Dr. Santanello specializes in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy which he integrates with other, evidence-based Cognitive Behavior Therapy approaches. He especially enjoys working with people who identify as introverts. He understands what it’s like to navigate a social world while balancing the legitimate need for alone time to recharge. Many of Dr. Santanello’s clients experience anxiety, worry, depression, and dissatisfaction with life from going through difficult times and from the perpetual feeling of being “stuck.” He helps these clients become unstuck and to move forward in their lives.
"Although we all have a unique history and set of problems, I believe that each and every one of us can create a life of meaning and purpose. This requires the courageous decision to make room for pain in the service of taking action on the things that are most important."
As mentioned above, Dr. Santanello’s approach to therapy draws heavily from mindfulness-based approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Why ACT? Well, the ACT approach to alleviating human suffering has a mountain of research support. There are now more than 1,000 randomized controlled trials on ACT or its components. Within a larger ACT framework, Dr. Santanello collaborates with his clients to set mental health goals and always keeps those goals in mind throughout sessions. He helps clients determine what’s in their control and what’s out of their control. He helps clients to recognize the links between their actions and the impact of these actions on their lives. This creates an opportunity to make behavioral choices that are more consistent with clients’ deepest sources of meaning and purpose rather than continuing. to engage in self-defeating patterns that offer only short term relief from discomfort.
Individual Psychological Treatment
I provide evidence-based psychological treatment for many common problems.
What is the goal of psychological treatment?
The ultimate goals of psychological treatment are to build patterns of living that reduce suffering and increase flourishing in the long term. Evidence-based psychological treatments, such as CBT and ACT, are effective in the long term because clients can continue to use their skills once therapy is over. Treatment is completed when the client’s unique goals have been reached.
What is it like to do evidence-based psychological treatment?
Effective psychological treatment is similar to physical therapy in some ways. Both types of therapy are:
- Focused on targeting specific problems
- Time-limited
- Designed to teach new ways of dealing with problems in therapy sessions
- Often require short term discomfort to achieve long term change
- Require the client to practice new skills at home between sessions
Therapists teach clients ways to manage emotional pain and to solve their practical problems in the lives right now. It is a very engaging and active form of therapy.
How much does it cost?
Initial Appointment: $200
60-minute Psychotherapy Session: $200
Professional Training
Even the most seasoned therapists need to keep their skills sharp.
Why is coaching helpful?
Although CBT is a science-based therapy, there is certainly an art to effective delivery. Coaching is a great opportunity to practice your skills in a low-stakes and supportive environment.
What is coaching like?
Coaching is similar to other types of skills-based consultation. Dr. Santanello tends to favor conceptualization and experiential practice over didcatic training methods.
How much does it cost?
The charge for a 60 minute coaching session is $200.
Are there other ways to learn?
Yes! If you are interested in attending professional workshops to hone your Acceptance and Commitment Therapy skills, head over to The ACT Academy Homepage and joining the mailing list!
Learn more about The ACT Academy
Telehealth Services
Telehealth refers to the provision of psychological services remotely through the use of technology.
What is it like?
Basically, the experience of participating in tele-psychology is very similar to video chat with other people in your life. Dr. Santanello and his clients interact through the use of web cameras and microphones over a secure internet connection. Often, Dr. Santanello will follow-up with his clients after sessions through secure messaging, a type encrypted email, to provide them with helpful worksheets that assist in learning new coping skills.
Is telehealth available where I live?
As a licensed provider who is registered with PsyPact, I am able to provided telehealth services to clients in 27 states and counting.
To find out if your state participates in PsyPact, check out the PsyPact map below.
Learn more about PsyPact
Do you have to be a computer genius?
No! If you know how to use email, click on internet links, fill out forms, and use videochat, you already have 95% of the skills you need to make the most out of telehealth. Of course, you will need access to high-speed internet, a web cam (most computers have them these days), and a microphone of some sort. Earbuds with integrated microphones that often come with smart phones are perfect for telehealth.
Why choose telehealth?
Telehealth is a great option for people who are pressed for time and/or who don’t have access to evidence-based, cognitive behavior therapy in their area . Telehealth is also a much more convenient option for many people compared to traditional, in-person therapy.
How much does it cost?
Initial Appointment via interactive video teleconference: $200
60-Minute Psychotherapy via interactive video teleconference: $200
Frequently Asked Questions
What is your training and overall experience?
I earned my doctorate in clinical psychology from La Salle University in 2006. After completing graduate school, I received years of intensive training and supervision in many forms of CBT (including Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD) and Accpetance and Commitment Therapy for a variety of different conditions. Specifically, I’ve had very good results providing Evidence-Based Psychotherapy to clients experiencing panic attacks, excessive worry, social anxiety, different types of fears/phobias, PTSD, depression, insomnia, and difficult life transitions. For the first decade of my career as a psychologist, I served as a Staff Psychologist in the Trauma Recovery Program in the VA Maryland Health Care System. Since that time, I have served as a Senior Military Behavioral Health Psychologist and Special Consultant to the Center for Deployment Psychology, a Peer Reviewed Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Trainer, and a National Trainer in Cognitive Processing Therapy.
Do you accept insurance?
I am not part of any insurance network and am considered an “out-of-network” provider. If your insurance plan allows you to see out of network providers for telehealth services, you may be able to submit receipts from our sessions for reimbursement. It’s important to check with your insurance provider about what services are eligible for reimbursement and what documentation needs to be submitted in order to request reimbursement. I may be able to provide the information required by your insurance company. However, you (not your insurance company) are responsible for full payment of my fees.
Here is a step-by-step guide to out-of-network benefits: https://blog.zencare.co/guide-to-out-of-network-benefits/
Can I use my out-of-network insurance benefits ?
If you have out-of-network insurance benefits, you can verify your eligibility and even file claims through my Reimbursify portal.
To find out more, please visit https://reimbursify.com/for-patients/
I have a Health Savings Account (HSA). Can I use that to pay your fees?
Yes! IRS Publication 502 states, “You can include in medical expenses amounts you pay to a psychologist for medical care.”
