Counseling
Learn more about my counseling style, approach, what to expect, why I do what I do, and more
Approach
I use an integrative approach to pull from interpersonal, intrapersonal, and supportive therapies, and utilize evidence-based interventions. Examples include: screening (e.g., PHQ-9, GAD-7, ACE), cognitive therapy, narrative therapy, behavioral therapy, humanistic and supportive therapies, trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, strengths-based, brief intervention referral to treatment (BIRT), solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT), Adlerian, Gestalt, multicultural, culturally responsive, and existential.
My Focus
I offer individual or family supportive services to adults (18-59 years-old). I provide life management counseling, crisis intervention and stress management. Common treated conditions include general and work-related stress, adjustment disorders, anxiety, depression, other mood disorders, racial and cultural trauma, discrimination, relationship issues with family, friends, and colleagues, obsessive thoughts and acts, emotionally inhibited, relational and intrapersonal effects of childhood trauma, adult psychological trauma, little or no empathy, intimacy issues, identity development and restructuring, problems with adulting, low self-esteem, low confidence, and low self-worth.
SPECIALTY AREAS:
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Life Transitions
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Thinking Disorders
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Identity Development and Restructuring
My Communication Style
I am straightforward to challenge clients for optimal growth. I do not sugar-coat or fluff. You will always be in the know about what we're working on (i.e., treatment goals) and my assessment of your progress in treatment. You will not have to guess anything. I will ask if you want my feedback and opinions, especially if I feel you are not ready to address something meaningful to be of help to you. I also do not use psychological jargon or fad mental health language.
My Journey to Mental Healthcare
I was driven to the work by wanting to make a difference. Growing up, I had close family members who suffered from debilitating chronic mental health conditions. They sought treatment within the mental healthcare system but received poor-quality care and encountered insensitive providers. I wanted to do better. It was my mission to help individuals with mental health needs by treating them with respect and dignity, while also helping them to have a quality of life.
The Goal Setting Process
Goal-setting is an ongoing process and mutual. I will ask your expectations regarding participation in therapy/counseling during the consult call and at the intake session to establish initial treatment goals. Goals can be modified throughout therapy.
Type of Session
All sessions are telehealth meaning online via videoconferencing software (e.g., Zoom). If technical difficulties, sessions can continue by phone.
Scheduling an Appointment
Before scheduling an appointment, Dr. Pinkney requires a consult call; calls are free to last about 20 minutes. Calls are via telephone, not video conferencing. During the call, Dr. Pinkney will ask for a brief description of what brings you to seek out counseling, therapy history, about your expectations, initial goals, and she will tell you more about her approach. Dr. Pinkney will also clarify between employee assistance program (EAP) benefits, which require a brief therapy approach compared to outpatient mental health services. If using EAP benefits, have your EAP code and the name of the company that provides your benefits available during the call. If you do not, and want to schedule an appointment, you will not be able to do so until you have this information. Feel free to contact Dr. Pinkney preferably via email to schedule a consult call at your convenience.
In-Network Insurances
**If unsure about whether I am in-network with your insurance, feel free to send an email or to leave a voicemail.​
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Aetna
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Blue Cross and Blue Shield
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Highmark
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Magellan
Contact
Feel free to reach out if you have more questions or would like additional information.
Phone: (267) 702-4537
Fax: (888) 518-1609