Some people feel better after a couple of sessions and it takes longer for others  It really depends on the severity of the anxiety and/or depression, the presence of one or both those conditions, and how well medically managed your chronic condition is.

No, we’re psychologists (not psychiatrists), so we don’t prescribe medications. (You can click here to learn more about the difference).  We respect whatever your decision regarding medications, and we’ll do our best to provide you with the support you need to achieve your goals in therapy.

Absolutely.  Dr. Martinez-Mesa welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with your team of physicians to make sure you get comprehensive care.  As a trained physician himself, Dr. Martinez-Mesa is able to communicate effectively with other physicians about your medical diagnosis and mental health (not every therapist can do this with such ease). 

You’ll need to sign an authorization for him to communicate with them about your treatment, and he’ll be all set to work with your treatment team.

Counseling can definitely help you better communicate with others about your chronic illness.  Our therapists can teach you different communication skills and assertiveness techniques so you can advocate for yourself.

Yes.  Dr. Frank Martinez-Mesa is a double doctor – he’s a trained physician (MD) and a licensed psychologist (PsyD).  His medical knowledge is extensive, but even if he doesn’t know about a particular diagnosis, his learning curve is quick.  He’ll be able to help you address the mental health aspects of your diagnosis and confer effectively with your team of doctors.

Yes, we offer telehealth sessions because we know that some days you just can’t, much less to go to more doctor appointments. Just keep in mind that online therapy can’t replace the powerful effect of being face-to-face with your therapist. Additionally, some insurance companies will not reimburse you for telehealth sessions.

Absolutely.  It takes a village, right? Chronic disease, chronic pain, and chronic fatigue can significantly affect relationships between partners/spouses, among family members, and with friends – especially if they play a caregiving role in your life.  They can participate in your therapy as appropriate.

It can.  In therapy, you can learn ways to advocate for yourself with people that don’t understand chronic conditions.  Additionally, your therapist can help you learn different ways to cope with such people because let’s be real…they may never fully get it.  If it’s appropriate, your therapist may also speak with them to educate them further about your chronic condition, their role in your treatment, and make suggestions about ways they may be able to support you.