FAQs

What is a psychologist?

Psychologists are doctoral level behavioral health providers (4-6 years of graduate study after earning an undergraduate degree). Admission for most accredited programs is competitive.  Practically speaking, psychologists may coordinate research, provide therapy and consultation, assess and diagnose mental health issues, or engage in a combination of these activities. In Texas, psychologists do not prescribe medication, but often collaborate with prescribing providers to support care.  Our professional range is further described in state statute. http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/OC/htm/OC.501.htm

Tell me more about your training.

I pursued a doctorate in psychology so I could support my future clients with an extensive base of learning, supervised experience and research. My doctoral program followed training guidelines from the American Psychological Association as well as the scientist-practitioner model that emphasizes both research and clinical skills. This means that psychological services are viewed through the lens of evidence, a perspective honed by producing your own research and thinking critically about the research of others. Of course, we then collaborate with clients to find the best therapy strategy to reach treatment goals.

Once coursework, research and practicum (providing services while supervised), requirements are completed, doctoral students apply for a pre-doctoral internship, another competitive process. This internship extends clinical skills in the student’s desired area of focus. My internship focused on the practice of psychology in medical and general outpatient settings.

Many psychologists in Texas also have completed a post-doctoral fellowship. This fellowship provides another year of supervised experience after graduation. A post-doc may involve a mix of research, teaching, provision of psychological services, and/or supervising less-experienced interns/students. Licensure exams are usually taken during this period.

This process represents a great deal of training; however, I believe that science-based degrees have a half-life. This means I continue to dedicate myself to ongoing learning, consultation with colleagues, active involvement in professional associations, and familiarizing myself on updated research. 

How do I choose a therapist?

The first step in the therapy process is identifying the right professional who can help you navigate this journey. The therapist you select should be well-versed in the area(s) of concern you wish to explore. Additionally, you want to select a therapist with whom you feel safe to share your private concerns. It is a misnomer that clients must have a mental health diagnosis or severe symptoms in order to work with a psychologist, though a diagnosis may be required for insurance coverage. Otherwise, you may choose to engage a psychologist based on issues that are holding you back from leading a fulfilling life.

Compiling a list may be helpful at this early stage, as not all providers may have availability.  You also may want to track the providers' credentials, specialties, accepted insurance plans and out-of-pocket cost. Also, seek referrals and feedback from friends and family.

Begin by investigating competence or expertise in your area of need. For example, ask what percentage of a therapist’s client load has panic attacks? Which treatment modalities might the therapist use for working through a traumatic event? 

Also consider what factor(s) might get in the way of therapy remaining a sustainable venture for you. Do you feel there is a mismatch in communication style? Will you experience a particularly stressful commute to the therapist’s office? What is the cost? What kind of access will you have to the provider? Can you schedule sessions via phone or on-line?

Hopefully, at this point, you have identified options with whom you could be productive. However, if you are still undecided, have a brief phone conversation with a few providers. If you still feel neutral, consider scheduling initial appointments with more than one provider, and observe your rapport.

Who will you work with? (Is there anyone you won’t?)

I am committed to providing high quality, culturally sensitive services. I affirm the wonderful diversity of clients who entrust me with their care, including persons of color, international clients, transgender clients or those with non-binary gender, and LGBQ+ clients. I also work with individuals and couples with varying religious/spiritual beliefs.

If I decline to work with someone, it is usually a decision based on my areas of competence, my availability, therapeutic boundaries, and/or a client’s progress in treatment.

Educational Resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Information about sexually transmitted disease
https://www.cdc.gov/std/general/default.htm

American Psychological Association Help Center
Information about a variety of mental health topics http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/index.aspx

American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists Listing of book resources authored by AASECT members https://www.aasect.org/books

Service Resources

Sexual Assault Resource Center
Access information about national and local hotlines, as well as local services http://www.sarcbv.org/home

Texas Psychological Association
Locate a psychologist in Texas
http://www.texaspsyc.org/

Texas A&M Student Counseling Service
http://scs.tamu.edu/

MHMR Authority of the Brazos Valley
http://www.mhmrabv.org/

NAMI Brazos Valley
https://namibv.org/

Texas State Board of Examiners for Psychologists

Celeste A. Riley, PhD is a Licensed Psychologist with the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (TX License # 33212 ; Expires July 31, 2020).  For information on how to verify a license, please go to www.tsbep.texas.gov.   For information on how to file a complaint, please go to the following page: https://www.tsbep.texas.gov/how-to-file-a-complaint-enforcement