I believe that change comes through insight and understanding and that those come through a combination of education and supportive counseling.
My vision is to offer a variety of ways for you to achieve personal wellness goals in addition to the traditional one-on-one approach. Whatever works best for you, I want to support your journey back to your Normal Me.
It is expected that you will attend all reserved appointments.
A $50 no show fee will be charged for all no-shows or if cancellation notice is not received by required time:
Mon Appts: by noon on Friday.
Tues – Fri Appts: 48 hours prior to appointment.
If we have to cancel your appointment due to provider emergency and need to reschedule with less than a 24 hour notice, you will receive a $50 credit towards your next visit for your inconvenience.
Do you accept cash payments?
Debit, credit card and Pay Pal are not only the most convenient ways to pay, they are the safest for our staff. No cash is stored on premises. Established patients will also be able to pay the account balances on the patient portal.
Where are you located?
89 Trolley Road, Summerville, SC
Enter building through “B” entrance to main lobby.
Suite #209 – Second floor, end of the hall.
Elevator available.
Is there any thing I need to know for the first appointment?
Show up about 15 minutes ahead so you can complete intake paperwork. Though masks are required, please wear comfy clothes and relax! You are on your way back to your Normal Me.
Do you have tele-psych appointments?
Yes!
Follow-up appointments using tele-psych can be arranged if that works better for you. The Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluation needs to be done in person. It is important we get to know each other face to face!
Please don’t worry! There is plenty of room in the Normal Me office to have safe spacing.
How might The Normal Me be different from other psychiatry practices?
The Normal Me uses evidenced-based practice counseling and treatments to get people from all walks of life, all races and creeds, to feel better!
After years of working in secular, politically correct and increasingly restrictive ideological environments, I needed to create a practice that allowed a safe space to address all issues, including spiritual ones impacting mental health.
If the name of God is mentioned or if someone wants to talk about how angry they are at God or just needs a bit of hope that faith can offer — you can feel free to do that at The Normal Me.
How can The Normal Me be more cost effective?
The Normal Me offers you access to high quality workshops and seminars that may be all you need to get back on track. Group counseling sessions are very effective and reasonably priced.
The Normal Me is an OUT-OF-NETWORK, self-pay practice. Why?
1. I needed the flexibility to provide mental health in a variety of ways, not just those “reimbursed” per an insurance company formula.
2. Insurance documentation and filing requirements consume time I feel is better spent providing care.
3. With private pay, your information remains private. Your notes or bills will never be submitted to insurance companies.
We will supply you with a receipt for mental health care services. You may be able to submit these on your own to be reimbursed through your health care flex-spending accounts, apply this towards annual deductibles, or submit on your own for out-of-network coverage.
Why do you not treat substance abuse at The Normal Me?
Excessive use of alcohol or opiates generally cause a depressed mood disorder that requires DUAL therapy. This is not offered at The Normal Me.
Can I bring someone with me to the intake appointment?
Family and friends are welcome to come for moral support, but I will respectfully request that they wait outside during the initial evaluation. Clients are less distracted and less inhibited without others in the room. There is a small waiting area adjacent to the office.
If family sessions desired, please request this in advance.
If I attended a workshop or seminar; or if I make an inquiry on the phone to Dr. Karen on the phone, does that mean I am automatically a patient of Dr. Smith?
Patient relationships are not established until accepted onto my panel and care agreement is signed by both parties. I maintain a small panel of private clients so that I can be assured your needs are met.
What are your office hours?
Generally, M-Th, normal business hours. All sessions are by pre-scheduled appointment.
All calls, texts, e-mails will be returned during typical, non-holiday, weekday business hours by the next business day.
