Are you doing pretty well professionally, but just not near where you know you have the potential to be?

Do you feel worn out or unfulfilled or lost?
Are you highly ambitious, but feel stuck ?  Are you intelligent, but lack self-confidence?

If you answered "yes" to any of the above questions, it is likely you could benefit from coaching.

Coaching is a great tool for people who are currently stuck and who could use the help of a clinical psychologist to figure out their next steps.

As a Clinical Psychologist and Neuropsychologist,  I am  highly trained in personality types and behavioral analyses; and therefore at the top game in coaching. In-depth training in personalities, identity, and cognitive-behavioral analyses gives the edge up in coaching.

As a Clinical Psychologist and Neuropsychologist, I am also aware of when a person is a better fit for other services, such as psychotherapy.  Typically, an individual in need of psychotherapy with a Clinical Psychologist experiences inability to function in their daily every day lives.  For example, if you are experiencing risk concerns, such as frequent thoughts of self-harm, or current chronic moderate -severe mood dysfunction, or acute changes in behaviors, then psychotherapy is the appropriate choice.

It is noted, when I conduct Psychological Assessments, I will recommend psychotherapy if I think that is the best service to meet the patient's needs.  Otherwise, I will recommend coaching based as the best option to meet the clients needs. All individuals applying for treatment psychotherapy or coaching will be assessed for their personality organization.  

All patients and clients applying to work with Dr. Freshwater will be assessed for his/her/their unique personality organization.  The person's Personality Organization directly influences any recommendations for treatments, that includes all forms of psychotherapies, and coaching too.   In addition, How a person suffers and How a person thrives will reflect his/her personality organization. A clear Expertise in assessing and understanding of the variations among people in their basic personality dynamics and personality structures is essential to effective psychotherapy, whether or not the problem to be addressed is characterological.  A deep appreciation and understanding of each patient's unique psychology and using this information guides and informs treatment decisions.