Testimonials & Honest Clinician Reviews of Working Here

Select here for our annual tenant/associate surveys, posted with permission.

I.

Patricia E. Magalis, MS, LMFT

P.O. Box 654

Niantic, CT 06357

October 26, 2007

To Whom It May Concern:

I have had the opportunity and pleasure of working with Samuel Schaperow, MSMFT, LMFT both as a colleague in Marriage & Family Therapy and more directly, as an associate in his practice located in Waterford, CT.

Approximately May to December of 2004 I was mentored by Sam while finishing my hours towards licensure as a Marriage & Family Therapist. During my tutelage, I learned more about diagnosing, billing, and building a private practice. As his protégé, I found Sam to be extremely helpful and generous in his knowledge and understanding as a LMFT.

I would recommend any new LMFT/LPC to work with Samuel Schaperow, MSMFT, LMFT to gain knowledge and experience in the field of Marriage & Family Therapy. His understanding of the requirements as a Marriage & Family Therapist is vast and he shares it generously.

Please feel free to contact me at (860) 908-9905 or pmagalis@yahoo.com if I can be of further help.

Sincerely,

Patricia E. Magalis, MS, LMFT

II. Joan Ventrilio, M.A., MFT

3/4/07

Sam,

My association with the Schaperow Psychology Center of CT as a post graduate MFT was a positive experience. During my time at the Center, I was treated as a professional and was allowed the autonomy to treat clients as I felt appropriate. As a supervisor, I found Sam Schaperow to be knowledgeable in a wide range of therapeutic models and always accessible and supportive. In addition, Sam and Tracy were always generous in providing referrals, and were willing to include me as part of the gastric bypass evaluation team.

The Center is located in a secure professional office building near Interstate 95. The office suite includes a comfortable waiting room and an inviting office in which to see clients. The office is also equipped with a computer, fax, phone and answering equipment to attend to any administrative necessities.

My post graduate work at the Schaperow Psychology Center of CT was a worthwhile and positive experience.

Joan Ventrilio, M.A., MFT

P.S. You can also provide any potential extern with my cell phone # (203) 640-7474 for a personal reference.

III. John M. González, Ph.D.

4/6/16

Dear Tracy and Sam,

I leave with a deep sense of gratitude for the years I spent working next to you. I appreciate your care, knowledge, and support.

Hope we see each other soon!

Warmly,

John M. González, Ph.D.

john.m.gonzalez.ph.d@gmail.com

IV. 5/18/16: Rashaad Carter, MSW

My time at Schaperow Psychology Center & Associates wasn't ordinary, but I would sum it up to be an extraordinary experience. I came on as a post-graduate/extern needing to obtain clinical hours towards my clinical licensure requirements. Not only was I able to complete my hours towards licensure but I gained a plethora of tools needed to built a strong private practice.

Leaving graduate school some time ago I was torn between my childhood dream of a career in law enforcement or continuing my path in clinical work. I've always expressed the benefits of following personal dreams to others, and I figured that I'd be a hypocrite if I didn't follow my own. Once I fell into law enforcement my craving for working with youth and adolescents was still within me. I began the journey to find a way to satisfy my need while still maintaining a healthy career in law enforcement. After looking into the post-graduate opportunities at Schaperow Psychology Center & Associates I decided to contact the practice director Sam Schaperow. Sam asked me what I needed, and then he expressed the "possible" opportunities that their practice could provide. I signed on as a part-time post-graduate, due to my other professional obligations, and the flexible schedule Schaperow could provide.

As I began my work at Schaperow it was made clear what Sam meant about "possible" opportunities. He meant that it would be hard work that took persistent effort at building my own practice. The tools were there for me to utilize, but as a part-time post-graduate, my practice building phase was twice as hard. After a rough start and my beginning to think that private practice work wasn't for me, I saw a breakthrough, both clinically and financially. That breakthrough didn't happen until I successfully found a way to use for every part-time hour productively. I attended weekly group supervision sessions that Sam provided, which consisted of exploring clinical cases and practice building. It also allowed for several alternative perspectives on my clients' presenting problems. I was able to implement these tools into practice as the referrals became endless and my practice grew from there.

