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        Stephen H. Hill, Ph.D., PLLC, Licensed Psychologist

Introduction      I'm glad you are considering me for counseling, testing or consulting services.  This website should answer many of your questions about my background, professional specialties, insurance billing, and what to expect from counseling.  The extensive Mental Health Links below serve as your personal guide the best mental health information available on the internet.  Self-tests are available for ADHD, Depression, Anxiety and Bipolar. What to Expect from Counseling      As a Licensed Psychologist I help adults, children, families and couples have fewer conflicts in their relationships, improve their communication with love and respect, and eliminate their unnecessary anxiety, stress and depression.  I also diagnose and treat ADHD, teach effective parenting, and guide children and adults through divorce recovery.  For ten years my goal has been for all of my clients to feel fully healthy, and truly enjoy life again.      In both counseling and longer-term therapy, I pride myself on tailoring your experience to fit you individually.  I always encourage you to set your own pace and to feel fully supported, while being challenged to grow from the right amount of objective feedback.  Professionally, I maintain my expertise through continual training, so you can take advantage of the most recent information and research available.  Finally, you should know that I keep my caseload small, so I can give extra attention to everyone I see.

Counseling is not like a medical doctor visit.  Instead, it calls for an active effort on your part.  In order for the counseling to be most successful, you will have to work on things we talk about both at our visits and at home.  Finally, you will maximize your experience by telling me periodically what portions of the counseling you find most helpful.      Counseling has been shown to have great benefits.  You will often have better relationships, find solutions to specific problems, and significantly reduce feelings of distress.      I earned my Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, whose program receives national recognition.  Professionally, I have served both on the Board and the Continuing Education Committee of the Idaho Psychological Association, where I continue as an active member.  I am fully bilingual in Spanish, and so am happy to offer all my services in English or Spanish.  At conferences, I have presented regionally and nationally, and I enjoy presenting to local groups, churches and professional staff.  Complete Academic Biography

Stephen H. Hill, Ph.D., PLLC  Licensed Psychologist      (208) 385-0888   Where every problem receives extraordinary attention. 1517 W. Jefferson Street    Boise, ID  83702

Free Programs and Presentations    (Call 385-0888 for Reservations)

 
5 Easy Ways to Annihilate Stress
   Monday, September 22^nd    7:00pm

Whether you're recovering from back-to-school, overworked, or live in a chronically over-scheduled family, come learn five foundational steps to outsmart and annihilate the stress in your life.  Anyone can put these 5 ideas into practice.

Stephen H. Hill, Ph.D., PLLC  Licensed Psychologist      (208) 385-0888   Where every problem receives extraordinary attention. 1517 W. Jefferson Street    Boise, ID  83702

    Included in my services to you, I complete all insurance paperwork on your behalf.  I am an in-network provider for several Idaho insurance policies, and will be able to collect only the copay once we confirm that you have met your deductible and pre-authorized visits if required.  To find out if I am in-network for your policy, please speak with myself or our receptionist.
    For out-of-network or out-of-state insurance, the fees below are paid in full at the time of our meeting.  In these cases, I will still work with you to ensure that you receive the maximum insurance benefit to which you are entitled, paid directly from your insurance carrier to you.  Credit and debit card payments are accepted in addition to cash and checks (up to $150).  Please speak with me personally if alternative financial arrangements would allow you to seek services with me.  Because I am committed to you at the appointed time, I require 24 hours notice for cancellations.

$125 per 50 minute session
$140 for the Initial Diagnostic Consultation
$579 for complete Brown Scales ADHD testing, incl. 3 page final report
         (payment by cash, credit or debit only for this service)

TIP: When you call your insurance company, it's a good idea to ask at least these four questions:
1)  Do you need to preauthorize visits with me before coming?  Who do you call to do this?
2)  Is there a deductible to meet before benefits begin, and if so, how much of the deductible is met so far?
3)  Is the coverage different if I am an out-of-network provider for your plan?
4)  Is there a maximum number of visits allowed per year, or before the provider must submit reauthorization
      paperwork?  (And please let me know if you have already used some of your visits with another provider).

