Frequently Asked Questions
How are philosophical practice and ethics consultation different from psychotherapy and psychiatry?
Firstly, neither consist of theoretical discussions of philosophy (you might be relieved or disappointed by this), but rather of discussions about specific issues, problems, and dilemmas. There is overlap in a variety of areas: religion, philosophy, psychology, social work, psychiatry, law. Working with a philosophical practitioner/ethicist helps one get to the core of the issues, problems and dilemmas because we tease out the values and contextual features that are key. We look at how the dilemma is impacting your quality of life. By exploring the conflicts to understand the values that are fundamental, you can find ethical solutions. We don't deny a role for psychotherapy and psychiatry (and medication) but these are distinct from philosophical practice and ethics consultation.
Philosophical practitioners and ethicists do not treat any illnesses nor do we prescribe medications. We help people who are grappling with crises by helping them explore their personal values, preferences, and beliefs to facilitate ethical decision-making.
How might philosophical practice sessions or ethics consultation help me?
1. You bring to me the problem you are dealing with. I can help you see the issues embedded in the problem.
2. Together, we will identify what elements are under your control and which are not.
3. Reflecting on your values, guidance will be offered for those elements to which you can impart change or find resolution. In this way you come to understand what ethically appropriate options are available. You'll also learn what routes would be ethically problematic.
4. Follow up resources can be given if you want to further pursue the guidance offered (e.g., reading references, clinical referrals, etc.)
Will I have a chart/record?
All clients have a file which I keep in a locked cabinet in my office. If you have requested a medical ethics consultation for yourself, I will generate a formal written report that details the case analysis and guidance offered. This report will be given to you. If you are a clinician and have requested a medical ethics consultation for one of your patients, the report will be given to you. When I make inpatient hospital visits I do not make written chart notes in the hospital's medical record (paper or electronic). All notes are given directly to the requesting clinician.
Other types of reports are generated on a case-by-case basis.
Are your services covered by medical insurance?
No and Maybe (the question is very complicated). When philosophical practice sessions are strictly for moral problem solving that does not pertain to a medical dilemma there is NO insurance coverage. Sometimes, insurance companies will pay for consultations pertaining to end-of-life dilemmas, for example, but there are no guarantees. For this reason, all services are billed directly to the client, not the insurance company. I accept payment via cash, check or credit card. If you would like to attempt reimbursement from your insurance company, I will be happy to prepare a billing statement (aka "superbill") on your behalf that you can submit. My National Plan & Provider Enumeration System NPI (National Provider Identifier) number is 1265747471.
Are your services tax deductible?
Please consult with your Certified Public Accountant as he/she is best qualified to answer questions about the IRS tax code.
What credentials do you have?
Please refer to my cv which is presented on this website. In addition to my PhD and Masters degrees, I have completed a Fellowship in Biomedical & Research Ethics and I am certified through the American Philosophical Practitioners Association (cert# CACC00045). I have conducted over 800 consultations on a variety of dilemmas, most involving medical matters, family conflict, organizational ethics & professionalism, as well as research ethics.