“Ok Deborah, sorry to say, but you have to complete court-mandated services if you want to get your license back.”

You never thought you’d hear those words before. You’re a good person. That sort of thing is for bad people. Alarm bells ring in your mind.

You wonder about the embarrassment of facing the consequences of your actions. You worry about other people you will encounter. And you may not have been offered up words of encouragement. You are on your own.

This is a dilemma faced by many people every year. After a DUI, drug or alcohol charge, anger management charge, or similar incident, you are assigned a probation officer, or are encouraged by your attorney to take certain actions to protect yourself. 

Now you have a new challenge ahead: satisfying court mandated requirements so that worse consequences don’t come your way, or so that you can earn back privileges.

Court-Mandated Requirements.

Those requirements are likely to include:

  • Initial Evaluation.meet with a counselor to discuss your alcohol and drug use, and overall mental health
  • Classes.regular sessions in a group of your peers who are there for similar reasons
  • Intensive Treatment.if you are identified as having a substance use disorder, you may be recommended for more intensive treatment including longer hours of counseling and seeing a psychiatrist

This doesn’t sound easy. Especially if you haven’t done this before.

What to Expect.
And as you enter this arena, you know only that it is going to be expensive. Most treatment providers put their interests above yours and charge an arm and a leg – because they can. And because you don’t really have a lot of options.

Those treatment providers are likely to put you through long hours of mind-numbing education about the dangers of drug and alcohol use. In a word, this is boring. The providers don’t have much incentive to make your time with them meaningful. And upon completion, you are unlikely to have gotten much out of it.

At Kemet, We Take a Different Approach.
We are clinical nerds. We know what is most helpful during court mandated services and how to achieve the best outcomes: for you, for the courts, and for the community.

We are honest with you. From Day 1.
This is not common. But it’s what we would want if we were in your shoes. What to expect from our programs, what you can expect from the courts, how to best communicate with your assigned probation officer, and how much everything costs. There is no hidden agenda at Kemet. We want to help.

We focus on prevention, not abstinence.
What does this mean? It means don’t want to see you ever again. At least, not in a court-mandated fashion after more legal charges against you. We want to prevent the behaviors that led you down the path to our program. 

We aren’t here to push an abstinence-focused future. That mentality may sound great to many – no more drinking! – but it is unrealistic in the long term. Instead, try to create healthy habits and build self-awareness around dangerous behaviors. You won’t be allowed to drink while in treatment with us, but you can learn new strategies for the future.

Your motivation is critical to your success. We are not here to kill your motivation.
Expensive treatment and mean treatment providers seem to be the norm. This doubles down on your punishment at a time that you need someone to connect with most. Someone who is there for you when life is difficult. At a time that you are more likely to build new healthy habits for the future. We are not here to be confrontational.

To do this, we are engaging and sometimes even have fun. Our group sessions get loud: we laugh, we share intimate stories, and we explore a lot of what it means to be human. We know all that goes into living healthy and happy lives, as well as how to address the pain that many of us carry around every day. 

You will learn at Kemet. But not like a school or from long, tired videos. You will learn real skills.
At Kemet, we care about exposure to new ideas. We care about bringing you the best of what has worked for clients in the past. You may not come into this process with the mindset of learning, but we want to give you value and be useful for your future.

We see comparable prices at treatment centers of $70, $80, $100 per session. And we also hear horrible reviews from the poor souls who get stuck there. At Kemet, we charge $55 per session and we are also in your corner. 

Give us a call at 703-256-1600 to speak with someone who will treat you with dignity and respect through this process. We are happy to answer any questions you may have. Our aim is to offer the best services at affordable prices in our corner of the universe of Northern Virginia.

You’ve been assigned to complete Anger Management. Maybe it is from an employer (EAP), maybe it is from the courts or a probation officer, or maybe damaged relationships that require you to work on some behaviors you’ve exhibited lately. 

Whatever it is, Anger Management is something new to you. This article should help to clarify what to expect. 

Whatever it may be, Anger Management is not something we are used to. There can be a sense of shame or stigma about seeking help. And treatment can be very different depending on where you go for classes.

You Matter. At Kemet Health we are here to treat you with dignity and respect. That is first and foremost our aim in serving you. We protect your confidentiality as our top priority as we help you at this time in your life.

We Charge Less! As part of dignity and respect we choose to charge less than other practices.It is not unheard of to see prices of $100, $150, or even $200 for an evaluation. We charge an affordable $70 for the evaluation and $55 per group session.

Program Structure. As you enter the program, the typical structure for Anger Management at Kemet is:

  • Treatment Evaluation
  • 8-10 interactive group sessions (this can vary widely depending on personal situation)
  • Telemedicine (during COVID-19 you can access all our services from the comfort of home)

Class Topics. Classes cover a number of important anger-related topics including how triggers and negative thinking can lead to frustrations or interpersonal conflicts. We also focus on self-development to create proper tools for improving self-talk and self-care, fostering a sense of forgiveness, improving communication, and how to deal with difficult people in your life.