• Security against unexpected expenses
• Affordability- lower your premiums by choosing a high-deductible plan, then use some of the savings to fund an HSA monthly
  
• Savings- unused HSA dollars can gain tax-free interest
• Control- you make the decision about what provider to see, which expenses to cover from the HSA, and how much to contribute to the HSA
• Portability- you retain individual HSA ownership, so changes in your job, insurance provider, moving, etc. will not affect your HSA
• Tax Savings- HSA contributions can be made pre-tax, HSA savings grow tax-free, and medical cost withdrawals are tax-fre

Stephen H. Hill, Ph.D., PLLC  Licensed Psychologist      (208) 385-0888   Where every problem receives extraordinary attention. 1517 W. Jefferson Street    Boise, ID  83702

Mental Health Links

    Helpful Articles before Starting Counseling, Consultation or Testing

Understanding Your Insurance
Answers to frequently asked questions explains how different policy types, copays and deductibles impact the overall and up-front fees you will owe your medical provider or therapist. After reading this article, you may want to talk to your employer or human resources department about what medical and mental health benefits you would appreciate having next year.  Large deductibles, or having mental health coverage subcontracted can result in higher costs and reduced selection in finding a high-quality provider.

Making a Financial Decision about Counseling or Testing
Even with good insurance coverage or short-term counseling needs, the service is still an investment of your time and money.  This article discusses making a financial decision of when and whether to begin therapy, considering the alternative costs non-treatment may have on your emotional health, your family and your work performance.  Just as with physical health, delaying treatment may result in needing more complex, lengthier services later on, whereas early intervention (prevention) may meet your needs quickly and efficiently.

How to Interview and Choose a Mental Health Professional
A well-written article on how to interview and select a provider who's a good match personally and professionally.  Lists good questions to ask your potential therapist or consultant before setting a first appointment.

Understand the Differences Between a Psychologist and a Psychiatrist
Reviews what services each type of professional provides, and what education is completed for their degree and license.

Stephen H. Hill, Ph.D., PLLC  Licensed Psychologist      (208) 385-0888   Where every problem receives extraordinary attention. 1517 W. Jefferson Street    Boise, ID  83702

NPR Archives: Dealing with ADHD as an Adult
A wonderful introduction to Adult ADHD, with top national researchers Edward Hallowell, MD and Patricia Quinn, MD answering questions from listeners.  An interview with author Robert Jergen and several questions also cover ADHD in childhood.

National Resource Center on ADHD (sponsored by CHADD)
Extremely helpful articles on coping strategies for time management, parenting an ADHD child/teen, relationship and social skills, money management, and ADHD in the workplace.  Don't miss the "Living with ADHD" section.

The Hallowell Center
The resources section offers 15 articles by Dr. Edward Hallowell, author of Driven to Distraction and Delivered from Distraction.  In the upper left corner you can subscribe to his email newsletter.

National Center for Gender Issues and ADHD: Recommended Books and Multimedia Library
This site's public resources section reviews three excellent books on girls and women with ADHD. In general, the site educates adults, parents and teachers about how ADHD can manifest differently in girls and women.  Multimedia presentations (or transcripts) include Making the Grade, How to Help Your Child, and ADD in the School: How to Stay in the Loop.

ADHD Info.com
Separate sections summarize information for understanding ADHD, what responsible treatment includes, and what info. on ADHD is myth vs. fact.  Information is also broken down by category: for parents and caregivers, for school personnel, and for healthcare providers.  The healthcare provider's section gives
references for ADHD scientific studies and professional journal articles.  As available, the references give a link to read the original articles online.

CHADD: Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD)
Brief general ADHD information, plus info. on public policy, recent legislation, and educational rights.

Schwab Learning: ADHD and LD Basics
Current articles on ADHD review the special risks and vulnerabilities for adolescents with ADHD, including academic or vocational failure, alcohol and drug abuse, risky sexual behavior, and dangerous driving.

Adult ADD Info
Hosted by psychiatrists Marc Schwartz, MD and Nicholas Schwartz, MD, this website lists symptoms to recognize ADHD in adulthodd, reviews the (very limited) helpfulness of expensive brain imaging for diagnosis, and describes how google can be used to send helpful reminders to your email or cell phone.

This site includes a good Adult ADHD Self-Test, though if you have concerns you really should pursue a thorough, professional diagnosis by a provider specializing in ADHD.  In my professional experience ADHD is one of the most difficult diagnoses to make accurately, and relatively few mental health professionals have genuine expertise or training in ADHD diagnosis and treatment.  Whereas many forms of depression and anxiety can be relatively straight-forward to assess, ADHD frequently goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed as another condition, as ADHD symptoms often overlap or mimic other concerns.  One large national study found that only half of those who genuinely had ADHD were currently treated, since the diagnosis frequently goes unrecognized by both the individual and the family physician.  You can take the results of any self-tests you've done to this appointment.

Adult ADHD
Other sites have more detailed information for most topics, but it does host a few management tips for home, work and relationships.  Please note that this website is now sponsored by Eli Lilly, maker of the ADHD medication Strattera.  It includes a second, more brief Adult ADHD Self-Test.

