(228) 284-2660
Diane Groat Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist LLC
It's time to start living the life you've imagined. Henry James
I am a licensed psychologist with over 20 years experience providing mental health therapy to people of all ages. I hold a Ph.D. in Psychology with an emphasis in Clinical Psychology (FYI clinical psychology is focused on the treatment of mental health problems). I have experience helping clients deal with a range of problems from adjusting to new life situations to dealing with serious mental illness. I believe it is important to work with clients on finding coping strategies that respect their values, beliefs and culture. I believe it is my role to provide a sounding board for your thoughts and feelings along with information about how to manage situations. Often clients become aware of potential solutions and want help taking steps to put the solution in practice. I am happy to provide that needed support, information and encouragement. I am committed to full diversity and welcome you to seek my assistance regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion/spiritual beliefs, or social group. I am committed to helping everyone find ways to manage the problems they are dealing with in their lives in a safe nonjudgmental setting. I am an ally to the LGBTQ community and work to provide a welcoming understanding environment to explore all areas of life.
If I seem like someone you would like to talk with, I welcome you to get in touch and see if I am someone you are comfortable working with. Please know that my years of experience in this field have taught me that the therapy relationship is developed over the first few visits and sometimes we find that it is a not a good fit. If you come to believe that the therapy relationship with me is not the right fit for you, please tell me. I will help you find another provider to work with.
What to expect
What is a therapy session like?
When a person comes to a session they often express uncertainty about what to do. They ask “how does this work?” It’s a good question. So let me give you a little information about what you can expect if you choose to work with me. I believe that the time belongs to you – the client. I am not here to tell you what to do or how to live your life. I am here to listen and help you explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences and how they affect your life. Whatever problem you are facing, you can learn to change your thinking and beliefs to help you deal with it better so that’s where we will focus. The goals for your therapy will be developed with you and take into account your beliefs, culture, values and past experiences. Coping strategies are often found in thinking about how you have handled other situations successfully. I am interested in helping you identify your strengths and skills so you can use to deal with the current problems.
What is Telehealth & How does it work?
What is Telehealth and how does it work?
Telehealth is term used to describe the use of online sites and mobile applications to provide behavioral health services including individual therapy, psychological assessment, and other psychological services such as transgender transition evaluations. The online service used in my practice is an encrypted, HIPPA compliant site that provides security for your protected health information. Records will be maintained in an electronic medical record (as required by HIPPA) that is encrypted and restricts access to my practice only. That means I’m the only person with access to your records. I will only release medical records with proper signed consent or a court order.
Making an Appointment
Here's how to schedule & attend appointments
How do you schedule an appointment? Simply send an email to dgroatphd@gmail.com and ask to schedule an appointment. You will be contacted via email and the appointment will be arranged. Then you will receive an email with a link to use to access the telehealth site for the appointment.
So how do you get to your appointment? No need to travel to my office for scheduled sessions. All you will need are 3 things: 1. internet access 2. either a mobile device or computer and 3. a private location to talk. Many people login at home or in their car. Before the session you will need to download the Zoom program either from the App Store/Google Play or on your computer. When its time, simply login to Zoom and use the link to access my site. You will enter a waiting room online and be joined to the session at the appointed time. Then we will have a video session where we can see and hear each other.
In order to ensure that you receive the high quality services needed to help you overcome the challenges you face, I limit telehealth services to video and phone sessions only. I am not available for chat or text visits. I have found that these interactions allow too much room for miscommunication and research indicates they are not effective therapy tools. I ask that you respect this boundary and don’t ask to text or chat.
HIPPA & Confidentiality Information
Important Information Please Read
Important Note about Confidentiality: as with all visits to a psychologist or other mental health provider, all telehealth sessions are confidential. In most cases, I can’t repeat what you tell me to anyone else without your permission. There are exceptions to this rule that you need to know. If you tell me that you are in danger of hurting yourself or someone else I am required to get people involved to keep everyone safe. If you tell me about child abuse that is taking place, I am required to report it. If you tell me about an elderly person or other vulnerable adult who is being exploited or abused, I am required to report it. If I receive a subpoena from a court to disclose specific information I am required to comply.
Paying For Services
Important Information Please Read
Do you take insurance? No. Sorry but I am not in any insurance contracts. I work on a fee-for-service basis only. You will be asked to use PayPal or Cash app to pay online for your visit before it begins. My fee is set at a rate that is reasonable for psychologist services and is based on the average rate for psychologists. In case you’re curious, it is similar to the amount that most insurance companies would contract for. I will provide you with an invoice that you can send to the insurance company to meet your deductible and possibly get out-of-network reimbursement for services. Since insurance company policies on out-of-network provider reimbursement vary I make no guarantee that your insurance company with reimburse you. Please check with your insurance company and get information directly from them if you have questions.
Psychological Services
Please contact me at dgroatphd@gmail.com for information on fees for services.
Individual Therapy
Psychological Assessment (Adults Only)
Informed Consent Transgender Evaluations for Medical Procedures
