Dr. Arlene B. Schaefer in Oklahoma City: Individual Therapy and Psychological Assessment
Dr. Arlene B. Schaefer is a licensed clinical psychologist in Oklahoma City who provides individual psychotherapy and psychological testing, serving adults and some adolescents in a private practice setting on the north side of the city.
What Dr. Schaefer's practice actually is
Schaefer operates as a solo clinical psychology practice, not as part of a hospital system or large group mental health clinic. She holds a doctorate in clinical psychology and state licensure as a psychologist (Ph.D./Psy.D. level), which allows her to conduct both talk therapy and administer standardized psychological assessments. Her work centers on individual therapy rather than group programs, psychiatry, or intensive outpatient treatment.
Services and session cost
Dr. Schaefer provides individual psychotherapy, typically on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. Sessions last 45 to 50 minutes and cost between $100 and $160 per session, depending on the nature of the presenting concern and the client's insurance coverage; confirm the current rate by phone. She also offers comprehensive psychological evaluations for diagnostic clarity, learning disability assessment, and attention-deficit disorder (ADHD) testing. Evaluation fees are separate from ongoing therapy and typically range higher than individual sessions. Most insurance plans that cover outpatient mental health will apply deductibles and copays to sessions; Dr. Schaefer accepts many major carriers, but coverage varies, so verify your specific plan's mental health benefits before scheduling.
How Dr. Schaefer compares to other Oklahoma City therapists
Oklahoma City has a broad range of mental health providers at different scales. Large group practices like the Integrative Psychiatry & Psychology Center and smaller independent therapists are common. The key distinction: Dr. Schaefer's practice is smaller and solo, meaning no waiting list for intake (often two to four weeks at larger clinics) but also no backup therapist if she takes vacation. Independent practitioners like Schaefer typically charge similar session rates to group practices but offer more direct continuity with one clinician. Group clinics often have evening and weekend hours to accommodate working adults; Schaefer's hours are more limited. If psychological testing is your primary need, Schaefer's ability to conduct and interpret comprehensive assessments in-house is a practical advantage over therapists who must refer testing elsewhere.
Who suits Dr. Schaefer's practice and who does not
Schaefer's model works best for adults and adolescents seeking individual therapy over months or years, with insurance that covers out-of-network psychology. It suits people who value consistency with a single psychologist and can commit to a regular weekly slot. She is less suited for those needing urgent crisis intervention (call the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988), medication management alone, or intensive group programs. Parents seeking only child therapy should ask directly about her adolescent scope before scheduling.
What the first session involves
Initial appointments typically run 60 to 75 minutes and include a clinical intake: detailed history of the presenting problem, past psychiatric and medical history, family background, and risk assessment. Dr. Schaefer will discuss confidentiality limits, fee structure, insurance verification, and the general direction of treatment. Come prepared with insurance information and any previous mental health records if available. Expect practical paperwork on HIPAA privacy and informed consent.
Hours, location, and parking
Dr. Schaefer's office is located on the north side of Oklahoma City. Office hours typically run weekday afternoons and early evenings, though specific days and times require a phone call to confirm availability. The practice is a private office setting with street parking or small lot parking; ask about accessibility when you call if needed. There is no on-site public transportation; plan to drive.
Dr. Schaefer's independent practice and assessment expertise make her a particular resource for adults and adolescents in Oklahoma City who need sustained individual therapy and want diagnostic testing conducted by their own therapist rather than through a separate testing referral.