ADDitude Magazine
A large, comprehensive website including resources for adults, parents of ADHD children, college students and more.  Resources include a complete back-to-school guide, a review of medical and behavioral treatment options, how to work with schools, a college survival guide, and bulletin board forums on improving organization, career management, parenting, recognizing ADHD, and how to get an accurate diagnosis.

Amen Clinics          * New*
This site hosts a second online Adult ADHD Self-Test, but please read the paragraph immediately above.  Dr. Amen has archived SPECT images comparing normal brain images to both treated and untreated ADHD.  Results are amazing, and Dr. Amen theorizes that up to 7 different subtypes of ADHD may exist, though similar behavioral and medical interventions are appropriate for multiple subtypes.  For the curious, the process and science of SPECT imagery is also described.  ADHD is fortunately one of the most heavily researched areas in mental health.

ADDvance: A Resource for Women and Girls with ADHD
Closely related to the National Center for Gender Issues and ADHD, this site offers a more extensive book library, plus resources of selected articles, online support groups, and a Parents' ADHD Self-Test for Girls and an ADHD Self-Test for Teenage Girls., but please read the indented paragraph above.

Also see Parent Resources for School Advocacy and Educational Rights

ADHD Book List (Compiled by myself and colleagues beginning in 2005)

Stephen H. Hill, Ph.D., PLLC  Licensed Psychologist      (208) 385-0888   Where every problem receives extraordinary attention. 1517 W. Jefferson Street    Boise, ID  83702

NPR Archives: Diagnosing and Treating Childhood Depression
Reviews some basic statistics on teenage depression, the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy, and how teenagers often prefer professional talk therapy over medication, so long as confidentiality is assured.

NPR Archives: Teens and Mental Illness   
In the wake of recent media coverage, an interview with Dr. Leventhal offers a balanced review of the real benefits and risks of antidepressant medicines for children and adolescents. Compares the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy, antidepressant treatment and combined treatment.  Interviews a teenager and her mother about their personal experiences with the daughter's depression, including how they had to overcome the stigma of seeking responsible help.

NPR Archives: Worry and Anxiety: What's Healthy, What's Toxic? 
Worrying can be a healthy thing-- it can make you act with forethought, or keep you on your toes in a dangerous situation. But for some people, worrying becomes downright toxic-- to the point that it disrupts work, pleasure, and physical health. Drs. Hallowell and Dupont take an in-depth look at what makes us worry, and the best strategies for coping.  Briefly addresses taking anxiety medicine during pregnancy, genetic links, overprotective parenting, the role of faith or a personal life philosophy, and the effect of parents' excessive worry on children's adult lives.

NPR Archives: Why We Worry and How to Deal with It
Global warming, aging parents, terrorists, being too fat-- or too thin!  Many Americans are worrying more than they used to.  Dr. Hallowell differentiates between appropriate concern in response to real threats vs. excessive "toxic worry" that can take over your life unnecessarily.  Reviews genetic predisposition, the effect of social isolation, trauma, and how toxic worry can eventually destroy marriages, friendships, and parent-child relationships.  Coping strategies discussed include parents helping their children keep perspective from an early age, and the healthy use of exercise and humor.

NPR Archives: Living with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Checking, double-checking and second-guessing are all within the realm of normal, everyday behavior. But when does this sort of behavior cross the line into obsession? Author and reporter Jeff Bell and guests talk about recognizing and treating of obsessive-compulsive disorder.

NPR Archives: Motherhood in the Age of Anxiety
Author and Newsweek correspondent Judith Warner addresses the "choking cocktail of guilt and anxiety and resentment and regret" that is poisoning motherhood for American women, and how to effectively reclaim the joys of being a parent.

NPR Archives: Suffering for Two: The Bind of Maternal Depression 
Discusses whether prospective mothers should continue or discontinue antidepressant medication during pregnancy and breast-feeding.

NPR Archives: Recognizing Post-Partum Depression   
Several very short stories paint a picture of how to recognize post-partum depression, and some of the common emotional sources of depression during this time.

NPR Archives: Brooke Shields, on Birth and Post-Partum Depression 
An in-depth interview by Fresh Air's by Terry Gross covers the same topics as above, plus how the story changed after seeking appropriate psychological and medical treatment.

The Anxiety Community
Numerous articles on different forms of anxiety, and their medical and psychological treatments.  Includes an online community with chat room and bulletin boards.   A good quality Anxiety Self-Test is available, though you should meet with a professional to form any solid conclusions.  Note:  if you compare technical medication info., please remember that if your medication does not show a FDA "indication" for your specific form of anxiety, this may merely reflect a marketing decision by the drug manufacturer.  Ask your physician whether a given medication is a reasonable choice for your form of anxiety.

