TELEHEALTH: During the COVID19 Pandemic the United States Government has eliminated most restrictions regarding the provision of telehealth services for psychologists and their patients. I know that many of you are trying to comply with social distancing, and yet stressors continue to mount. I am willing to work with you in any way I can to provide psychological services. I am using an excellent, confidential, and HIPAA compliant telehealth platform called Doxy.me. It is very user friendly. It can work on your home computer, your tablet, or even your cell phone. It only requires that you have Google, Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox as one of your browsers. Safari is also a usable browser. If you would like to try this, here is how it works:
Provide your email to my office staff at 321-639-4483. Prior to the time of your scheduled appointment I will send you an email (preferably) or text from doxy.me/drnmackay. Make sure your microphone and camera are enabled. When you open the link, my computer screen will show me that you are in my virtual waiting room. I will initiate a video chat. Sometimes headphones or earbuds are useful to minimize sound distortion. The process is pretty seamless and payments can be made on the same platform using your credit, debit, or health savings card.
WHAT ARE DR. MacKAY'S AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION?
While Dr. MacKay is qualified to treat a wide range of psychological issues, she has chosen to focus her private
practice on working with adult women.
HOW LONG WILL I HAVE TO WAIT FOR AN APPOINTMENT?
The more flexible your schedule is, the sooner you can reserve time for your initial appointment. Dr. MacKay takes a limited
number of new patients. Most requests for an appointment can be accommodated within a few days.
HOW LONG WILL MY THERAPY TAKE?
Most insurance companies reimburse Psychologists for a 53 minute session. Initially Dr. MacKay prefers to
see clients weekly, in order to thoroughly assess your situation and
develop a unique and individualized treatment plan.
After the first few sessions, you and Dr. MacKay together will make a determination about whether your needs are best met
by weekly, biweekly, or monthly appointments. When will you "graduate" from treatment? The answer depends on
many factors, such as the goals you set, the stressors with which you are dealing, and the amount of time and energy you can
put into making the changes you want to make in order to reach those goals.
WHAT DO THE CREDENTIALS "LICENSED CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST" MEAN?
A Psychologist has obtained a doctoral degree from a University. This degree requires five to seven years of graduate study,
practical work experience, and examinations. Psychologists study the emotional, social, cognitive, and physical aspects of
behavior, and provide mental health care.
A Clinical Psychologist has been trained in the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of psychological issues
ranging from the most severe to the most commonplace.
In order to obtain a license in the State of Florida, a Psychologist must obtain a doctoral degree in psychology, complete an
internship and a residency in psychology, and pass a thorough examination regarding psychological practices, ethics, and the
State's laws and rules.
DO PSYCHOLOGISTS PRESCRIBE MEDICATION?
In the State of Florida, Psychologists do not prescribe medication, but most Psychologists work with physicians who do
prescribe. If medication is determined to be a necessary part of your treatment plan, Dr. MacKay will work closely with your
primary care physician or will refer you to a psychiatrist who can prescribe medication. It is very common for clients to
continue to have regular therapy sessions with Dr. MacKay while their medication needs are attended to by a physician.