The Group Environment. Participation is important. We expect everyone to speak up and interact during our group sessions. This makes the experience much more engaging and you can learn from your peers. You also will not feel as though you are being “talked at” or lectured to.

The Right Team. Our Anger Management Classes are offered by highly capable Certified Anger Management Specialists (CAMS-1) with many years of experience. They are a member of the National Anger Management Association (NAMA), which is the international professional association in the field of anger management.

Completion Certificate. At the end of the program, you earn a Certificate of Completion and a sense of satisfaction for having developed new tools. This certificate satisfies your needs with any number of parties (courts, employer, etc.) and we are able to coordinate directly to confirm your participation at Kemet.

Join us in our Anger Management Program! We are located in Northern Virginia in Springfield, VA. And currently we offer all our classes via videoconferencing software (ZOOM). You will not have to meet us in person during the COVID-19 shutdowns.

Call us at 703-256-1600 to speak with someone and answer any questions you may have. Or click on the “Appointments” button at the top to request an appointment. We look forward to speaking with you.

Primer.

You may be required to complete an anger management assessment to satisfy employer- or court mandated requirements. This may be needed for:

  • Required by your employer (EAP)
  • Court Mandated
  • Probation
  • Prior to Sentencing

Many people are required to complete an anger management assessment every year. This can be intimidating, but there is no need to be concerned.

Completing an Anger Management Assessment

You will meet with one of our Anger Management specialists who has experience conducting an anger assessment. 

In the anger assessment, you can expect the following:

  • Introduce yourself to the anger specialist
  • Recount the story from your most recent anger episode
  • Describe your history of anger and its presence in your life
  • Describe and analyze your thoughts in different scenarios 
  • Outline any goals you have

You can expect the anger assessment to last about one hour. We do everything we can to make the assessment a welcoming experience and treat you with dignity and respect.


Preparing for the Anger Assessment

What to bring with you:

  • Photo ID
  • $70

And that’s it!

We may be biased, but we think we have the best anger management programs in Northern Virginia. Give us a call at 703-256-1600 to learn more and speak with one of our anger specialists.

We try hard to make our prices affordable. And we can help you bill your insurance for reimbursement, listing us as an out-of-network provider. Ask about out of network insurance billing when you call.  

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is among the most researched and indicated evidence-based modalities for mental health and substance abuse counseling. It is a proactive, problem-solving and solutions-focused means of exploring issues in an individual’s life. This is why we utilize CBT in so many of our interactions – we think it works!

That being said, there are steps you can take to get more out of CBT.  

  • Start therapy with a few goals in mind. Most people arrive in therapy and do not think about what they might be able to take away from it. We are here to help you along the way but being mindful on a few goals can make a big difference. A therapist may not fully recognize things you need even months into therapy.
  • Honesty is everything. It can be hard to open up fully – especially with a new therapist. Personal struggles are often highly personal and touch many areas of our lives. If you are hesitant to share about painful emotions or concerned about embarrassment, let your therapist know. Sometimes the act of sharing about reluctance can help to build a better relationship in therapy.
  • Therapy is a partnership. And every good partnership starts with a level of respect, dignity, and trust. We work to develop a therapeutic relationship with you founded on these fundamental ideas. Once we are partnered together, CBT and other modalities work that much better.
  • Practice makes perfect. You are going to get homework at Kemet. It may not resemble what you are used to from school, but it is just as important to take seriously. Whether it is making a journal or attempts at improving communication at home, practicing what we cover in CBT is how you make the best progress.
  • Results take time. Deep and fundamental changes do not happen overnight, especially when you recognize the time needed to form new habits. CBT can be hard work as you address your emotional and personal needs. You may need several counseling sessions before you see improvement.
  • If therapy isn’t working, speak up! Your therapist may not be aware of the lack of results in your personal life. You may find it hard to share a lack of results, or feel it’s important to always communicate progress. But it is important to be honest and direct, especially if CBT isn’t working as an approach for you.
  • Stick to your treatment plan. It can be tempting to skip sessions or feel that you “have it from here”. But the treatment plan is there not only to start healthy habits, but also to reinforce and solidify them.

If you find yourself asking – “what is CBT and how does it work?”, it can be thought of in a few simple steps:

  1. Identify troubling situations or conditions in your life
  2. Increase your awareness of thoughts, emotions, and beliefs about these problems
  3. Identify negative or unhelpful thinking
  4. Reshape negative or unhelpful thinking

We look forward to helping you with CBT. See in you therapy!

Chloe is a board certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. She has an undergraduate degree from Birmingham-Southern College and completed her Masters program at Vanderbilt University. 