At the end, my clinical hours were complete, but more importantly my experience enabled me to expand my capabilities as a therapist and to explore the work of a private practitioner.

Rashaad Carter, MSW

V. Vanessa Love, MAAT, LPC

A. 12/17

When I found that Sam Schaperow accepted post-graduates for private practice, I jumped at the opportunity to join a private practice. I had worked at an inpatient hospital for over two years. I facilitated groups and had some supervision. After some time, it appeared to me that the company didn't care about me or my safety. I often times didn't have control over who attended my groups or what populations I worked with. As scared as I was, I knew something had to change.

As I've grown as a therapist, I know that private practice not only do I have control over who I choose to have as clients and what kinds of diagnoses and conflicts that I feel comfortable with, I also get a chance to work in a safe and comfortable environment. I don't know how many hours I spent in my office outside of a session because it was comfortable for me to be there. I loved making decisions about how I could decorate or the types of furniture and supplies I had in my office.

After I received my diploma, I felt like I was unprepared to market myself in private practice. Through working with Sam, I started to learn marketing and taking risks to figure out what works best for me.

Sam also helped with practical clinical skills that I use every day in my practice.

Private practice has shown to be the most rewarding career venture I've done. It's because of the support from Sam Schaperow that I've been able to take risks and problem solve any difficulties that have come up in private practice.

Please feel free to contact me through my website (http://lovescounseling.com/) w/any questions.

Vanessa Love, MAAT, LPC

B. 12/16

I started with Sam Schaperow before I graduated from my graduate program in art therapy. He set me up with clients and we had supervision where he would teach me about the different insurance laws, how to talk on the phone with clients since I was incredibly shy at the time, how to bill insurance companies, how to call and talk to various people at the insurance companies. I was incredibly lucky and did get people who were willing to pay for services out-of-pocket-- and I think it was all the training I received from Sam. Sam was always understanding about the struggles I had with business but I knew that each time I was able to overcome my personal barriers doing something new, like organize an open house, make five phone calls a day, or call the insurance companies, it became easier to do. He is detail oriented. I know that sometimes I can get some details confused or just not focus enough to retain the information. He has made sure that I have been able to focus and pay attention to detail, whether it's paying all the requirements for a license or documenting how many potential clients I call and how often I've called. At first, I was too shy to try different techniques to see how things work or to see what worked for me-- such as how often to call a potential client or how to keep notes. But overtime, I was able to figure out that two phone calls a week apart were enough for me to figure out if someone was serious about seeking help. Now that I am licensed, I know all the work I've done to create a great business for myself has come from training and supervision with Sam.

Vanessa Love, MAAT, LPC

VI. Arlene Werner, Ph.D. (copied from her FB post, w/her permission)

VII. Aditi Gohil, LPC Exit Interview published with her permission:

I. How did we exceed your expectations?

Well maintained furnishings in the office, very nice, bright office space and reasonably priced. The help with referrals was also not expected when initially searching for office space- greatly, greatly appreciated.

II. How did we not meet your expectations?

Unable to think of anything – as far as a flat office rental – all expectations were met or exceeded.

III. In hindsight, what could we have done to have kept you for 1+ more years?

Nothing – the timing and availability of this unit was the only reason I left.

IV. Can you some day refer us therapists to rent at our practice?

Yes, if I ever know anyone looking for space I will do so.

VI. If you send us referrals, we will reciprocate!

Absolutely - I will actually be out on maternity leave around March – May 2020, so I’ve pretty much slowed/stopped accepting new clients. So as I get any private insurance referrals that I cannot accommodate, I will direct them to your practice.

Thanks for a great start/jumping point for my practice, I really appreciate all the help and guidance you were able to provide as I shifted into full time private practice, it has been greatly successful!

VIII. Danielle Montemerlo:

A. 12/3/19:

Please rate your experiences with PsychologyCT.com (Schaperow Psychology & Associates), answering questions based on your experience with us. (Please email survey, but can print & deliver if needed).

