Survey Response: Jonna Lee Barta, Ph.D.
This survey was last updated in April 2009.
License number: This survey respondent has requested that her license number not be displayed on the wiki. It can be found through the Texas State Board of Examining Psychologist's website.
Number of years in practice: I have been licensed and practicing psychology since 2001.
Number of years in practice with patients who have TMS: I have been working with clients with Psychophysiologic Disorders (PPD) / TMS since 2005.
Number of patients you have seen who have had TMS:
I have an individual private practice and the percentage of PPD / TMS clients varies. Generally, the percentage of clients I see with PPD / TMS fluctuates between 10 to 50 percent of the clients I work with on a weekly basis. I also work with a number of clients who suffer from emotional distress related to various medical conditions, as well as those with a history of trauma, loss, depression and anxiety. When working with PPD / TMS clients, I generally require that client to rule out any outstanding physical conditions first with a physician. Consulting a medical doctor who treats or understands PPD / TMS may be warranted, but in general the client can consult any doctor of their choice. It is generally recommended that clients read Dr. Sarno's books or information written by other experts in the field before starting therapy. It is best that the client has tried the suggested methods for treatment first (journaling, using Dr. Schechter's MindBody Work book, practicing learned techniques) before beginning psychotherapy treatment for PPD / TMS given they may experience symptom relief from these efforts.
What is your association to the TMS community?
I enjoy collaborating with the PPD / TMS community and I am listed on various websites as a psychologist to contact for treatment of PPD / TMS in the Dallas area (for example I am listed on Dr. Schechter's mindbodymedicine.com). I make an effort to attend various PPD / TMS conferences. I regularly participate in the Psychophysiologic TMS Peer Network (PTPN) teleconferences in which professionals treating PPD / TMS get the opportunity to consult and share ideas with other clinicians and doctors who have worked directly with Dr. Sarno or have treated PPD / TMS conditions. I am open to corresponding with various doctors in the area who treat PPD / TMS and I am a member of the Psychophysiologic Disorders Association.
Have you ever suffered from TMS? Yes.
Are you able to conduct therapy sessions over the phone? Generally, no.
What insurance plans do you currently accept? Medicare, Medicaid, Unicare, PHCS, Corphealth/Lifesynch, BCBS, Aetna
Do you have a sliding scale of payment for people who are not covered by insurance?
I do not offer sliding scale payments. For short durations, I have offered some pro bono work or financial hardship to a small portion of established clients who are in financial crisis.
What have you done to educate yourself about TMS, and what plans do you have for further education about TMS?
To start, before engaging in TMS work I received specialized training (a portion of my internship training plus 1 year post doctoral training and 4 subsequent years of practice) working with clients with chronic pain syndrome from a conservative pain management perspective. This treatment model is different from a PPD / TMS approach, but it has given me a greater understanding of the vast spectrum of pain disorders. I continue to educate myself with updated information regarding PPD / TMS and mindbody syndromes by corresponding with various physicians who are informed about PPD / TMS. I make an effort to attend PPD / TMS conferences. I regularly consult with other clinicians and medical professionals who treat PPD / TMS on the Psychophysiologic TMS Peer Network.
As we are going to post your answers on the TMS Wiki, feel free to write some text to introduce yourself:
I am married and my husband and I have enjoyed living in Dallas, Texas for several years. We have 2 wonderful children.
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