CPS is committed to providing supportive, individualized, and evidence-based care. We offer in person appointments in Bethesda and telehealth appointments in the DMV area as well as 36 other states
We specialize in working with clients experiencing challenges such as:
Anxiety & Mood Disorders (children, adolescents, & adults):
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Generalized Anxiety, Social Anxiety, Phobias & Panic
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Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
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Separation Anxiety
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Posttraumatic Stress Disorder related to medical trauma or accidents
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Depression and Adjustment Disorders
Health Psychology Issues (children, adolescents & adults):
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)
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Stress management to reduce physical symptoms (e.g., headaches, stomach discomfort)
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Coping with new and/or chronic medical conditions or injuries
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Adherence to medical regimens
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Pain management
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Needle phobia and/or procedure preparation
Additional Specialties:
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Independent School Admissions Testing:
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Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence Fourth Edition (WPPSI IV)
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The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children Fifth Edition (WISC V)
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Medical and Surgical evaluations including, but not limited to:
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Bariatric Surgery Assessments
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Insulin Pump readiness
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Spinal Cord Simulator
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Welcome to
CAPITAL PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES
Meet The Team
Sarah Berger, Ph.D.
Director & Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Berger is a licensed clinical psychologist with over 13 years of experience. She earned her doctorate degree from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) in Bethesda, Maryland.
Cendrine Robinson, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Cendrine Robinson is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in treating adolescents and adults with anxiety disorders.
Laura Kurzius, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Laura Kurzius is a clinical psychologist specializing in work with children, adolescents, young adults, and families.
Caroline Poirrier, MSW, LMSW, LGSW
Clinical Social Worker
Caroline Poirrier is a licensed master social worker specializing in work with children and adults on a range of issues including anxiety, depression and relationships.
Nathaniel Eckland, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Nathaniel (Nate) Eckland is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in adolescents and adults. He uses evidence-based interventions to help clients who are experiencing depression, anxiety, and stress related to life events and/or health challenges.
Admission Testing
Admissions testing is available to children/adolescents who are required to take an individually administered test as part of the application process to many independent schools. These tests include:
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Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence-Fourth Edition (WPPSI-IV) Ages 3-5
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Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Fifth Edition (WISC-V) Ages 6+
Our team works hard to ensure children feel at-ease, understanding that different children may need varying lengths of time to warm-up.
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Do you take insurance?No, all services are out of network. However, about 90% of our clients get some kind of insurance reimbursement through their out-of-network benefits. We will provide “Superbills” that contain diagnostic and procedure codes necessary for you submit to your insurance for reimbursement. You will need to check with your insurance company to see what type of reimbursement they offer.
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How do I know how much my insurance will cover?You will want to call your insurance company and ask the following questions: What are my out-of-network insurance benefits? What is my deductible for out-of-network insurance benefits? Once I’ve met my deductible, what percentage of the allowable rate will be covered for procedure codes 90791 (60 min intake) and 90834 (45 min individual therapy)?
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What are your rates?Rates vary by clinician: The range for the typical 45-minute therapy session is $200-$250 depending on the clinician 60-minute intakes or sessions are prorated from the 45-minute therapy rate
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What are the most important things I should know about therapy?Your fit with the therapist is critical – it is important that you are comfortable with the clinician (or your child is comfortable). If at any point you do not feel it is a good fit, please communicate this. A good therapist will not be offended and is happy to provide referrals to help you find the best fit for you. Here are some resources that explain more about finding the right therapist and making therapy a success: https://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/how-to-find-a-therapist/ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/supersurvivors/201710/five-questions-decide-if-therapist-is-right-you https://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/10-things-you-should-know-before-starting-therapy-0412184
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Do you offer weekend appointments?Some of our clinicians have Saturday hours and Dr. Berger occasionally does testing for independent school admissions on Saturdays.
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Do you offer video appointments?Yes, we offer video telehealth appointments for individuals in the DMV as well as 36 other states through Psypact. The Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT®) is an interstate compact designed to facilitate the practice of telepsychology across state boundaries. See a full list of participating states at https//psychpact.org Good candidates for telehealth are often: Individuals working through issues like mild anxiety or depression or parents needing additional support around parenting. Individuals not at risk to themselves or others. Individuals who are insightful and motivated in therapy. Individuals who are able to fully focus during video sessions, it is still a therapy session and should be treated just like an in-person session even though it can be more casual.
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Every therapist I call is full, now what?There are several options: Ask to be added to our waitlist Be flexible with timing – the most demanding hours for therapy are 3pm-8pm on weekdays and 9am-1pm on weekends – if you are willing to come during the day or have your child miss school then it is likely you can be seen quite quickly. Current clients get first priority for high demand times as soon as they open. It is possible that a more ideal time will open in a few weeks. Ask for referrals – we have several colleagues we refer to in the area. Or there are several therapy centers that we recommend, which include, but are not limited to: Allison Sibley & Associates (Northwest DC/ Friendship Heights) 202-237-1196 Alvord Baker & Associates (Chevy Chase, MD) 301-593-6554 Georgetown Psychological Associates (Bethesda, MD) 301-652-5550 The Ross Center (Northwest DC/ Friendship Heights) 202-363-1010
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What is the difference between the director and an associate?Dr. Berger founded Capital Psychological Services (CPS, LLC) and runs the administrative side in addition to seeing clients – that is the only difference. The associates, part of the CPS team, are fully trained, excellent clinicians with their own degrees and licenses.
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What kind of therapy do you practice?Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. CBT is the leading recommended treatment approach for anxiety disorders. It involves identifying and modifying our thoughts and behaviors in order to manage symptoms. CBT typically involves work in-session as well as some assignments outside of the therapy session.
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Do you do psychological testing?Dr. Berger does testing for independent school admissions. Learn more.
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Do you offer supervision to other clinicians or consulting around building a private practice?Yes, Dr. Berger provides supervision to other clinicians nationwide, primarily around anxiety or coping with illness or pain. She also consults with many clinicians about how to build a solo or group private practice. Email her directly for additional information: sberger@cappsychology.com
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How to Get Your Child to Go to Therapy?
Contact Us
7910 Woodmont Avenue
Suite 745
Bethesda, MD 20814
Tel: 301-501-0130
Email: sberger@cappsychology.com
Parking Options:
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In the building: parking is available in our building (entrance on the St. Elmo). The cost is $5 for the first hour and $10 for any amount of time beyond that. We do not validate parking tickets.
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On the street: metered parking is available on the street surrounding the building for maximum of 2 hours.
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Public lots: metered parking is also available in several public lots in the downtown Bethesda area:
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One block north of our building on Woodmont Avenue (across the street from Pizzeria Da Marco)
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On St. Elmo's Ave across the street from our building (next to Henry's Sweet Retreat)
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