How I work
First 1-4 meetings
During our first meetings, I will gather a lot of information about you, your life experiences, your current struggles, and your goals for treatment. This will help me determine the most appropriate approach to treatment and whether I have the expertise to help you. Generally, the first several meetings are focused on assessment, determining the most appropriate treatment approach, discussing the specifics of that approach, and together developing a treatment plan and contract. I encourage you to ask questions of me during this time to make sure that you feel I am the right person to help you.
Determining fit
Like any other relationship, it’s important to make sure this fit is right for you. I aim to provide a warm, caring, and supportive environment in which you feel comfortable to make changes to reach your goals at your own pace. When we first meet, you'll be getting a sense of me just as much as I'll be getting to know you. So if it turns out I’m not the right fit for you— don't worry. I’ll help you find the right provider to work with.
Informed by research
I focus on interventions that are evidence-based, meaning that there is research showing that they work for specific problems, and I collaborate with my clients to develop a treatment plan that integrates these effective techniques with one's unique goals, preferences, and strengths. While no therapist can guarantee the success of therapy, I find that goals are best achieved when the therapist and client are working together.
It’s important to keep in mind that therapy can involve experiencing uncomfortable emotions like sadness, anger, or anxiety. Therapy can often involve talking about unpleasant aspects of a person’s history and behavior. While cognitive-behavioral therapy approaches have been shown to have benefits, such as a significant reduction in feelings of distress over time, improved relationships, and better problem solving abilities, there are no guarantees, and improvement is largely based on the effort each client puts into their treatment.
Time—limited
Given that positive change is most likely to occur when there is consistent follow-up and problem solving, I typically meet with clients weekly until the situation or reason for seeking treatment has noticeably improved. Once clients have achieved significant progress, we may decide to taper the frequency of sessions (every other week, once per month, or less) or end treatment. We’ll collaboratively work together to figure out what the best follow-up plan is for you.
Coordination
I will coordinate, with your consent, with other providers involved in your care, which may include a psychiatrist, registered dietitian, primary care physician, and/or other medical specialists. I am happy to work with providers who are already part of your treatment team, or I can provide referrals if you are looking for a provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ages do you work with?
I work with clients 13 and up. I generally specialize in working with adolescents through young adults, but I do see older adults as well.
Do you prescribe medication?
I do not prescribe medication. However, when appropriate, I will refer you to a prescribing provider for a medication evaluation. Additionally, I will be happy to work in conjunction with your medical treatment team.
Do you take insurance?
I am considered an out-of-network provider, which means that I am not contracted by insurance plans. However, many insurance plans do provide the opportunity to apply for reimbursement for therapy services received from out-of-network providers. Plans can vary widely, and you are responsible for determining what insurance benefits you receive and can obtain for reimbursement. Please call your insurance company prior to your first appointment and request further information regarding your out-of-network benefits.
If you want to check in advance and see if your insurance company provides coverage for therapy with an out-of-network provider, here are a few of the procedure codes they will need to know:
Diagnostic evaluation: 90791
Individual session: 90834 or 90837
Group sessions: 90849
Here are some helpful questions to ask your insurance company:
I’m seeking out-of-network services with Dr. Elizabeth LoTempio, what are the percentage of provider's fees that are reimbursable?
Is there a deductible?
How many sessions per year does my plan cover?
What information do I need to submit in order to receive out-of-network reimbursement?
What address do I send the information to?
Are there any time limitations regarding filing my claims?
For further information, check out information through Mental Health America.
I am a parent of a teenager. How involved will I be in their treatment?
I believe that parents play an important role in their teen’s development and success in treatment. At the same time, most teens are looking for increased autonomy and privacy, and are hesitant to be honest if their confidentiality is not ensured. Further, Washington state law requires your teen to sign a release of information form before I can provide information without your teen present. The balance between an adolescent or young adult client's privacy and parent or caregiver involvement in therapy can be difficult for both parties to agree on, but rest assured that I will talk with both of you about your expectations and desires and attempt to reach a common ground that brings peace of mind to a parent or caregiver while respecting the privacy of an adolescent or young adult. Most often this includes parent involvement in skills training (if the teen is participating in DBT) as well as check-ins with parents, with the teen or young adult present, during individual appointments. Parents are also welcome to contact me via phone or email to provide information regarding their child, so that they know I have all the information I need to be helpful. However, I cannot keep information provided by parents, caregivers, or loved ones secret from clients.
Sometimes, parents or caregivers feel that therapy would benefit their son or daughter, but aren't sure how to bring up this suggestion with him or her. If you think your adolescent or young adult might benefit from meeting with me, please reach out to discuss how to bring this up in a respectful, age-appropriate way.
Will you work with my teen’s school counselors and teachers?
I believe that collaboration between health care providers and schools is key in helping an adolescent succeed. For most teens, a great deal of time is spent at school, and teachers, classroom aides, school counselors, administrators, and other staff members play a vital role in helping psychologists obtain important information about a teen’s psychological functioning, including academic performance, peer relationships, and overall emotional well-being. I am happy to collaborate with school staff as long as the teen consents to this communication.