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Frequently Asked Questions
 How do I get started?
Appointments are generally set up by telephoning the office. Clients who are more comfortable with email can also use email to set up appointments. You may email Dr.Doak at elizabeth@elizabethdoak.com
The first appointment for younger children usually involves a meeting with just their parents. Parents are often sent home with some questionnaires to complete. The child is then scheduled to come in for a session at a later date. Usually, children come willingly into my office for their first session after meeting briefly in the waiting room. Some children may be more tentative and like their parent to come into the office with them for all or part of the first session. We will do whatever makes the child comfortable. A second session with the child usually follows. Then I will sit down with the parents, and the child as appropriate, and present a plan for helping the child and family.
Teenagers typically come to the first session with their parents. They usually talk separately with me, followed by some time with their parents. After several sessions a complete treatment plan will be presented to the teen and parents.
Getting started if you are an adult also involves three sessions. Information and history is gathered, and a treatment plan is presented by the end of the third session.
Do you meet with just my child or teen individually?
I am a firm believer in working closely with the family. Parents, and at times other family members, are involved in almost all sessions, generally for part of the session in the beginning.
What does an evaluation of attention problems(ADHD) involve?
The diagnosis of attention problems is done very carefully and often takes 3 to 5 sessions. First parents are interviewed to determine the type of problems the child is having and to take a detailed developmental history. Parents, teachers and caregivers are asked to complete the Connor’s Rating Scales, a well validated screening instrument.
The child is then seen in several individual sessions. A computerized test of concentration and attention is given. Tests to rule out learning problems may be given. A child’s Intellectual functioning may be assessed.
Observations at school are also done as needed. Consultation with teachers is also often a part of the assessment, if parents are comfortable with this.
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