Depression Self-Test  Meeting with a professional can further explore any concerns, and determine the severity and precise type of  any depression.

Stephen H. Hill, Ph.D., PLLC  Licensed Psychologist      (208) 385-0888   Where every problem receives extraordinary attention. 1517 W. Jefferson Street    Boise, ID  83702

Psychology Info.com : Common diagnoses
Describes major mental health concerns organized clustered by global category (e.g. anxiety, depression).  Includes a review of causes, subtypes and discussion of medical and psychological treatments.

Web M.D.           * New*
With content written and reviewed by our local company Healthwise, this site offers numerous articles and resources on both physical and mental health.  The Drugs & Treatment tab takes you to an alphabetical list of medications, allowing you to see FDA indications and warnings.

National Institutes of Mental Health (NIMH)  "For the Public"
Excellent reading, with more technical detail included.  Printable pamphlets available here for yourself, or to share with family, friends, coworkers or teachers.

NAMI Idaho
NAMI is a nationwide organization dedicated to support, education and advocacy on behalf of people with a mental illness and their families.  After creating a free online account, you can access numerous online discussion and support groups in a bulletin board format.  Post your comments or questions, or just read about others' experiences.

Schwab Learning: Parenting Strategies
Numerous articles explore such topics as how much to explain to younger children about a diagnosis, parent self-care survival tips, building bonds between siblings and with each parent, preventing risky teen behavior, helping your child find a passion in life, dealing with frustrating behavior, and talking with children about terrorism.

The Idaho Federation of Families
This organization works to educate policy makers, professional organizations, legislators, educators, and the public about the needs of children with emotional, behavioral, and mental disorders and their families.  Resources include parent support groups and education, and instructions on how to advocate for your child's needs at school and elsewhere.

Idaho Parents Unlimited
Federal funding provides an informative quarterly newsletter (with further resources and websites), fine arts opportunities for those with and without disabilities, and frequent presentations and workshops for parents, especially regarding educational rights.

Mental Health Interactive
Extensive archived question-and-answer site, with questions solicited from the public in an "Ask Libby" format.  Also lists national organizations and support groups.  Easy to read, though answers may be more simplified than elsewhere.

   Bipolar Disorder  (formerly called Manic-Depression)

Frontline: The Medicated Child        Watch Video:         * New*
Focusing primarily on medical treatment for childhood and adolescents with bipolar, this program also addresses ADHD, tics, and follows several families as they pursue accurate diagnosis and make difficult medication decisions.  Assesses the current state of knowledge for minors with serious mental  health issues vs. physical ailments like cancer.

Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation
Numerous family stories and articles, expert interviews, research abstracts and reprints.

Bipolar Disorders: Psych. Education.com
Comprehensive site discusses maintaining hope, dual or differential diagnosis with ADHD, thyroid gland function medication issues.  A screening test may help decide if further evaluation by a professional is recommended.

Bipolar Screening Test

Stephen H. Hill, Ph.D., PLLC  Licensed Psychologist      (208) 385-0888   Where every problem receives extraordinary attention. 1517 W. Jefferson Street    Boise, ID  83702

Programs Available by Request

(The most popular recent programs appear in bold)

Individual Health, Development, and Life Skills
·  Take Charge of Your Calendar!  Take Back Your Life!
·  5 Ways to Make Every Day Happy
·  Reclaiming Your Life from Stress & Burnout
·  Recognizing Child and Adult ADHD
·  Contemporary Research Updates on ADHD
·  No More Holiday Madness: A Holiday Survival Guide
·  Suicide Prevention & Intervention
·  Assertiveness Training
·  Coming Out to Friends and Family

Relationship Issues
·  Being Single in the New Millennium
·  Rekindle: Marital Enrichment Workshop
·  Couples in Trouble: Rethink, Restart

Parenting
·  Parenting Teens-- and Surviving!
·  A Crash Course in Effective Parenting
·  Single Again: A Divorce Survival Guide for Parents and Children
·  Stepfamily Parenting

Communication and Conflict Resolution
·  Restoring Healthy Communication in the Workplace
·  Effective Communication / Active Listening
·  Conflict Resolution
·  Cross-Gender Communication

Cognitive-Behavioral                                                  Soccer
Interpersonal                                                              Kayaking
Systems Therapies (for couples/families)                     Hiking & Orienteering
Gestalt                                                                       Flower and Vegetable Gardening
Humanistic                                                                 Writing Poetry in English and Spanish
Existential
Modified Rational-Emotive Therapy                                                                   
Neo-analytic (as needed, e.g. Jung, Shapiro)
Behavioral
Multicultural Therapies  

