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Information for New Patients

1. A general overview of Dr. Adams' practice
2. May I speak to Dr. Adams before my first appointment?
3. I work fulltime; when can I be seen?
4. What should I expect on the first visit?
5. Who is most likely to benefit from psychological care?
6. What is the cost of psychological examination and care?

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A general overview of Dr. Adams and his practice.

The practice is limited to the treatment of mood, anxiety, sexual and somatoform disorders in adults. 

Dr. David B. Adams is Board Certified in Clinical Psychology (ABPP) and a Fellow of the Academy of Clinical Psychology. He has been elected as a Distinguished Practitioner in the National Academy of Practice in Psychology. He is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati, Xavier University, and holds two degrees from the University of Alabama with a postdoctoral fellowship completed at the Institute of Clinical Training of the Devereux Foundation (Philadelphia).

Dr. Adams is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association, the APA Society of Clinical Psychology, the APA Division of Independent Practice, the APA Division of Psychotherapy, the American Orthopsychiatric Association and the Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine. He is a member of the American Psychosomatic Society, Association of Medicine and Psychiatry, a Fellow of the American Academy of Pain Management and a platinum member of the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology.

He has held several teaching positions in the behavioral sciences, most recently as a visiting professor of behavioral sciences at Oglethorpe University. Dr. Adams has served on the editorial board of Psychoanalytic Psychology, Psychotherapy Bulletin, International Journal of Medical Psychotherapy, and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice and Training. He was medical psychotherapy contributing editor to the Psychotherapy Bulletin.

Dr. Adams is the author of greater than sixty articles on the impact of psychological functioning upon claims of disability, including the 1991 textbook chapter on Diversification of Clinical Practice, the 1992 centennial article on Psychotherapy in the Medical & Surgical Arenas, and two 1997 orthopedic textbook chapters in Soft Tissue Injuries  (Windsor & Lox, Eds.) regarding  chronic pain and psychopharmacology.

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May I speak to Dr. Adams prior to my first appointment?

Due to the nature of his schedule, Dr. Adams is not able to speak to patients prior to their first appointment. We encourage you to utilize www.psychological.com to familiarize yourself with disorders, treatment and research. Before you schedule le your first appointment (404-252-6454), please go to private patient information. Adults must make their own appointments; these cannot be made by family or friends.

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I work full time; when can I be seen?

Private patient appointments are not available in evenings, Fridays or weekends. Drop-in office visits cannot be accommodated due to the needs of current patients. Emergency appointments are available only to ongoing patients  

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What should I expect on the first visit?

If you prefer, a history form can be mailed to you prior to your first visit. Always arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment to insure that you receive your full allotted time. All visits end at the allotted time, even if you arrive late. You will be asked for a description of any concurrent medical condition including prescribed medications on your first visit. Dr. Adams requires that all patients maintain contact with their primary care physician, especially those patients with chronic health concerns. The first visit entails a developmental, education, health and occupational history before treatment begins. Those not enrolled in treatment (eg. family members) cannot attend an office visit except with prior discussion/arrangement with Dr. Adams.  Dr. Adams requires an individual visit with each member of a couple or family prior to seeing the couple/family conjointly. Initially or at some later point, he may recommend that one of more be seen individually by someone else in the community, dependent upon needs and problems presented. Cancellations must be made at least two work days before the scheduled appointment or are billed for the full amount of the office visit. Failure to show for an appointment is billed for the full amount of the office visit. Please be aware that The Medical Quarters is a non-smoking environment and requires paid parking. Please turn off all cell phones prior to entering the office. 

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Who is most likely to benefit from psychological care?

Highly motivated patients with the ability to form insightful understanding of their own role in their problems, patients who are able to access and express their emotions, and patients who are comfortable forming a doctor-patient alliance are good candidates. Those who are using their symptoms to punish others, who poorly understand the role of emotions in their lives, and/or who have tangible gain from their symptoms are not good candidates.

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What is the cost of psychological examination and care?

Click here to download .pdf of fee schedule

Office visit for individuals:

• The initial visit ($300) involves differential diagnostic examination (MMPI-2) required for individuals - $150 + $150 45-minute consultation fee
• The first visit will require two hours in the office including the diagnostic testing
• Follow-up office psychotherapy visits are 45 minutes in length - $150 per visit. 

Office visit for couples:

• For the first appointment, each partner is seen individually
• The initial visit ($325) for each partner involves differential diagnostic examination (MMPI-2 + Marital Satisfactory Inventory) $175 + $150 45-minute consultation fee
• The first visit will require 2½ hours in the office for each partner including the diagnostic testing
• Follow-up office conjoint psychotherapy visits are 60 minutes in length - $200 per visit. 

Office visit for families:

• For the first appointment, each family member is seen individually
• The initial visit ($300) for each family member involves differential diagnostic examination (MMPI-2 or MMPI-A) $150 + $150 45-minute consultation fee
• The first visit will require two hours in the office for each family member including the diagnostic testing
• Follow-up office visits are 60 minutes in length - $200 per visit. 

Insurance:

Payment is required at the time of all visits. Visa, Mastercard or American Express are accepted.

The office will provide you with a completed HCFA insurance form that you may use to file for reimbursement from your insurance carrier. If filing with your insurance, always call them prior to scheduling your first appointment to see if there are restrictions regarding whom you may see, and whether prior authorization is required.

A full charge will be made for any visit which is not cancelled with 48 hours (2 business days) notice.

Effective 12/20/2006

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Atlanta Medical Psychology

Dr. Adams' office is on the second floor (Suite 251) of The Medical Quarters (5555 Peachtree-Dunwoody Road).  The building sits at the intersection of Johnson Ferry and Peachtree-Dunwoody Roads in Sandy Springs.  This area is often referred to as "pill hill" since it is at the top of the hill at the junction of Northside, Scottish Rite and Saint Joseph Hospitals. The most direct route is I-285 outer loop to the Peachtree-Dunwoody exit #28 and then turn left and continue to Johnson Ferry intersection, or I-285 inner loop to the Glenridge exit #26, left on Johnson Ferry and continue to Peachtree Dunwoody intersection).  Click here for MAP.

The office address is: Atlanta Medical Psychology, 5555 Peachtree-Dunwoody Road, N.E., Atlanta, GA 30342-1703. Telephone: 404.252.6454.

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