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About Dr. Elizabeth Hamlin

Do psychiatrists really do therapy?

This is one of the questions I hear most often. Today, it is relatively uncommon for psychiatrists to do psychotherapy, and I think the field is poorer for it.  However, it is important to know that ALL psychiatrists receive between two and three years of psychotherapy training during their residencies.  In addition to the standard psychotherapy training, I have sought out further training, both informally, with mentors and supervisors in the field, as well as through some formal programs through the Wisconsin Psychoanalytic Institute.
 
I have been practicing psychotherapy since 2015.

What kind of psychotherapy do you practice?

I think that every therapist ultimately “mixes and matches” from a few different psychotherapeutic schools. Primarily, however, I practice psychodynamic psychotherapy.  This is a kind of therapy related to psychoanalysis.  One of the differences between this type of therapy and other kinds, such as CBT or supportive psychotherapy, is that I approach our sessions with the idea that you are the expert of your own experience.  I am not in a positon to tell you what to do, though I will offer suggestions if you ask for them or if I feel they are pressing to offer.  I focus both on what is happening in the here-and-now and on what has happened in the past, and how these two pieces connect.  In this way, I feel like I am better able to help you recognize what is possible for the future and to live more intentionally and freely.

Will you prescribe medications?

We will talk together about whether medications are appropriate for you, and, if so, which ones.  I am happy to prescribe medications for patients whom I am seeing for psychotherapy.  Please be aware that I cannot promise to continue medication regimens prescribed by another doctor if I feel that they are not appropriate for your condition. 

Do you accept insurance?

I do accept commercial insurance.  Right now, I am in-network with United Behavioral Health (the plan that provides mental health services for United Health Care and UMR) only.  I am out-of-network for all other commercial plans.  I do not accept Medicare or Medicaid (T-19, BadgerCare, Forward Health) in my outpatient practice.
 
I know that insurance plans vary widely.  Please familiarize yourself with your insurance plan and what your financial responsibilities will be (deductibles, co-pays).
 
I also take private (cash or check) pay for those who do not want to use their insurance benefits.

Are you the right therapist for me?

This is an important question to ask.  Research shows that the fit between psychotherapist and patient is one of the most important predictors of outcome of therapy, much more important, for example, than therapeutic orientation.  When you are looking for a therapist, it is important to find someone with whom you feel that there is a good fit.  Of course, this doesn’t mean that you will like everything the therapist says all the time, but it does mean that you will feel that there’s a good connection.  It is normal for it to take two or three sessions for us to figure out whether we will work well together.

What can I expect when I meet with you?

During our first few sessions, I will ask you questions to find out more about what is bringing you to therapy. I will also ask you questions about your past, and about other important things in your life.  We will talk about medication, and we will jointly decide whether medication is right for you, and, if so, which ones.  After our first few meetings, our sessions will be more driven by what you want to discuss. I will ask fewer questions, and I may talk less, though I will still be emotionally present and responsive.

When will I feel better?

Patients often come to see me when they have dealt with a serious problem for a long time.  Often, people do experience a sense of relief to find someone to whom they can talk openly and with whom they can feel comfortable.  However, it sometimes takes a while for problems that have been present for a long time—and that are often present in multiple areas in a person’s life—to resolve.  Additionally, sometimes the experience of facing the pain directly can be distressing, though this is usually made better by the experience of doing it in therapy, rather than alone.  Although I cannot predict an exact time of when symptoms will alleviate, I have found that patients usually feel more fulfilled and content with their lives after working with me. 

How do I get started?

Please contact me through this website, through my email at drelizabethhamlin@gmail.com, or by phone at 262-354-5543.  I will look forward to speaking with you.