Stephen H. Hill, Ph.D., PLLC  Licensed Psychologist      (208) 385-0888   Where every problem receives extraordinary attention. 1517 W. Jefferson Street    Boise, ID  83702

                                                                                                                        Last updated 7/24/06

EDUCATION

Ph.D.        Southern Illinois University at Carbondale                      Aug. 1999
                 Counseling Psychology (A.P.A. Full Accreditation)
                     Supervised experience included:

• 4 years at the University Counseling Center
• 1 year in the Marriage and Family Practicum
• 1 year in Community Mental Health
• Over 5,500 hours of supervised clinical experience

M.A.         Southern Illinois University at Carbondale                     May 1996
                 Counseling Psychology (A.P.A. Full Accreditation)

B.A.          Davidson College, N.C.                                               May 1994
                 Major: Psychology        Minor: International Studies with Spanish
                 Advanced study of Spanish history and poetry at the
                 University of Sevilla, Spain.  Fluent in Spanish.

 
 HONORS

Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale
Disney Award- Paid Attendance to National Conference on Race and Ethnicity
Dean’s List, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale
Graduation Cum Laude, Davidson College

PROFESSIONAL POSITIONS

 Private Practice Owner and Psychologist                                                                                                      June 00-Present

    Offices at Jefferson Street Counseling & Consulting, Boise

Duties: Full time private practice.  Provided a mix of adult, child, group, couples and family therapy, along with ADHD assessment and psychological evaluations. Presented programs on a wide variety of mental health topics, at the practice, at professional conferences, and on-site for corporate employers.  Therapy specialties include marital and family counseling, adolescents, effective parenting, divorce recovery, depression and anxiety, and ADHD assessment and treatment.  All services are available in Spanish.

 
Psychologist and Program Development Consultant

Terry Reilly Behavioral Health Center, Nampa                                                                                               Nov. 00-Oct. 04

Duties: Part-time contracted position.  Responsible for comprehensive reorganization and development of Terry Reilly’s Behavioral Health Center.  Developed a large group counseling program to eliminate the agency’s lengthy wait list while simultaneously resolving no-show and productivity issues.  Served as the functional supervisor of social work and support staff for 2 years.  Bilingual service provision.

Doctoral Intern                                                                                                                                                 Aug 98-Aug 99

      Center for Student Development (Counseling Center), University of Memphis

Duties: Full-time predoctoral internship.  Counseled to 15-20 individuals and couples per week, and supervised a doctoral practicum student.  Administered and interpreted personality, intelligence and achievement instruments.  Tested and diagnosed learning disabilities and ADHD.  Populations included African-American, Asian, Caucasian, African, Hispanic, learning disabilities and developmentally disabilities.

PRESENTATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS

    Hill, S.H.  (2004-2007).  Contemporary Research Update on ADHD.  Idaho Counselor Association Annual Conference, Boise Family Practice M.D. Residency Program, Meridian Joint School District.

    Hill, S.H.  (2005).  Your ADHD Student Can Shine in School.  Idaho Counselor Association Annual Conference.

    Hill, S.H.  (2002).  Adapting Gestalt 2-Chair Techniques for Marital and Family Therapy.  Idaho Counselor Association Annual Conference.

    Hill, S.H.  (2001).  Guided Imagery and Meditative Relaxation Techniques.  Idaho School Counselor Association Annual Conference.

    Hill, S.H., Furness, T. J., Rueling Furness, S., Adkins, L.  (2000).  Brief Therapy Techniques for Parenting, Marital and ADHD Issues.  Idaho School Counselor Association Annual Conference.

    Nicholson, J. A., Hill, S. H., & Peaslee, A.  (1999).  Fears and Phobias: From Exhilaration to Terror.   Idaho Counselor Association Annual Conference.

    Hill, S. H., & Gilbert, D. G.  (1997).  Attribution-Making within the Distancer-Pursuer Dynamic.  Chicago, IL: American Psychological Association 105th Annual Conference.

    Rodgers, R., & Hill, S. H.  (1997).  Settling Down in Carbondale and the Counseling Psychology Program.  Available from Department of Psychology, SIUC Mailcode 6502, Carbondale, IL   62901.

    Hill, S. H.  (1996).  Adjusting to college.  SIUC Mental Health Web [on line].  Available: http://www.siu.edu/offices/counsel/topics.htm.

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Stephen H. Hill, Ph.D., PLLC  Licensed Psychologist      (208) 385-0888   Where every problem receives extraordinary attention. 1517 W. Jefferson Street    Boise, ID  83702