Medical Psychology at Meriter

Medical psychology is a specialized field that is dedicated to helping individuals with illness, disease or traumatic injury. The focus is on the interactions between the mind and the body and the powerful ways in which biological, psychological and social factors affect physical health and wellbeing. Medical psychologists can help patients stick to their treatment plans, manage their symptoms, promote healthy behaviors and generally, adjust to their physical illness.

Our medical psychologists offer the following services:

• Health-related behavior change
• Motivational interviewing
• Cognitive-behavioral health therapy
• Pain management
• HeartMath biofeedback 
• Relaxation methods and meditation
• Hypnosis
• Brief cognitive screening
• Psychological testing
• Pre-surgical evaluation
• Group Treatment

Our medical psychologists provide outpatient treatment in addition to inpatient consultations. They work closely with your healthcare team to provide well-coordinated and integrated care and serve on various multidisciplinary treatment teams within Meriter. 
       
Both individual and group treatment is offered at Meriter. Individual outpatient treatment is typically brief and involves no more than eight to ten sessions. The goal is to teach skills and coping strategies that can be incorporate into daily life to improve health and optimize well being.
          
Our medical psychologists have advanced training and expertise in the psychological issues associated with various medical problems. They treat patients with a variety of conditions, including, but not limited to:

• Chronic pain
• Sleep disorders
• Spinal cord injury
• Myofascial pain/Fibromyalgia
• Brain injury
• Stroke
• Cardiovascular disease
• Diabetes and other endocrine disorders
• Cancer
• Infertility
• Neurological disorders
• Autoimmune disorders
• Gastrointestinal disorders
• Respiratory disorders

Meriter Medical Psychology Providers

• Gretchen Byfield, Ph.D., Rehabilitation Psychologist
• Gretchen Diem, Ph.D., Health Psychologist
• Lindsey Duca, PsyD, Medical Psychologist

Relaxation Exercises

Meditation, guided imagery and deep breathing can all have important, healing effects on your health. In order to promote the use of these simple exercises, Dr. Gretchen Diem recorded tracks that will walk you through these relaxation techniques. We encourage you take advantage of the following exercises each day.

Introduction

Guided Imagery

Deep Breathing

Body Scan

Making an Appointment

Health Psychology:
You can be referred by any of your treating medical providers. To schedule an appointment, call any of our three locations:

• Meriter West Washington: 608.417.8300
• Meriter Monona: 608.417.3000
• Meriter DeForest-Windsor at 608.417.3300

Rehabilitation Psychology:
To be referred to the Rehabilitation Psychologist a patient should:

• have a referral from a physician (required)
• be seeking health behavioral or pain management therapy focusing on a medical condition
• be at least 16 years old

Referrals can be faxed to the Rehab Medicine Clinic at 608.417.6687. Upon receipt of referral, our office staff will review the referral and obtain any additional information our physicians require. The Rehab Medicine Clinic staff will call the patient to schedule an appointment with the Rehabilitation Psychologist. For more information, call 608.417.6175.

Insurance

Most insurance policies cover all or a portion of the services offered. Meriter is happy to assist you in verifying your benefit coverage with your insurance company. Please contact our offices for assistance.