In addition to medication management services, she aims to support her patients using personalized goals, brief cognitive behavioral techniques, and education. 

Chloe’s background is in Community Mental Health and she’s specialized in a variety of psychiatric disorders including but not limited to anxiety, OCD, depression, panic, and bipolar disorder. She is LGBTQIA+ competent and affirming.

Brent R. Coyle, M.D. is a Board Certified Psychiatrist with the additional distinction of “Distinguished Fellow,” with over 36 years of experience in psychiatry in various settings, including inpatient, academic, and outpatient.

Dr. Coyle received his M.D. from The University of Minnesota, Mpls. campus, and he completed his Psychiatric Residency at Wilford Hall, USAF Medical Center in San Antonio, TX. His clinical passion is Patient-Centered Care and working in collaboration with Clients to assist them with their mental health and well-being.

He treats various psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety, psychosis, substance and mood disorders. He utilizes non-pharmacological treatment of supportive listening and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with evidence-based pharmacological management. His ultimate goal is for Clients to be heard and healed through counseling, education, and medication.

Maggie is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). She has a Master
of Science in Nursing from Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, as well as a Bachelor of Science in
Psychology and minor in Neuroscience from Miami University. Since 2013 she has worked in various
settings, such as: community mental health, private practice, corrections, and skilled/assisted nursing
facilities.

Maggie specializes in geriatric psychiatry, anxiety disorders (including posttraumatic stress
disorder, panic disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder), mood disorders (including major depressive
disorder and bipolar disorder) and ADHD.

She meets people wherever they are in their journey, while
utilizing evidence-based practice to diagnose, treat and educate patients while on their path to
wellness.

Although controlled substance prescriptions for benzodiazepines, stimulants, and opioid-based medications will not be utilized, other safer and effective alternatives can be explored as part of a
treatment regimen to optimize overall functioning in all aspects of life.

Helen Lancy is a board-certified Nurse Practitioner with a master’s in nursing from Spring Arbor University, currently pursuing a Doctor of Nursing in Psychiatric Mental Health from the University of Missouri. With four years of experience in the field of psychiatry, she specializes in anxiety, depression, mood disorders, ADHD, and trauma in patients 13+.

A big factor in Helen’s approach to patient care is her commitment to understanding each individual on a personal level. With a deep respect for your health history, life experiences, circumstances, and concerns, she tailors the treatment plan to your unique needs. Helen’s patient care philosophy emphasizes an optimistic, multi-cultural approach that is evidence-based, with the goal of finding solutions to achieve comprehensive remission of symptoms.

Helen treats her patients with dignity and respect in a safe, non-judgmental space, encouraging them to freely share their needs and struggles. She incorporates health education into her practice, empowering clients with knowledge about their psychiatric condition. This collaborative approach allows clients to actively participate in developing the most effective treatment solutions.

Helen guided individuals to take control of their health and emotional wellbeing while promoting lifestyle changes that contribute to mental health and achieving personal goals by blending integrative and modern medicine to foster a holistic approach. Depending on individual needs, a combination of psychotherapy and medication management may be utilized.

Ms. Jennifer Sims is a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who has over 25 years of experience in psychiatry and in a variety of settings including inpatient, academic, and outpatient.

Ms. Sims received her Master’s in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing from Indiana University. She is also a Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist and has an MBA.

Her clinical passion is Patient-Centered Care and working in collaboration with Clients to assist them with their mental health well-being.

Ms. Jennifer Sims is a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who has over 25 years of experience in psychiatry and in a variety of settings including inpatient, academic, and outpatient.

Ms. Sims received her Master’s in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing from Indiana University. She is also a Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist and has an MBA.

Her clinical passion is Patient-Centered Care and working in collaboration with Clients to assist them with their mental health well-being.

Rohan’s mission is to build an affordable, EQ-focused healthcare organization for all which prioritizes staff and patient health outcomes above everything else.

Rohan is a principal and on the board of three healthcare organizations overseas, the Wadhwani Institute of Sustainable Healthcare (WISH), which has provided free primary healthcare to over 40 million people in extremely resource impoverished areas of Northern India, the Wadhwani Institute of Artificial Intelligence (WIAI), which is focused on using AI to solve issues for those at the bottom of the economic pyramid, and 2070 Health, one of India’s first healthcare venture studios focused on patient-centric companies.

In his previous professional endeavors, Rohan, who is from Pittsburgh and graduated from Carnegie Mellon University, spent time with Morgan Stanley and PNC advising families and companies on sustaining family values for multiple generations and using assets to perpetuate those values.

All too often, individuals, patients and co-workers alike, are treated like commodities, like just a number. We pride ourselves on treating each individual, each family, who walks through our doors, like our family, like our close friends. It is this attitude, this approach, that is needed to build lasting change in healthcare.