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Experience a life with inner peace, connection, and confidence.

Why Therapy?

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Perhaps you are high-functioning, secretly struggling and appearing "fine" to those around you. Maybe you are noticeably "falling apart". Possibly you have tried coping by reading self-help books, talking to friends and family, or listening to podcasts with limited success. Or maybe you have avoided your struggles entirely, hoping they go away on their own, but they keep coming back. No matter what you try, you feel stuck. Talking to a trained and unbiased therapist who is deeply invested in your healing might be just what you need to move forward and achieve your goals.

Who Do I Help?

Adults and couples struggling with problems that are interfering with their emotional or physical wellbeing such as: Anxiety, Stress​, Relationship Issues, Trauma, Grief, Loss, Health Issues​, Cross-Cultural Challenges​, Life Transitions.

Where & How Does Therapy Happen?

Unconfined by location, I use a HIPPA compliant video platform that allows me to work with residents of 42 different states (see list here) from the comfort of their homes. Using a direct, warm, collaborative approach, we uncover and explore the ways in which feelings, thoughts, behaviors, relationships and past experiences are affecting the present, while learning healthy, adaptive coping skills. 

What Do You Get?

I work hard to create a safe space where authenticity, connection and self-actualization flourish. This will empower you to develop the insights and skills needed to make lasting, meaningful changes in your life.

My Approach

I believe it is important to form a genuine, empathic connection in therapy where clients feel safe and supported. I use an individually-tailored approach to treatment that integrates a variety of therapeutic techniques. My direct, warm, integrative and collaborative approach empowers clients to develop the insights and skills needed to make lasting, meaningful changes in their lives. Whether entering therapy for symptom relief, a desire for greater self-understanding, or to cope with a particular crisis, I am committed to helping my clients achieve their goals.

An integrative approach combines several different modalities to meet your specific needs.

Client-Centered
Attachment-Based
Trauma-Informed

This approach focuses on creating a therapeutic environment that is genuine, non-judgmental, and empathetic. In this enviornment, you feel safe and free from judgment, which allows for psychological growth, increased self-awareness and self- acceptance, healing, and feeling empowered to make desired changes and better cope with challenges.

Multicultural

Multicultural therapy considers the role your cultural, ethnic, and racial identity has on your unique experience and the therapeutic process of healing. A multicultural therapist brings a diverse cultural knowledge and curiosity as well as a sensitivity to the socio-political context. The therapist offers an empathetic space to explore cultural identity and how this relates to the client’s process of healing and wellbeing.

Mindfulness 

Attachment-based therapy focuses on how early attachment experiences with caregivers impact your emotional and physical relationships as an adult. You may find yourself in relationships where you struggle with overwhelming insecurities, fears, intense uncontrollable emotions and/or detachment, trouble connecting with others, difficulty showing love, remorse, or empathy. When you form a strong, secure attachment with your therapist, you are able to work toward repairing attachment wounds and forming safe, trusting and supportive relationships with others.

Dialectical Behavioral (DBT)

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a skill-based treatment that values both self-acceptance and change. The therapist validates your experiences while teaching mindfulness, relationship and communication skills, and techniques to manage overwhelming emotions.

Relaxation
Techniques

A trauma informed approach acknowledges the wide spread impact of trauma on our minds and bodies. It integrates a variety of practices that aim to repair your sense of safety, connection, self-image, inner peace, emotion regulation and nervous system.

Cognitive Behavioral  (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a skill-based treatment that focuses on the interconnection of one’s thoughts, behaviors, and emotional experiences. You learn techniques to examine and reduce unhelpful thoughts and implement new ways behaving outside of the sessions that result in desired emotional and behavioral outcomes.

Hypnotherapy

Mindfulness is the the practice of focusing your attention on the present moment with acceptance and without judgment. It has been shown to be a key element in reducing stress, anxiety and depression, an increased ability to relax, a greater enthusiasm for life and improved self-esteem. Mindfulness increases self efficacy and paves the way for you to make choices that align with your values, beliefs and goals.

When you experience stress, your body is flooded with hormones and you activate the Sympathic Nervous System (SNS), causing you to experience symptoms such as increased heart rate, shallow and rapid breathing, muscle tension. This is what some refer to as a "stress response" or "fight/flight/freeze." It is a normal response to a threatening situation that dates back to prehistoric times when we needed to survive physical dangers, such as an animal attack. Although we are rarely face with these dangers today, our bodies respond to stress in the same way. Relaxation techniques help us calm this "stress response" and elicits a "relaxation response" also know as the Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS). Some examples of relaxation techniques include: Grounding, Diaphragmatic Breathing, Mindfulness, Meditation, Guided imagery, Hypnotherapy, Progressive Muscle Relaxation, Yoga, Exercise.

