Paula Hartman-Stein, Ph.D., says that it is ironically the recognition of psychologists as independent specialists of mental health treatment that occurred after many hard fought political battles is now a key factor in declining reimbursement rates for psychological services under Medicare.
    Reimbursement for neuropsychological services will be reduced by 17 percent, phased in over a four-year period which began on Jan. 1, while other clinical services such as psychotherapy will average an 8 percent reduction by 2013.
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    Every third Thursday of the month 40 to 50 people pack Cranky Al’s in Wauwatosa, Wisc., to enjoy some pizza and beer or other libations and consult with their psychologist, Julie Helmrich, Ph.D.
    “Consult” is probably not the right word. In advertising “Cranky Al” – Alex Brkich, who runs the combination coffee house, bakery and pizza joint with his wife, Susie – calls it “raucous psychological chatter” with a footnote that it is “not always appropriate for young kids.”
    Helmrich holds the once-a-month “Shrink ‘n’ Drink”^sm sessions to field any and all questions from the audience, such as the woman who asked why her husband never answers his cell phone when he sees it’s her calling.
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