Health Psychology Services

Forensic Neuropsychological Testing and Evaluation

There are many factors that influence our health and well-being, including biological, psychological, and social variables. Modern psychological science indicates these factors interact with each other to impact health and wellness. This model of health and disease is known as the biopsychosocial model, highlighted below.

Health psychology focuses on the intersection of biological, psychological, and social factors relating to health and wellness. Health conditions usually require medical interventions such as medications and other treatments that target our biology. However, for the effective management of chronic health conditions and maximization of current health and well-being, psychological and social factors are of equal importance. These two areas are the focus of health psychology. So often, these aspects of our personal health are not prioritized due to the roles and responsibilities of our daily lives. For example, stress levels, sleep, knowledge of health-related topics, and adherence to medical intervention can all impact health.

Through health psychology treatment, these areas and others are prioritized in an effort to develop a plan to maximize health, better manage health conditions, and increase confidence in self-management.

Although several health concerns are considered to be primarily biological or physical, research has shown a whole-person approach to health that incorporates aspects of the biopsychosocial model can lead to improved health management and self-efficacy. Below are examples of common health concerns and areas of clinical focus that are regularly treated through health psychology service.

Chronic Pain
Coping Skill Development
Diabetes Management
Cardiovascular Health
Multiple Sclerosis Management
Traumatic Brain Injury
Neurodegenerative Conditions
Adjustment to a New Health Diagnosis
Improving Health Behaviors/Management Behaviors
Adherence to Medical Interventions

Smoking Cessation/Tobacco Cessation
Excessive Use of Alcohol
Diet and Exercise
Weight management
Sleep Issues
Stress Management
Anger Management
Activity and Engagement
Health Education

In addition to treating individuals who experience health concerns, health psychology service also recognizes the importance of caregiver health and well-being. Many health conditions have a significant impact on family members, and health psychology service can be beneficial for you if you are having difficulty supporting or caring for someone who has a chronic health condition.

Treatment will start with a clinical interview to determine areas of concern for you and factors that may be contributing to current difficulties.

Once your provider has a sense of your current situation, you and your provider will work together to develop an individualized treatment plan to address these concerns. This treatment plan can take many different forms, but regularly incorporates skill development, goal setting, and stress management. Health psychology treatment is short-term usually lasting between 4-6 sessions. The length of treatment may vary dependent on your specific needs and goals. Sessions take place weekly or bi-weekly. If you have questions about the service or feel health psychology treatment could benefit you, please contact the office for additional information or to schedule an appointment.

*Resource for additional information on health psychology and the biopsychosocial model. Click here.