Hypnosis is a highly focused state of consciousness in which you are able to experience the world in a different way. In hypnotherapy, the therapist guides you into a state of deep relaxation, inviting you to hold specific expectations and felt experiences related to your current health and healing goals.

Approach
Area of Expertise

Areas of Expertise

Individual and Couples Therapy for Adults Across the Lifespan.

Issues

  • Anxiety​​

  • Relationship Issues

  • Trauma

  • Grief & Loss

  • Health Issues

    • Sleep Challenges

    • Eating Disorders

    • Infertility/IVF

    • IBS/GI Issues

    • Cancer

    • Chronic Illness

  • Stress & Anger Management

  • Cross-cultural Challenges

    • Acculturative Stress

  • Life Transitions

    • Emerging Adulthood

    • College/Graduate School

    • Moving/Career Changes

    • Motherhood/Parenting

    • Perimenopause/Menopause

    • Aging

About

About Me

Dr. Alexis Schmiedigen (she/her/hers)

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I am a clinical psychologist licensed in Massachusetts and Illinois. Additionally, I am licensed with PSYPACT, with allows me to provide therapy to residents of 40 additional states (see list).

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I have had the privilege of working with couples and adults from varied professional, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds since 2008. I am fluent in English and Spanish and proficient in Brazilian Portuguese. I appreciate the convenience, accessibility and continuity of care teletherapy offers across state lines.

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What Makes Me Qualified?

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Education

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  • Doctorate of Psychology in Clinical Psychology from William James College

  • Master's of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Boston College

  • Bachelor's of Arts in Psychology from Boston University

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Training/Clinical Experience

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  • Clinical work since 2008.

  • Private practice since 2014.

  • Post-Doctoral Fellowship at Cambridge Eating Disorder Center.

  • Pre-Doctoral Internship at Boston Behavioral Medicine. 

  • Pre-Doctoral Internship at Brigham & Women's Hospital - Southern Jamaica Plain Health Center.

  • Practicum at Boston Public Health Commission - Entre Familia: Women & Family Substance Abuse Services

  • Doctoral Concentration in Latino Mental Health.

  • Provided clinical supervision for doctoral interns.

  • Led advanced clinical seminars in eating disorders.

  • Ongoing post-doctoral trainings in a variety of topics, included trauma, grief and loss.

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Publications

Schmiedigen, A. (2013). The Experience of  Brazilian Women Entering Motherhood in the United States. (Unpublished doctoral dissertation). Massachusetts School Of Professional Psychology, Newton, MA. Nicolas, G., Arntz, D.L., Hirsch, B., & Schmiedigen, A. (2009). Cultural adaptation of a group treatment for Haitian American adolescents. Journal of Professional Psychology: Research and Practice. 40(4), 378-384. Wright, C.B., Festa, J.R., Paik, M.C., Schmiedigen, A., Brown, T.R., Yoshita, M., DeCarli, C., Sacco, R., & Stern, Y. (2007). White matter hyperintensities and subclinical infarction: Associations with psychomotor speed and cognitive flexibility. Stroke, 39(3), 800-805.

Presentations

Schmiedigen, A., Prater, H., & Pierre, E. (2008, October). Treating vicarious trauma in communities exposed to continuous violence on a global and local level: A culturally sensitive approach. Symposium at the 8th Annual Boston College Diversity Challenge, Chestnut Hill, MA. Birnbaum, L., Wright, C., Rundek, T., Huang, L., Ramas, R., Schmiedigen, A., Mitsuhiro, Y., Boden-Albala, B., Paik, M., DeCarli, C., & Sacco, R. (2006, October). Carotid intima-media thickness is associated with subclinical cerebral infarct: The Northern Manhattan Study. Abstract presented at the World Stroke Conference, Cape Town, South Africa. Birnbaum, L., Wright, C., Rundek, T., Huang, L., Ramas, R., Schmiedigen, A., Mitsuhiro, Y., Boden-Albala, B., Paik, M., DeCarli, C., & Sacco, R. (2006, October). Subclinical carotid artery disease is not associated with white matter hyperintensities: the NOMAS MRI substudy. Abstract presented at the World Stroke Conference, Cape Town, South Africa.

Session Rates

 

Payment

  • 50 minute individual therapy session  $190

  • 50 minute couples therapy session  $225

  • 50 minutes initial evaluation session  $250

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Health Insurance
I am an in-network provider for Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO. If you have another insurance provider, I will happily provide you with a detailed invoice for you to submit to your provider for out-of-network reimbursement. 

