FAQ

We are in the Stop & Shop plaza off Exit 43 (old Exit 17) on 495. If you are coming to the office on 495 South, you will need to take a left off the exit. If you are using 495 North, you will take a right off the exit. At the next light, turn right into the Stop & Shop plaza and take the second right. The main entrance to our building is to the right of the UPS Store (500 Franklin Village Drive). You can take the elevator or stairs to the second floor. Take a right out when you reach the second floor. Our office is the last door on the right side of the hallway – Suite 112.

Yes, we accept insurance for counseling. Our therapists are providers with Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Carelon, Cigna/Evernorth, Fallon, Harvard Pilgrim, HealthNet, Mass General Brigham Health Plan, Optum, Oxford, Tufts, Tufts Health Direct, UMR, United Healthcare, Wellpoint, and WellSense.

Your out-of-pocket cost for counseling sessions is determined by the behavioral health benefits of your insurance plan. We will confirm your out-of-pocket cost for counseling before scheduling your intake appointment.

Clients generally meet every 1-2 weeks (at least at the onset). Less frequent sessions may not allow sufficient time to explore and address the issues at hand. Often, sessions will become less frequent as therapy proceeds and acute problems are resolved.

Sessions are typically scheduled on the hour and last approximately 52 minutes.

Treatment length varies with the nature of the treatment goals. Some people find that they see improvement after a few sessions. Other people choose to work on goals that involve a longer commitment. Timelines for treatment will be discussed during sessions and with families for younger clients.

No, they do not. Our clinicians neither prescribe medication nor provide medication management to clients. However, it is not uncommon for people to use medications such as SSRI antidepressants or ADHD medications while in therapy. Whenever necessary, we can recommend referrals to psychiatrists or physicians, and we strive to coordinate care with these providers.

The language surrounding evaluations has always been confusing for parents and educators alike. A neuropsychological evaluation typically includes a more comprehensive battery of tests designed to answer more complex learning challenges or provide greater diagnostic clarity for more complex clinical profiles. Although Dr. Murphy is a school psychologist by training, he integrates neuropsychological instruments into his battery of assessments to complete comprehensive evaluations for some of the most complex cases throughout Massachusetts as a contracted evaluator for 50+ school districts.

Educational testing is a term reserved specifically for standardized assessments in the areas of mathematics, reading, and writing. These evaluations are typically included when individuals being tested are struggling in school and are seeking to access formalized supports, such as Individualized Educational Programs (IEPs) or 504 Accommodation Plans.

Yes, this is one of our most common referral questions for school-aged children and adolescents.

Parents and families often have important questions regarding the cost of evaluations. We do not accept insurance for evaluations and testing. However, we can provide an itemized billing statement once the evaluation is complete to submit to your insurance company. Reimbursement directly to you would depend on your insurance plan.

The evaluation process begins with a 90-minute initial consultation with Dr. Murphy. Initial consultations provide an excellent opportunity for you to share information and concerns with him, as well as discuss possible testing options and outcomes.

The consultation step is critical for determining the following:

• Is an evaluation the best next step?

• What should the scope of the evaluation be?

• What are the primary goals for the evaluation?

Please click the “Contact Us Today” button if you would like to schedule an in-person or virtual initial consultation with Dr. Murphy.