What is the TEAM approach?
T = Testing. I will utilize a number of methods to ensure we are aware of all pertinent aspects effecting your situation. This will include making sure we have an accurate diagnosis before we get started, and measuring our progress at each session.

E = Empathy. I will listen to you share information about your situation. It is my goal to “step into your shoes” and understand not only the internal and external environments you face, but your thoughts about these and how they are affecting you emotionally. I may ask you questions to find out more about your experience, and to make sure I got it right.

A = Agenda Setting. It is important to make sure we are on the same page, and that you and I are both putting our efforts into a challenge that you want help with, and would want to see change. Often times there are powerful reasons to do things the way we are, and the discomfort we feel, though it drives us to want change, may keep us from seeing the powerful advantages of our current thinking patterns or behavior.

M = Methods. There are numerous approaches to each challenge that a person faces. Different approaches are likely to work better with different problems, and to vary in effectiveness from person to person. Our goal is to use several methods, as appropriate for each issue and individual. Often there is a subset of methods that you will personally find very effective. Part of our work will be finding the method or methods that are most effective for you. My goal is to then empower you to be able to use these tools in the future, for lifelong healing, wellbeing, and relapse prevention
What can I expect before and at my first appointment?
First Dr. Harrington will send you a number of assessment instruments, these will screen for potential psychiatric issues. If you are interested in personal growth or personal mastery, you will also receive these. It is helpful to complete these even if they do not indicate a specific diagnosis, as they are quite sensitive and can pick up the very small issues that are holding you back from excellence even though they do not reach diagnostic significance. If you do believe you are suffering from a psychiatric illness, these assessment instruments will help to clarify the issues, and allow us to spend more time overcoming them.

At the very first session I will check on your level of positive and negative feelings at that moment. We will then review the assessment instruments, and I will take time to learn what you would like help with and explain what my approach will be. The first two sessions will be information gathering for both you and for me, and we can decide at the end of that time if we are both comfortable moving forward and have a shared idea of how to approach your challenge(s).
What should I prepare for my first appointment?
Office Location:
My private practice office is located at 715 6th Street, Davis, CA, 95616 (map), less than a block from the Davis Co-op. You will find a sign on the front of the building with my name on it, please enter through the door on the right side of the building.

To Bring to First Appointment:
Please bring the following items to your first appointment. This will be helpful for us.

  • Map and directions to the office and contact phone number
  • Completed questionnaire
  • Previous medical/therapy records
  • Contact information for current and/or previous therapists and doctors
  • List of or bottles of current and past medications, if applicable
  • Payment (check is preferred).
How to get the most out of my time with Dr. Harrington?
Several things will assist you in making the most of your time in therapy. You may want to read the book, Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy, written by Dr. David Burns prior to starting therapy. This will ensure that you are familiar with many of the approaches I may suggest. Homework will be assigned between sessions and will be crucial to your mastery and success in overcoming self-defeating beliefs and behaviors.
Do you take insurance?
We do not accept insurance directly, but will be happy to provide you with the necessary documentation if you would like to request reimbursement from your insurance carrier. If you wish to do this, it is advisable that you request pre-authorization from you carrier prior to your first appointment.
There are pluses and minuses to using your health insurance when you receive mental health care. The main advantage is the payment of the insurance to your doctor or therapist. Among the drawbacks is that your insurance, being the payer, will be in the position to dictate much about the therapy, including gathering information on your diagnosis, limiting the duration or number of appointments, and requesting or requiring progress reports or status updates that determine whether or not they will continue payment. As an individual, you may want to be in charge of your own care, determining the duration, timing, and number of appointments with your doctor. You may not want your doctor to be forced to send information regarding your diagnosis to your insurance company. It is reasonable for the insurance company to ask for this information, as they are paying for care, but some people want to keep their mental health diagnosis more confidential. Also, you may be seeing the doctor for a condition, or a situation, that is not covered by your insurance. The investment of time, energy, and funds which you put in to therapy or personal growth is an important personal decision.
Although Dr. Harrington does not take any private insurance, she will provide you with a receipt of care (which usually requires an indicated diagnosis) which you can submit to your insurance for reimbursement. Dr. Harrington would be considered an out of network provider.
I have MediCare, can I still pay out of pocket?
Unfortunately, Dr. Harrington cannot see you if you have MediCare, even if you would like to pay out of pocket. This is due to laws surrounding MediCare. If you have MediCare, please notify her immediately.
Am I a good match for T.E.A.M Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with Dr. Harrington?
Every individual is different, as is each therapist. Some people will do better with certain therapists and therapeutic styles than others. I encourage you to look through this list of questions to see if my approach is likely to be a good match for you. . I also like to speak with potential clients over the phone prior to our first meeting to get a sense of what you would like help with, and if I feel I will be able to be of assistance to you.
Our first two sessions are informational gathering and give both of us an opportunity to decide if the TEAM approach is a good fit for you, and we will be able to work productively together. If after these two appointments we decide not to work together I will happily provide you with a summary which you may bring to another provider. If we do decide to work together, I look forward to it.
I have a friend/family member who needs help, can you see them?
It can be very difficult to have a friend or family member who is suffering. You may have a relative who you feel needs help, but is not motivated to seek treatment. If they need immediate attention to prevent harm to themselves or others, or if they are unable to care for themselves due to a psychiatric condition, you must call 911 or bring them to the nearest emergency room. The type of therapy I provide is not appropriate for those who are at danger to harm themselves or others. I work with individuals who are able to safely participate in therapy. Often times we want to help a family member or friend by contacting a therapist for them. This is thoughtful; however, given the commitment needed for successful therapy, making the first phone call is a good indicator of readiness for successful therapy. If a client agrees, I am happy to have a family member or friend join a session, but the first contact must be from the patient himself or herself. This gets the therapy off on the right foot; we know we are working together as a team. And the client knows that my commitment is to them, and that their participation is vital to successful therapy.
I am very committed to my recovery, what other books or references do you recommend?
Congratulations, this approach will be invaluable to you in your recovery, and your life. I recommend the following books for the specified concerns:

You may also see the Resource Page for additional Suggestions.
If you are interested in self-help groups or support groups, you may find the following links helpful. These items are not meant to be treatment in and of themselves but to augment treatment with support in education:


The information provided on this website is not intended to diagnose or treat any condition. Visiting this website does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Information found on the internet cannot substitute for individualized evaluation and treatment by medical or mental health professionals.
If you believe you have a specific health or mental health condition, please consult with a medical/mental health professional. Reviewing information found on the internet cannot substitute for personal evaluation and treatment by a medical/mental health professional.