 


Cancellations
To avoid being charged for your appointment, please cancel 24 hours in advance. Appointments cancelled less than 24 hours in advance, or missed completely, will be charged at the full rate. Please note that if you use insurance to pay for sessions, you will be responsible for the full session fee, not just your copay. Insurance does not reimburse for sessions that do not happen. 

 

Rates & Insurance
FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

 

How can I afford therapy without insurance?

Therapy can be a rewarding investment. Evaluating your motivation, values, insurance benefits and finances will help you determine if my services are right for you. Below are a few ideas to help cover the cost of therapy.

• Out of Network Benefits: Many insurance policies include Out of Network Benefits that reimburse a significant portion of the session fee. Upon request, you will receive a monthly Superbill that can be submitted as a claim to your insurance company for out-of-network reimbursement. Call your insurance to find out about your specific plan. 

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Sometimes you or your spouse's place of employment will cover the bill up to a certain number of sessions.

• Health Savings Account (HSA): Health savings accounts can be used to pay for mental health sessions.

• In-Network-Provider: If you are motivated and value therapy but the ability to self-pay simply is not there, that's okay. You still deserve help! Contact your insurance carrier and ask for a list of providers that are in-network with your insurance plan. 

 

Why do you only see clients virtually?

During the COVID-19 pandemic my clients and I discovered the many benefits of telehealth. It provides highly personable and effective care that is not dependent on a physical location. As a result, it is easier to schedule and attend therapy sessions consistently and maintain continuity of care. 

 

What are the benefits of telehealth? 

There are so many benefits! Telehealth offers greater accessible, allowing you to focus on a therapist that is a good fit without being concerned about proximity. It is also more time efficient, and scheduling is easier and more flexible. Here is a link to an article that discusses the benefits of telehealth in greater detail: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/millennial-media/201901/14-benefits-teletherapy-clients

 

Is teletherapy confidential? 

Yes, I use a confidential and HIPPA compliant video conferencing software. Your video sessions will NOT be recorded or archived. I will be meeting with you from a secure, private location and I ask that you do the same.

 

How do I know if virtual therapy is right for me?

Virtual therapy, also known as teletherapy, requires a strong internet or Wi-Fi connection and a computer, phone or tablet with video and audio capabilities so that we can see and hear each other well. You will also need a safe, quiet, private location for sessions. For example, you can be at home in a private space where you will not be interrupted, a safely parked car, a private office space or meeting room at work, a hotel room, etc. 

 

How do I know if I need individual therapy?

There are many reasons people enter therapy. Generally, if you notice a persistent problem interfering with your emotional or physical wellbeing, therapy can help you address it. 

 

How will I know if I need couples therapy?

If you and your partner get stuck in cycles of conflict and unhappiness or have experienced an event(s) that has ruptured the trust and closeness in your relationship, couple therapy can help. A therapist can be a great support for couples to get unstuck, gain clarity, and work through their relationship problems. 

 

How long are therapy sessions?

Therapy sessions are scheduled in intervals of 50 minutes.

 

How many sessions should I plan to attend? How often?

It is recommended that you attend sessions weekly. Later on, some clients will space sessions biweekly and possibly monthly before terminating. A minimum of 12 weekly sessions is suggested depending on your treatment goals, but many clients benefit from longer periods of time. Please keep in mind that regardless of the number of total sessions, attending your sessions regularly will lead to better and faster results. 

 

What is your cancellation policy?

A minimum of 24 hours’ notice is required to avoid a late cancellation fee, however a minimum of 48 hours advanced notice is greatly appreciated! This allows me to offer the appointment to someone else that is waiting for an opening. Any late cancellations or no shows are responsible for paying the full session fee. Please note that if you use insurance to pay for sessions, you will be responsible for the full session fee, not just your copay. Insurance does not reimburse for sessions that do not happen. If we are able to reschedule your appointment for the same week, the late fee may be waived at my discretion.

 

Where are you located?

Online! I am based in Chicago and am a former resident of Massachusetts, New York and Florida. I operate virtually so that I can see clients throughout the states of Illinois and Massachusetts and participating PSYPACT states.

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Any Other Questions? Contact me! I look forward to hearing from you.

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PSYPACT States

PSYPACT
 
If you live in or are traveling to Massachusetts and/or a  PSYPACT participating state, I am able to offer you telehealth services. 

The Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT®) is an interstate agreement designed to facilitate the practice of psychology across state boundaries.

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PSYPACT allows licensed psychologists to provide continuity of care as clients/patients relocate. Psychologists are also be able to reach populations that are currently underserved, geographically isolated or lack specialty care. 

