First Steps
If you are interested in seeking treatment with me, please call me at (267) 591-5646 or email me at mail@alissajerud.com. I will then return your call or schedule a time via email to talk by phone for 10 minutes or so in order to answer any questions that you might have and ask a few questions of my own to determine whether the difficulties you are seeking help for are likely ones I can address. If I do not think that I would be a good fit for your needs, I will provide you with other referral options.
Assessment
Treatment begins with an in-person evaluation, although to the COVID-19 pandemic, I am currently conducting all initial evaluations and therapy sessions via a secure video conferencing platform. The goals of the initial evaluation can usually be accomplished in a single, two-hour session, but sometimes more than one session is needed. During the assessment, I will ask you a number of questions in order to develop a solid case conceptualization and treatment plan. I will then share my treatment recommendation with you so that you can decide whether my recommendation makes sense to you and is something that you want to do. The initial evaluation is also helpful for determining whether you feel comfortable working with me. Assuming that you would like to follow my treatment recommendation and that treatment with me is indicated, I will then use the information collected in the initial evaluation as a road map in our work together. If either one of us believes that I cannot adequately address your needs, then I will provide you with other referral options.
Therapy
Therapy sessions often take place in my office. However, in order to be most effective, treatment needs to take place wherever your anxiety lives. Accordingly, I often meet with patients in parks, shops, libraries, laundromats, their homes, etc. Of note, before doing any out-of-the-office exposures, I collaborate with patients to devise a careful plan in order to maximize their confidentiality during these sessions. Please note, however, that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I am currently providing teletherapy only via a secure video conferencing platform.
Intensive Treatment
I also provide intensive treatment, which typically consists of five, 90-minute sessions per week for approximately three weeks. These intensive programs are a great option for individuals traveling from afar and/or for those wanting to expedite the treatment process so that they can feel better sooner.
The ART & Science of Emotions, LLC | Alissa Jerud, PhD
Philadelphia, PA | (267) 591-5646 | mail@alissajerud.com