CALL NOW 602-478-1477
(F) 602-773-0998
RISA E. NEWELL, Ph.D., L.L.C.
LICENSED CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST
Dr. Risa Newell
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in private practice here in Scottsdale, Arizona. l provide individual psychotherapy to adults ages 21 and older. For almost thirty years, I have treated a wide range of patients in a multitude of settings, observing incredible courage, growth and change in the process. My clinical skills rely on connecting with the patient’s experience, seeing the situation from their perspective, and then developing healthier ways to move forward.
I work hard to establish a meaningful and trusting therapeutic relationship with each patient, crucial for effective treatment. While this may take some time, a patient’s comfort level with the therapist is foremost. Patients sometimes come to therapy with an identified problem which may, in fact, be the symptom of an underlying issue yet to be determined. That is why taking the time to listen, observe, and understand the patient is essential to developing an accurate diagnosis, effective interventions, and a successful outcome.
My evidence-based treatment approaches incorporate extensive education and training, along with a wide range of clinical experiences and years of working intensively with my patients. My interest in psychology began after college, while working at a psychiatric hospital for adolescents. I graduated from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia with a B.S. in Allied Health, but soon I recognized my preference for direct patient care. I then decided to alter my course and pursue a career in clinical psychology, graduating with my Ph.D. from the California School of Professional Psychology in 1994.
My graduate clinical training, in addition to the focus on psychological evaluations and individual psychotherapy, included a range of specialties, such as working with children and families, medically-fragile patients, and the seriously mentally ill. Training also covered neuropsychological testing, biofeedback, rehabilitation evaluations, and group therapy.
My clinical work experience includes medical and psychiatric hospitals, child guidance centers, community mental health clinics, university counseling services, and private practice with diverse clinical populations. My professional background has enabled expansive and integrative treatment approaches for a range of emotional issues and mental health disorders.
My Office
7047 E. Greenway Parkway, Suite 250, Scottsdale, AZ 85254
My office is located in the Kierland Corporate Center, near the SW corner of Scottsdale Road and Greenway Parkway. Parking is on the interior (south) side of our building and is accessible on both the east and west sides. My therapy office is based in Suite 250, on the second floor and right by the elevator. There is a receptionist at the front desk to greet you during office hours (8 am - 5 pm). After hours, please wait in the downstairs lobby and I will find you at appointment time.
Service Delivery
In-Person Psychological Services:
Please review the protocol below for in-office sessions:
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The Suite 250 Main Office entrance is open Monday - Friday from 8:00 to 5:00. After that time, please wait in our downstairs lobby until I contact you for your appointment and then we will meet on the second floor.
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While masks are no longer required, they are recommended for those who are medically compromised or concerned about exposure to illness.
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My office is rather small, so I will work to maintain appropriate distance while we are meeting. Our suite has a small waiting room, where you can be seated prior to your appointment.
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Of course, please do not come to the office if you have any symptoms associated with COVID-19 (fever, shortness of breath, coughing, sore throat, headache, loss of taste or smell, etc.), if you have recently travelled internationally, or if you have been exposed to a COVID-19-positive person.
Despite careful attention to this safety protocol, there is still a chance that you will be exposed to COVID-19 in my office. If, at any point, you prefer to stop in-person services or transition to Telehealth, please let me know.
Telehealth Services:
It appears that insurance-approved Telehealth may be continued for a while. The recently-approved Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 has extended many of the Telehealth flexibilities authorized during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency through December 31, 2024. However, each insurance company may determine their own guidelines and coverage, so please verify telehealth benefits with your specific insurance policy.
For videoconferencing, I use the following Telehealth platform: doxy.me. No download is required. I will email you a link prior to your scheduled appointment. All you need to do is click on that link, enter your name, click “Check-In” and I will begin the session after that.
Here are a few items to consider when engaging in Telehealth:
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There are potential limitations to Telehealth (e.g., may limit patient confidentiality, variable quality of connection, etc.) that differ from in-person sessions.
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Confidentiality still applies to Telehealth services, and nobody will record the session without permission from the patient.
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Telephone sessions are a viable Telehealth option.
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Video conferencing with doxy.me works best over a computer, though some smartphones can also support this platform.
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It is important to be in a quiet, private space that is free of distractions during sessions.
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It is important to use a secure internet connection rather than public/free Wi-Fi for teleconferencing sessions.