 

**Please click on link for the more up-to-date information: https://psypact.org/mpage/psypactmap

 

PSYPACT® PARTICIPATING STATES (41 ENACTED, 39 EFFECTIVE)
 

Alabama - AL SB 102 (Enacted 3/18/2021; Effective 6/1/2021)

Arizona - AZ HB 2503 (Enacted on 5/17/2016; Effective 7/1/2020)

Arkansas - AR HB 1760 (Enacted 4/25/2021; Effective (11/18/2021)

Colorado - CO HB 1017 (Enacted 4/12/2018; Effective 7/1/2020)

Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands - CNMI HB 22-80 (Enacted and Effective 10/24/2022)

Connecticut -CT S 2(Enacted 5/24/2022; Effective 10/1/2022)

Delaware - DE HB 172 (Enacted 6/27/2019; Effective 7/1/2020)

District of Columbia - DC B 145 (Enacted and Effective 4/2/2021)

Florida -FL H 33(Enacted 5/25/2023; Effective 7/1/2023)

Georgia - GA HB 26 (Enacted 4/23/2019; Effective 7/1/2020)

Idaho - ID S 1305 (Enacted 3/23/2022; Effective 7/1/2022)

Illinois - IL HB 1853 (Enacted 8/22/2018, Effective 7/1/2020)

Indiana -IN S 365(Enacted 3/10/2022; Effective 7/1/2022)

Kansas - KS SB 170 (Enacted 5/17/2021; Effective 1/1/2022)

Kentucky - KY HB 38 (Enacted 3/18/2021; Effective 6/28/2021)

Maine - ME HB 631 (Enacted 6/22/2021; Effective 10/18/2021)

Maryland - MD HB 970 (Enacted and Effective 5/18/2021)

Michigan -MI H 5489(Enacted 12/22/2022; Effective 3/29/2023)

Minnesota - MN SB 193 (Enacted 5/25/2021; Effective 5/26/2021)

Missouri - MO HB 1719/MO SB 660 (Enacted 6/1/2018; Effective 7/1/2020)

Nebraska - NE L 1034 (Enacted 4/23/2018; Effective 7/1/2020)

Nevada - NV AB 429 (Enacted on 5/26/2017; Effective 7/1/2020)

New Hampshire- NH SB 232 (Enacted 7/10/2019; Effective 7/1/2020)

New Jersey -NJ A 4205(Enacted 9/24/2021; Effective 11/23/2021)

North Carolina - NC 361 (Enacted 7/1/2020; Effective 3/1/2021)

North Dakota - ND S 2205  (Enacted 4/13/2023; Effective 8/1/2023)     

Ohio -OH S 2 (Enacted 4/27/2021; Effective 7/26/2021)

Oklahoma - OK HB 1057 (Enacted 4/29/2019; Effective 7/1/2020)

Pennsylvania- PA SB 67(Enacted 5/8/2020; Effective 7/8/2020)

Rhode Island -RI H 7501(Enacted 6/21/2022; Effective7/1/2023)

South Carolina -SC H 3204(Enacted 5/16/2023; Effective7/17/2023)

Tennessee -TN S 161 (Enacted and Effective 5/11/2021)

Texas - TX HB 1501 (Enacted 6/10/2019; Effective 7/1/2020)

Utah - UT SB 106 (Enacted on 3/17/2017; Effective 7/1/2020)

Virginia- VA SB 760(Enacted 4/11/2020; Effective 1/1/2021)

Washington -WA H 1286(Enacted 3/4/2022; Effective 6/9/2022)

West Virginia - WV SB 668 (Enacted 4/21/2021; Effective 11/18/2021)

Wisconsin -WI A 537 (Enacted 2/4/2022; Effective 2/6/2022)

Wyoming - WY S 26 (Enacted 2/15/2023; Effective 2/15/2023)


ENACTED, NOT YET EFFECTIVE 

Vermont - VT H 282  (Enacted 6/1/2023; Effective Tentatively 7/1/2024)

South Dakota - SD H 1017 (Enacted 2/13/24: Effective 7/1/2024)

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ACTIVE PSYPACT LEGISLATION (*Please note the following states have introduced PSYPACT legislation but have not yet enacted PSYPACT and therefore are not considered PSYPACT participating states.)

 

Introduced in 2023:
Massachusetts - MA S1980 and MA H2986 
New York - NY S6883 and NY A07947

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Introduced in 2024:

 California - AB-2051

 Hawaii -  SB2668

 Mississippi - SB 2157, SB 2166 ,  and HB 1202

 

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