| Dr. Bridget Engel Dr. Engel is a licensed clinical psychologist in Colorado. She earned both her Masters degree and her Doctorate of Clinical Psychology from the University of Denver. She has been working in mental health for over ten years and has extensive experience treating both youth and adults from a variety of backgrounds. In addition, Dr. Engel has provide psychological testing and assessment for both youth and adults. She is a member of the Colorado Assessment Society as well as Colorado Society of Psychologists in Private Practice. Her philosophy of care stems from a strength-based model, in which she uses multiple interventions to capitalize on positive attributes. Her laid back style, humor, and honesty help people feel comfortable in her office and confident in her work. Find Out More About Dr. Engel's Experience See her Vita |
| Dr. Stephanie Smith Dr. Smith is a licensed clinical psychologist in Colorado. She earned her Bachelors Degree in psychology at CU-Boulder, and her Masters and Doctorate in clinical psychology at the University of Denver. She has experience working in hospital, school and private practice settings. Dr. Smith enjoys working with men and women. A significant portion of Dr. Smith's practice is dedicated to psychological testing, including for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Learning Disabilities, pre-surgical evaluations for bariatric surgery patients, forensic assessment and vocational rehabilitation. Dr. Smith takes a warm and acceptance-based approach in her work, and aims to help her clients feel confident as they work toward personal change and growth. In addition to her clinical work at FRPA, Dr. Smith is also the Public Education Coordinator with the Colorado Psychological Association (CPA). In this position, she works with CPA and the American Psychological Association to spread the word about the benefits of psychology and good mental health. Dr. Smith has recently been quoted in the Denver Post, Rocky Mountain News, Erie Review, Longmont Times-Call, and Shape Magazine as part of her work in public education. Find Out More About Dr. Smith's Experience See her Vita |
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| Welcome to FRPA! |
| Welcome! We're glad that you're visiting our website, and we are excited to tell you about our practice. First, let's tell you what are practice is not about. FRPA is not a big community mental health center where your concerns will be put on a long wait-list. FRPA is not a large business that puts the bottom line before the needs of the community. FRPA is not a health center that doles out diagnosis-dujours or pressures people into getting medication. So, you might ask, What is FRPA about then? Good question. FRPA is a small group practice owned and operated by Drs. Bridget Engel and Stephanie Smith. Dr. Smith and Dr. Engel have been good friends for many years. In fact, they met and got to know each other while they were in training to be psychologists at the University of Denver. They share a passion for and a commitment to good mental health treatment, and built FRPA together in 2006. Their foundation of values that built this business include community involvement, stewardship for mental health services, and a devotion to making our world a better place to live. Dr. Smith and Dr. Engel both know and understand that seeking therapeutic services can be a daunting and scary endeavor. Many people feel awkward making that first phone call and don't know what to expect for |
their initial visit. Below you will find answers to common questions
that clients ask, or wish they could ask. As always though, if you
have questions that are not answered here, send us an email, call us,
peruse the rest of our website. You concerns are important, and we
are glad to spend time to make sure your questions are answered.
What is a psychologist and how does that differ from other
professionals?
Good question, as this can be a confusing issue. In Colorado, a
legal definition of a psychologist is a licensed professional holding a
doctoral degree in psychology, who studies or treats the physical,
emotional, cognitive, and social aspects of human nature.
Psychologists might hold doctorates in philosophy such as a PhD, in
psychology such as a PsyD, or in education such as an EdD. Both
Dr. Smith and Dr. Engel have PsyD's, a doctorate in clinical
psychology. Psychologists do not have a medical degree, as a
psychiatrist would, and as such, cannot prescribe medications or
that clients ask, or wish they could ask. As always though, if you
have questions that are not answered here, send us an email, call us,
peruse the rest of our website. You concerns are important, and we
are glad to spend time to make sure your questions are answered.
What is a psychologist and how does that differ from other
professionals?
Good question, as this can be a confusing issue. In Colorado, a
legal definition of a psychologist is a licensed professional holding a
doctoral degree in psychology, who studies or treats the physical,
emotional, cognitive, and social aspects of human nature.
Psychologists might hold doctorates in philosophy such as a PhD, in
psychology such as a PsyD, or in education such as an EdD. Both
Dr. Smith and Dr. Engel have PsyD's, a doctorate in clinical
psychology. Psychologists do not have a medical degree, as a
psychiatrist would, and as such, cannot prescribe medications or
make medical diagnoses. Psychologists are also different than other therapists, such as social workers or
licensed professional counselors (LPC's), both in the degree they hold and their educational background.
What are your educational requirements as psychologists?
Both Dr. Smith and Dr. Engel earned their four-year Bachelors degree in psychology. To become
psychologists, however, they continued their education and studied in a four year accredited program to learn
the theory and practice of psychology at the University of Denver. Furthermore, they completed additional
requirements, including a one-year full-time internship, and a post-doctoral year to complete another 1500
hours of supervised clinical work. Lastly, they were required to pass a jurispudence exam, and a standardized
licensing exam, as required by the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), a governing board that
monitors the practice of psychologists and other licensed professionals in Colorado. Dr. Smith and Dr. Engel
are also required to renew their licenses with DORA every two years to maintain good standing in Colorado.
Do you have Continuing Education requirements you have to meet?