Office Policy Summary
About Me and My Office: I have a Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology and have been licensed to practice psychology for almost thirty years. I am currently in private practice in Scottsdale, AZ. I provide Individual Psychotherapy and Counseling to adults and seniors. Practice Focus includes: Depression, Anxiety, Mood Swings, Trauma and Abuse, Grief and Loss, Health Concerns, Relationship Challenges, Work Difficulties, and Life Transitions. My office hours are Monday through Friday, 10 am to 6 pm. I currently see patients both in the office and via Telehealth. My office is located in a suite with various other professionals. There is a receptionist to greet patients during normal business hours. After hours, I will escort patients from the lobby to my office suite.
Contacting Me: You may contact me and leave a text, voicemail or email anytime, 24/7. My direct mobile line is: 602-478-1477. My email address is: risa@newellphd.com. Text and email are easy and effective methods for communicating appointment, insurance and demographic information. They are not, however, secure for sensitive or urgent clinical information. Please telephone me directly and leave a voicemail with any clinical information, and please specify if it is urgent. I am often not available to answer my telephone or email directly, but I routinely check messages throughout the day. I typically return calls or emails after 7 pm, earlier if it is an urgent matter. If you need immediate assistance and are unable to reach me, call the Crisis Line at 602-222-9444 or 480-784-1500, 911 for an emergency, or visit the nearest Emergency Room.
Sessions: Appointments are scheduled directly with me and are either 45 minutes or 60 minutes, depending on level of need. Our first session (60 minutes) will involve an evaluation of the problem that led you to seek treatment. If treatment is recommended, I’d like to meet with you weekly, if possible, to become established and resolve immediate concerns. Once settled, we may adjust our schedule to every-other-week appointments. I send email and/or text reminders of appointments.
Services Provided:
Diagnostic Evaluations
Individual Psychotherapy
(In-Person and/or Telehealth)
Clinical Documentation
Insurance: I am a provider for several insurance plans. If you have insurance, you will typically be responsible for a copay, coinsurance, and/or deductible. If your insurance out-of-pocket maximum is met or you have secondary insurance, your treatment costs may be covered at 100%. My office will attempt to contact your insurance company and verify benefits prior to your initial visit. On occasion, however, we are unable to reach the benefits department or are quoted inaccurate information.
Accepted Insurance Plans:
Aetna
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Cigna Behavioral Health
Managed Health Network
Magellan Behavioral Health
Medicare (with Supplemental Plans)
Meritain Health
Optum Health (United Behavioral Health)
Insurance: I am a provider for several insurance plans. If you have insurance, you will typically be responsible for a copay, coinsurance, and/or deductible. If your insurance out-of-pocket maximum is met or you have secondary insurance, your treatment costs may be covered at 100%. My office will attempt to contact your insurance company and verify benefits prior to your initial visit. On occasion, however, we are unable to reach the benefits department or are quoted inaccurate information.
The following are cash and insurance billing fees:
Initial Evaluation - $200
30-minute session - $100
45-minute session - $150
60-minute session - $175
The following are not covered by insurance:
Missed Appointment - $100
Late Cancellation - $75 (after 8 am day of appointment)
Telephone Consultation - $75 for 30 minutes and $150 for 60 minutes
Documentation, Letters and Reports – $50 and up, based on time spent
Billing and Payment: Fees and copayments are due at the time of service by cash, check, or credit/debit card. I store encrypted credit-card or debit-card information in my practice management software, Therapy Notes, which will be used to cover deductibles, copays, co-insurance, cash pay, and late-cancellation or no-show fees, unless other arrangements have been made. An encrypted Payment Authorization Form will be provided for this purpose. My office will submit claims to all in-network insurance plans. You are ultimately responsible for payment of services rendered if your insurance company denies a claim made on your behalf.
Cancellations: If possible, please provide 48-hour notice if you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment. If sick on the day of your appointment – please cancel by 8:00 am. Emergencies are the exception. For sick or unexpected cancellations, please text or call (602) 478-1477. Please do not email last-minute cancellation notices as I may not retrieve them in a timely manner.
Insurance companies will not pay for late cancellations or missed appointments.
Missed Appointment - $100
Late Cancellation (after 8:00 am) - $75
Limits of Confidentiality: All communication between a Patient and Psychologist is primarily considered confidential and is protected by law. I can generally only release information with your written consent when you sign an Authorization to Release Information Form. Some exceptions to confidentiality include:
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If I believe that there is imminent risk that you will inflict serious harm to yourself or to someone else, I must take protective action;
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If I believe a child, elderly, or disabled person is being abused, neglected, or exploited, I am required to report to the respective agency;
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If I am ordered to testify, I must report to the court.