ABOUT SID

Dr. Sid Binks is a clinical psychologist with a focus on forensic neuropsychology who specializes in working with LGBTQ individuals and couples, and with individuals who may be questioning their sexuality or who may be first coming out.

 

Many people struggle with stepping out sexually in relationships, making commitments, finding a compatible boyfriend/girlfriend.  These are just some of the very real, everyday concerns that are commonly brought in for help.  Having an empathic, objective professional to help work through the issues underlying these challenges is a choice you can make to create the kinds of change you want for your life.
 
For more than 15 years now, Sid has been helping LGBT members of the community learn more about who they are and how best to manage their identities in a complicated world.  His doctoral work explored the relationship between gay identity formation and mental health issues like self-esteem, anxiety and depression.
 
Many years of experience working in hospitals and private practice has taught Sid that there is no mental health concern that is too big to be figured out.  Because you are unique, your work together will be especially tailored to meet your needs, within the context of a safe and secure environment.  Sid draws from both insight-oriented and cognitive behavioral strategies to make the most of your time together.
 
Complimenting and enhancing his psycotherapy work, Sid also possesses a subspecialty in clinical neuropsychology.  Neuropsychological testing can be a valuable tool in increasing the understanding of many different brain-based cognitive illnesses like learning disorders, ADHD and complications from brain damage or disease.

Whether you're looking for help for yourself or a loved one - to overcome depression or anxiety, cope with loss, improve personal or professional relationships - if you’re ready to achieve personal growth and take control of your life, then call Dr. Sid Binks today.  His compassion, dedication and experience are the keys to your success.

 

 

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

CERTIFICATIONS:

Board Certification in Clinical Neuropsychology through the American Board for Professional Psychology (ABPP-CN)

 

LICENSES:
District of Columbia

Maryland
US Virgin Islands

HOSPITAL PRIVILEGES:
The George Washington Hospital, Clifton T. Perkins Hospital, St. Elizabeth’s Hospital

CLINICAL TRAINING FACULTY APPOINTMENTS:
Howard University Clinical Psychology Department
St. Elizabeth’s Hospital Psychiatry Residency Program

EDUCATON:
PhD, 1993 – Clinical Psychology
  The George Washington University, Washington, DC

DISSERTATION:
“Self-Esteem, Splitting, Anxiety, Fear, Depression, Anxiety Sensitivity and Locus of Control as They Relate to the Homosexual Identity Formation Process”

PRE-DOCTORAL INTERNSHIP:
Spring Grove Hospital Center, Catonsville, MD

POST-DOCTORAL TRAINING:
• Postdoctoral Fellow, 1993–1995 - Clinical Neuropsychology
   National Institute of Mental Health, NIH, Bethesda MD
• Forensic Training at Clifton T. Perkins Hospital Center in Jessup, MD and St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Washington, DC
• Substance Abuse Treatment at NIH, Bethesda, MD

 

 

THERAPUTIC APPROACH

I use insight-oriented and cognitive behavioral approaches in treatment—depending upon the issue being addressed. I work to create a positive therapeutic relationship—taking care to create an environment that feels safe for clients so that they may explore, learn and heal. I feel privileged and honored to be involved in this process and see myself as an agent of change.

 

 

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

• Coming Out Process – Gay/Lesbian Identity Issues

• Substance Addiction/Codependency

• Relationship Issues

• Depression

• Grief & Loss

• Anxiety

• Living with HIV

• Eating Disorders

• Living with Severe Mental Illness

In addition to my private outpatient practice, I have worked in inpatient settings on at least a half-time basis continually since 1991. Inpatient experience of this magnitude affords me great opportunity to both stay on the cutting edge of mental health practice guidelines and the ability to treat a very wide diversity of mental health problems. My clients benefit tremendously from my continued inpatient experience.

 

 

ARTICLES

• On the Assumption of Heterosexual Identity  (download .pdf file)

 

 

SERVICES

• Individual Psychotherapy

• Couples Psychotherapy

• Neuropsychological Testing

• Psychological Testing

• