When an individual decides to enter therapy, it is usually because he or she is experiencing emotional distress, or having difficulties in work, relationships, or going through major life transitions. I appreciate that this is often a vulnerable time, and value the importance of understanding the unique story each client brings into the room as well as the development of an empathic relationship between therapist and client.
In order to help facilitate growth and change, therapy often involves not only exploring conscious thoughts, feelings, and behaviors but also looking a bit deeper below the surface to help understand what may be keeping a client stuck in certain patterns in their life.
Dr. Smith-Papke
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, having earned my doctoral degree from the Clinical Psychology Department of the Northwestern University Medical School in 1996. Following my internship at Northwestern, I completed a post-internship training program at Georgetown University Counseling Center. My 20 plus years of clinical experience includes working in various outpatient and community mental health settings, a partial hospitalization program, a counseling center for college and graduate students, and The Women’s Center in Vienna, VA. I am currently in private practice in Alexandria, VA.
My practice is focused on working with adults or older adolescents in individual psychotherapy. The clients I see come in with many different concerns, including, but not limited to: mood disorders, relationship difficulties, post-partum anxiety and depression, adjustment disorders, and post-traumatic stress. I have had specialized training in working with post-partum depression and anxiety, and particularly enjoy helping individuals navigate the transitions that come with different stages of life and personal development. I have also worked with many college students and young adults as they cope with the many changes inherent in this phase of life.
Making the decision to seek therapy and coming for that first appointment can be a very difficult and sometimes anxiety provoking decision. I believe that developing a trusting relationship between therapist and client is one of the most important building blocks as we begin to work together. While I am guided by my training in psychodynamic psychotherapy and relational models of therapy, I base my approach to each client on their individual presentation, concerns, and goals.
The first few appointments usually are focused on understanding what is bringing the client into therapy at this time, and what other information might help us clarify these problems. We will then set up either a weekly or bi-weekly appointment in order to work together. At any point, I encourage clients to bring up concerns they have about this process and the therapy itself.
I do recognize that therapy is both an emotional commitment, as well as an investment of time and finances. I am also aware that navigating insurance benefits can be challenging. I am a participating provider only with CareFirst BlueCross PPO (not the HMO). I am an out of network provider for all other insurance and do not participate with Medicare or accept Medicare reimbursement.
For CareFirst BlueCross PPO clients, I will submit the invoice to BlueCross and your fee is the copay, once your deductible is fully met. It is the responsibility of the client to know their copay and what their insurance plan covers. Please bring your insurance card and an ID to our first session.
If you have other insurance, I would recommend checking with your insurance company to see if they have any out of network benefits for mental health providers. Payment is due by check or cash at the time of the session, and I will then provide you with either a monthly or weekly receipt which you can submit to your insurance company for any reimbursement they offer.
There is a brief Client Information form for you to fill out and bring, as well as the Notice of Privacy Practices and Policies and Procedures handouts to read over and keep. Please bring the 2 signature pages attached to the Policies and Procedures form to our first session.
The forms are listed below and are available for download:
Lauren Smith-Papke, Ph.D., PLLC
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
2016 Mt. Vernon Avenue
Suite #200
Alexandria, Virginia 22301
(703) 587-8355
DrSmithPapke@gmail.com
My office is located at 2016 Mt. Vernon Avenue, in the Del Ray section of Alexandria. My office is on the second floor, above the Bon Vivant Café. You should enter the building through the restaurant, then proceed through the door to your right and up the stairs to the second floor. My office is the first one on the left - #200. If you arrive early, please continue down the hall and up a few stairs to a small waiting area. There is a parking lot behind the café, off of Windsor Avenue – which you are welcome to use or there is often street parking available.
You may send me your questions/comments using the form below.
