FAQ
Do you only offer sessions via telehealth?
No. We offer both in-person and telehealth therapy. In-person therapy sessions are conducted at 10199 Woodfield Lane, Creve Coeur, MO 63132. Telehealth therapy sessions can be accessed from most phones, tablets, or computers. We suggest completing your session in a quiet and private space with a strong WiFi connection.
Psychological evaluations are conducted in-person at 10199 Woodfield Lane, Creve Coeur, MO 63132. We also now offer telehealth evaluations for adults only who live more than 2 hours outside of the greater St. Louis area. If you’re interested in this option, please contact our office for more details.
Are in-person sessions better than telehealth?
No, not necessarily. While some clients may benefit from in-person sessions (e.g.; young children, clients experiencing psychosis), research shows telehealth services are as effective as in-person sessions to treat anxiety, depression, and stress.
Telehealth also offers benefits over in-person sessions, such as increased access to services, decreased time for sessions, and flexibility.
Do I have to be in Missouri to work with you?
It depends. Dr. Ritchie is licensed in 26 different states and serves clients all around the country. Psychological evaluations for children (18 and under) are only available in our Creve Coeur, MO office; however, we do offer telehealth evaluations for adults who live further than 2 hours from St. Louis.
Our other therapists who offer telehealth services are licensed in different states so it depends on who you schedule with. If you want to know if we provide services where you live, email or call to get more information.
Do you offer evening and weekend hours?
At this time we do not offer weekend appointments. We have a limited number of evening slots. If you need an evening time please contact our office to inquire about availability. Preference for evening availability is given to current clients so if you are able to start with daytime appointments you will have first availability when evenings become available.
How do I set up an appointment?
If you are a new client interested in setting up an appointment, please call our office at (314) 325-2685. You can also book a phone consultation with our intake coordinator to help you find the right therapist on our team for you.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes and no. Dr. Ritchie does not accept any insurance for therapy or psychological evaluations. Tonya Winingar currently accepts Aetna insurance. If we do not accept your health insurance, private pay options are available – we offer several different payment options. Additionally, our office can provide you with the paperwork needed to file with your insurance company for out-of-network benefits.
What is a psychological assessment, and do I need one?
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 useful when a person has been in treatment but is not making expected progress.
Not everyone needs a psychological assessment. Often, other professionals, such as a medical doctor, school staff, or current therapist, will recommend completing an assessment if it is needed. If you have additional questions about whether you would benefit from this service, please contact our office.
What types of issues do you treat?
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 phase of life transitions.
Do you work with families and couples?
We may occasionally conduct a family session with an established individual therapy client on an as needed basis, but we do not offer traditional family or couples therapy.
With what age ranges do you work?
We work with people 18 years and older for therapy. We offer assessments for people 3 years and older.
What can I expect during my sessions?
In sessions, we typically talk through 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.
How long do clients usually participate in therapy?
Should I attend therapy weekly or every other week?
Why are you a therapist?
I’ve had great people in my life 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!