Because each individual is unique your experience may vary, but in general here is what you can expect:
First Contact
Dr. Jaffe will respond to your initial call or email as soon as possible (typically within one business day). At that time you will have the opportunity to speak with Dr. Jaffe and arrange your first appointment. Following this call he will send you an email confirming the date and time of appointment along with directions to the office and a host of administrative and clinical paperwork.
First Appointments
Initial office evaluations (also called the intake process or consultation phase) take place for two to three sessions (at times they are packaged into a few longer sessions). During these visits a detailed and thorough history will be taken. The nature of first visits means these appointments will likely be more structured than others and regrettably the computer is used. Otherwise Dr. Jaffe hates the computer. This process does allow Dr. Jaffe to get all the relevant information to help make a treatment plan. By the end of the evaluation phase, you and Dr. Jaffe will discuss a plan of action. Treatment plans will likely involve therapy, medications, or some combination of both.
Therapy Sessions
Therapy, also known as psychotherapy or talk therapy, can come in different forms. Each has its own merits and your unique presentation will help determine what you and Dr. Jaffe decide. Dr. Jaffe has extensive experience in psychodynamic therapy as well as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Expect a consistent day and time set aside just for you each week. Therapy sessions are typically 45 minutes in length.
Psychodynamic therapy: Rooted in traditional psychoanalytic principles, psychodynamic therapy blends time-tested, proven techniques with modern innovations. It is broad-based and can help a person in many areas of life.
CBT: CBT is based on the notion that people can get stuck in certain ways of thinking that negatively affect their emotions. By identifying these thoughts and evaluating how true they are, feelings can change. CBT is great for specific problems and when time is limited.
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP): The gold-standard in OCD treatment, ERP helps people overcome distress by gradually and carefully mastering its underlying causes.
Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT) including Habit Reversal Therapy (HRT): First-line treatment for tics, CBIT teaches the patient to identify the preceding urge and replace the tic with a competing response.
Medications
Dr. Jaffe is conservative in his approach to using medications, but there are times and situations where their use is decidedly helpful. Dr. Jaffe only prescribes medications that have evidence supporting their use and never experiments with his patients. He does not work with pharmaceutical companies and has never accepted any money or handouts from them. When used, medications are prescribed to target specific symptoms at the lowest effective dose and for the shortest responsible duration of time.
Fees / Insurance
Dr. Jaffe's primary concern is spending as much time with you as possible without any external restrictions. As a result, insurance is not accepted at this time. However, he will be happy to provide an invoice for you to submit for out-of-network reimbursement.
No Surprises Act Requirement: As has always been the case, you will receive a good faith estimate prior to any appointment.
Cancellation
Dr. Jaffe requires a 24-hour notification (not including weekends) for a cancelled appointment.