I. 0-10 scale, where 0 is zero agreement, five is moderate agreement, and ten is complete agreement. For all answers less than an eight, please leave a comment on why you feel as you do, as well as any recommendations you may have.

1. I feel valued: 10.

2. Someone is available and helpful in case I run into a clinical or logistical issue with my practice: 10.

3. I feel safe: 10.

4. My opinions are taken into consideration: 7- There has not been many situations where I have had to give my opinion, but I would say that if I have, they have been taken into consideration.

5. I am provided with referrals: 10.

6. The rent I pay is worth what I get in return: 10.

7. My contract is fairly honored: 7- The only suggestion I have in regards to the contract is that the post-grad supervision requirement(at minimum monthly, needs to be someone within the practice, etc) should be mentioned in the contract(vs the post grad page on the website) so that there is improved clarity. This did bother me a bit when I ran into this as a post-grad, almost to the point of challenging it, because it was not in the contract. Otherwise, my contract has been fairly honored.

8. Electricity, A/C, heating, internet, & water are consistently provided: 10.

9. I contribute to the success of the practice as a whole by doing good work with my clients, being on-time to appnts., returning referral phone calls, speaking highly of the practice to other providers, turning off lights and fans, not running electrical items that constantly draw electricity, doing my monthly basic cleaning or otherwise paying the alternate fee, referring to others w/in the practice, etc: 7- I have improved with several of these things. However, I know I can improve with the basic cleaning, and will be doing so on a bi-weekly basis as mentioned in a previous email.

10. PsychologyCT.com has significantly invested in me: 9.

II. Please write reply (no rating needed):

1. If another clinician were to contact me today, asking if it would be good to join us, what would you say?: “Yes! It is a great place to be with many opportunities!”

2. If that same clinician asked what are the weaknesses and negatives of the practice, how would you reply?

I think once again, the supervision requirement for post-grads, specifically the cost. However, Sam was able to work with me in regards to this as long as I was honest about my financial situation and was proactive in finding a solution. Also, as an LPC who would provide supervision, I would be able to provide a lower fee that may be more manageable for post-grads.

Otherwise, I can’t think of anything!

3. What is your anticipated end date w/our practice (e.g., when current contract expires, or sooner if something has come up)? And, if you’re looking into other practices, what elements of our practice are getting you to reconsider staying long-term (please be sure to list each one)? : 2024, although I will definitely stay here longer than that.

4. How can we most improve the practice while maintaining its viability? I cannot think of anything at this time.

5. May we place this survey on our website, anonymously, so we can compare & contrast results? Sure.

6. Would you like to write a brief testimonial about the practice that we can put on our webpage?

I started as a post-grad therapist in September 2018 part time. I was given referrals that I was able to turn into long-term clients that I could see in the evenings after my full time job. Sam and Lee provided excellent supervision towards my licensure, and both of them were great in regards in providing clinical supervision as well as supervision to improve my practice. Practice Building supervision was definitely helpful once I began licensed and started to be paneled with insurances. Once I was licensed, my opportunities were even greater in regards to referrals and building my caseload, but this could not have happened if I did not get experience as a post-grad in this practice.

I have had a positive experience here. When I had an issue and concern, Sam was understanding and was able to help me find solutions or accommodations so I can utilize the practice fully. As long as I was honest and explained my situation promptly, issues were resolved in a timely manner with no further concerns. Overall, I would definitely recommend licensed and post-grad clinicians to join this practice; and I know since I am very content here, I will continue to grow my practice and my skills as a private practice therapist here.

Signature & Date: _____Danielle E. Montemerlo, LPC________________________________________

Please rate your experiences with PsychologyCT.com (Schaperow Psychology & Associates), answering questions based on your experience with us. (Please email survey, but can print & deliver if needed).

I. 0-10 scale, where 0 is zero agreement, five is moderate agreement, and ten is complete agreement. For all answers less than an eight, please leave a comment on why you feel as you do, as well as any recommendations you may have.

1. I feel valued: 10.

2. Someone is available and helpful in case I run into a clinical or logistical issue with my practice: 10.

3. I feel safe: 10.

4. My opinions are taken into consideration: 7- There has not been many situations where I have had to give my opinion, but I would say that if I have, they have been taken into consideration.

