Question 1

Do you only offer sessions via telehealth?

Accepted Answer

No. We offer both in-person and telehealth therapy. In-person therapy sessions are conducted at 11960 Westline Industrial Dr., Suite #265, St. Louis, MO 63146. Telehealth therapy sessions can be accessed from most phones, tablets, or computers. Our therapists are licensed to provide telehealth therapy sessions in Missouri only. We suggest completing your session in a quiet, private space with a strong WiFi connection.

Psychological evaluations are conducted in person at 11960 Westline Industrial Dr., Suite #265, St. Louis, MO 63146.

Question 2

Are in-person sessions better than telehealth?

Accepted Answer

No, not necessarily. While some clients may benefit from in-person sessions (e.g., young children and clients experiencing psychosis), research shows telehealth services are as effective as in-person sessions to treat anxiety, depression, and stress.

Telehealth offers benefits over in-person sessions, such as increased access to services, decreased session time, and flexibility.

Question 3

Do I have to be in Missouri to work with you?

Accepted Answer

It depends. Dr. Ritchie is licensed in 26 different states and serves clients nationwide. However, psychological evaluations are only conducted in our St. Louis, MO office.

Our other therapists who offer telehealth services are licensed in Missouri only.

Question 4

Do you have evening and weekend availability?

Accepted Answer

At this time, we do not offer weekend appointments. We have a limited number of evening slots. Please contact our office to inquire about availability if you need an evening time. Preference for evening availability is given to current clients, so if you can start with daytime appointments, you will have first availability when evenings become available.

Question 5

How do I set up an appointment?

Accepted Answer

If you have questions about insurance, cost, which provider is the right fit, or anything else, it's recommended that you schedule a free phone call with our intake coordinator. On this call, we can answer your questions and schedule your first appointment. Alternatively, feel free to call us directly at (314) 325-2685.

To schedule a psychological evaluation, please contact our office or schedule a phone call with our intake coordinator.

Question 6

Do you accept insurance?

Accepted Answer

We have therapists who accept Anthem BCBS, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare and UMR insurance plans. Please contact our office to see which therapists have availability and accept your health insurance. Dr. Ritchie does not accept any insurance. The cost of sessions varies for each insurance plan. We recommend contacting your insurance to determine if you need to meet your deductible or if there is a copayment/coinsurance for services.

Question 7

What is a psychological assessment, and do I need one?

Accepted Answer

A psychological assessment helps assess a client’s functioning in several areas, including cognitive skills, learning abilities, and personality characteristics.

Assessments help document the need for certain services, such as educational accommodations and medical treatment for specific conditions. They are also helpful when a person has been in treatment but is not making expected progress.

Not everyone needs a psychological assessment. Other professionals, such as medical doctors, school staff, or current therapists, often recommend completing an evaluation if required. Please contact our office if you have additional questions about whether you would benefit from this service.

Question 8

What types of issues do you treat?

Accepted Answer

Our office specializes in working with clients struggling with anxiety, mood disorders, and life transitions. Some of the common issues we treat include depression, anxiety, OCD, trauma, bipolar disorder, grief, anger issues, job changes, relationship problems, and phases of life transitions.

Question 9

Do you work with families and couples?

Accepted Answer

We do not offer couples therapy or traditional family therapy; however, we may conduct a family session with an established individual therapy client as needed.

Question 10

With what age ranges do you work?

Accepted Answer

We work with people 13 years and older for therapy. We offer assessments for people three years and older.

Question 11

What can I expect during my sessions?

Accepted Answer

In sessions, we typically discuss issues causing you struggles in your daily life. Common topics often discussed include daily stress, work-related challenges, relationship issues, and medical issues, but no topics are off-limits! You can expect our therapists to listen nonjudgmentally and validate your feelings. Additionally, our therapists provide practical strategies to help you work through your challenges in a way that makes you feel good.

Question 12

How long do clients usually participate in therapy?

Accepted Answer

The treatment length depends on each client and the severity of their presenting problems. The minimum time clients participate in therapy is approximately three months, but typically, therapy clients are in treatment for 6 to 12 months. Clients can decrease the time needed to participate in treatment by practicing strategies in their daily lives outside of the session.

Question 13

Should I attend therapy weekly or every other week?

Accepted Answer

This question is hard to answer, but here is something to consider – Clients feel better faster the more frequently they attend sessions. We recognize there may be practical considerations (e.g., scheduling, financial resources, etc.) that impact the frequency of sessions.

Question 14

Why are you a therapist?

Accepted Answer

I’ve had great people who supported me through some difficult times.

I became a therapist because I wanted to be that person for people struggling with their mental health and going through challenging situations. While my work can be difficult at times, it is incredibly gratifying to see people grow and make changes in their lives!

To laugh or not to laugh in session – that is the question.
Laughter is one of the best medicines, so YES! We often talk through severe issues with our clients, but often, we can laugh through these challenges discreetly. In our experience, laughter makes it easier to work through complex issues and build a solid therapeutic relationship.

Question 15

Which house do you belong to at Hogwarts?

Accepted Answer

Either Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff.

Question 16

What is your favorite thing about St. Louis?

Accepted Answer

My favorite thing about St. Louis is the variety of activities offered in the city and surrounding areas. My favorite things include participating in community activities, attending sporting events, and visiting local restaurants and breweries.

Question 17

Favorite movie?

Accepted Answer

I like anything with Denzel Washington. Some of my favorites are “Man on Fire,” “American Gangster,” and “Training Day.”

FAQ’s About Behavioral Therapy in St. Louis, MO

Frequently asked questions