Unfortunately, the state of Colorado does not require psychologists or other mental health professionals to earn
continuing education (CE) credits for ongoing licensure. Dr. Smith and Dr. Engel strongly believe that ongoing
education and seminars are integral to maintaining a current grasp in mental health treatment on new
techniques and theories about how to help our customers. As such, they do attend seminars and conferences
both in Colorado and around the United States to stay current and updated about important topics.
What can I expect during my first visit with you?
You will be surprised by how fast that first hour will go. The first visit is very important in helping us to build
a good working relationship together. We will spend that session outlining some of your biggest concerns and
the things with which you are struggling. We will probably ask you about what you you've tried thus far, what
you are hoping to gain from therapy, and what you think will be the most helpful. We will most certainly
spend part of the hour telling you how we work with individuals in general, and provide you an opportunity to
ask questions. And of course, part of our session together will be making sure our paperwork requirements
and ethical obligations are met through documentation, such as the paperwork you will be filling out for us.
What is your therapeutic approach?
Some people ask about our therapeutic approach and this is a very good question. Drs. Smith and Engel have
been thoroughly trained on all of the most conventional theories, approaches, treatments and interventions in
psychology and through their clinical practice, have applied their knowledge to a wide variety of populations.
However, they do not adhere to strict or rigid treatment modalities. Instead, they will work with you to
explore your needs, and find out which intervention style might fit best for you. They tailor the treatment plan
to your specific strengths and struggles rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.
How long will I be in therapy?
Many people worry that once they begin therapy, they will be "on the couch" for many years to come. Of
course, every individual and family is different and will need different levels of treatment, but generally,
customers coming to FRPA attend therapy for six to twenty-four sessions. You and your psychologist may
decide together to address your most concerning or debilitating struggles, and leave the less worrisome for a
later time, or not address them at all. Also, going to therapy does not mean that you have to attend weekly
appointments. Many people choose to go every other week, or even monthly, depending on their financial and
time commitments, as well as their personal needs.
What are your hours and what kinds of people do you see?
At FRPA, Drs. Engel and Smith understand that coming to therapy is a big time commitment, especially when
you have other priorities like work and kids. That is why FRPA is open Monday through Friday and both
early morning and late evening appointments are offered. We are not open on weekends and some major
holidays. Drs Engel and Smith treat children as small as six and big people as mature as 106! Couples,
families, and individuals are welcome. Groups for children and adults are also offered throughout the year.
licensed professional counselors (LPC's), both in the degree they hold and their educational background.
What are your educational requirements as psychologists?
Both Dr. Smith and Dr. Engel earned their four-year Bachelors degree in psychology. To become
psychologists, however, they continued their education and studied in a four year accredited program to learn
the theory and practice of psychology at the University of Denver. Furthermore, they completed additional
requirements, including a one-year full-time internship, and a post-doctoral year to complete another 1500
hours of supervised clinical work. Lastly, they were required to pass a jurispudence exam, and a standardized
licensing exam, as required by the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), a governing board that
monitors the practice of psychologists and other licensed professionals in Colorado. Dr. Smith and Dr. Engel
are also required to renew their licenses with DORA every two years to maintain good standing in Colorado.
Do you have Continuing Education requirements you have to meet?
Unfortunately, the state of Colorado does not require psychologists or other mental health professionals to earn
continuing education (CE) credits for ongoing licensure. Dr. Smith and Dr. Engel strongly believe that ongoing
education and seminars are integral to maintaining a current grasp in mental health treatment on new
techniques and theories about how to help our customers. As such, they do attend seminars and conferences
both in Colorado and around the United States to stay current and updated about important topics.
What can I expect during my first visit with you?
You will be surprised by how fast that first hour will go. The first visit is very important in helping us to build
a good working relationship together. We will spend that session outlining some of your biggest concerns and
the things with which you are struggling. We will probably ask you about what you you've tried thus far, what
you are hoping to gain from therapy, and what you think will be the most helpful. We will most certainly
spend part of the hour telling you how we work with individuals in general, and provide you an opportunity to
ask questions. And of course, part of our session together will be making sure our paperwork requirements
and ethical obligations are met through documentation, such as the paperwork you will be filling out for us.
What is your therapeutic approach?
Some people ask about our therapeutic approach and this is a very good question. Drs. Smith and Engel have
been thoroughly trained on all of the most conventional theories, approaches, treatments and interventions in
psychology and through their clinical practice, have applied their knowledge to a wide variety of populations.
However, they do not adhere to strict or rigid treatment modalities. Instead, they will work with you to
explore your needs, and find out which intervention style might fit best for you. They tailor the treatment plan
to your specific strengths and struggles rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.
How long will I be in therapy?
Many people worry that once they begin therapy, they will be "on the couch" for many years to come. Of
course, every individual and family is different and will need different levels of treatment, but generally,
customers coming to FRPA attend therapy for six to twenty-four sessions. You and your psychologist may
decide together to address your most concerning or debilitating struggles, and leave the less worrisome for a
later time, or not address them at all. Also, going to therapy does not mean that you have to attend weekly
appointments. Many people choose to go every other week, or even monthly, depending on their financial and
time commitments, as well as their personal needs.
What are your hours and what kinds of people do you see?
At FRPA, Drs. Engel and Smith understand that coming to therapy is a big time commitment, especially when
you have other priorities like work and kids. That is why FRPA is open Monday through Friday and both
early morning and late evening appointments are offered. We are not open on weekends and some major
holidays. Drs Engel and Smith treat children as small as six and big people as mature as 106! Couples,
families, and individuals are welcome. Groups for children and adults are also offered throughout the year.
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