5. I am provided with referrals: 10.

6. The rent I pay is worth what I get in return: 10.

7. My contract is fairly honored: 7- The only suggestion I have in regards to the contract is that the post-grad supervision requirement(at minimum monthly, needs to be someone within the practice, etc) should be mentioned in the contract(vs the post grad page on the website) so that there is improved clarity. This did bother me a bit when I ran into this as a post-grad, almost to the point of challenging it, because it was not in the contract. Otherwise, my contract has been fairly honored.

8. Electricity, A/C, heating, internet, & water are consistently provided: 10.

9. I contribute to the success of the practice as a whole by doing good work with my clients, being on-time to appnts., returning referral phone calls, speaking highly of the practice to other providers, turning off lights and fans, not running electrical items that constantly draw electricity, doing my monthly basic cleaning or otherwise paying the alternate fee, referring to others w/in the practice, etc: 7- I have improved with several of these things. However, I know I can improve with the basic cleaning, and will be doing so on a bi-weekly basis as mentioned in a previous email.

10. PsychologyCT.com has significantly invested in me: 9.

II. Please write reply (no rating needed):

1. If another clinician were to contact me today, asking if it would be good to join us, what would you say?: “Yes! It is a great place to be with many opportunities!”

2. If that same clinician asked what are the weaknesses and negatives of the practice, how would you reply?

I think once again, the supervision requirement for post-grads, specifically the cost. However, Sam was able to work with me in regards to this as long as I was honest about my financial situation and was proactive in finding a solution. Also, as an LPC who would provide supervision, I would be able to provide a lower fee that may be more manageable for post-grads.

Otherwise, I can’t think of anything!

3. What is your anticipated end date w/our practice (e.g., when current contract expires, or sooner if something has come up)? And, if you’re looking into other practices, what elements of our practice are getting you to reconsider staying long-term (please be sure to list each one)? : 2024, although I will definitely stay here longer than that.

4. How can we most improve the practice while maintaining its viability? I cannot think of anything at this time.

5. May we place this survey on our website, anonymously, so we can compare & contrast results? Sure.

6. Would you like to write a brief testimonial about the practice that we can put on our webpage?

I started as a post-grad therapist in September 2018 part time. I was given referrals that I was able to turn into long-term clients that I could see in the evenings after my full time job. Sam and Lee provided excellent supervision towards my licensure, and both of them were great in regards in providing clinical supervision as well as supervision to improve my practice. Practice Building supervision was definitely helpful once I began licensed and started to be paneled with insurances. Once I was licensed, my opportunities were even greater in regards to referrals and building my caseload, but this could not have happened if I did not get experience as a post-grad in this practice.

I have had a positive experience here. When I had an issue and concern, Sam was understanding and was able to help me find solutions or accommodations so I can utilize the practice fully. As long as I was honest and explained my situation promptly, issues were resolved in a timely manner with no further concerns. Overall, I would definitely recommend licensed and post-grad clinicians to join this practice; and I know since I am very content here, I will continue to grow my practice and my skills as a private practice therapist here.

7. For part-timers: What needs to happen to have you switch to full-time w/us?

III. Reminders and/or additional info. (nothing to fill out here):

1. A medical/maternity leave means no cleaning, or fee if not doing cleaning, is required while on leave (even if your contract states the leave must exceed 60 days, you can have that privilege). Further, the rent % you pay is extended for as many months as your leave if the leave exceeds 60 days. Thus, even if expenses, and therefore % of rent goes up for new contracts, your leave protects you from that since your original contract is extended by the length of your leave at your locked-in rate! Please see your contract, section “Maternity/medical leave exceeding 60 days” for details.

2. Because we bought offices across the hall several years ago, we are always looking for new skillful and responsible clinicians. Please be sure to spread the word, and if you directly cause us to get a new person, you’ll be rewarded w/another bonus for your help.

Signature & Date: _____Danielle E. Montemerlo, LPC________________________________________

Danielle M.

B. '20: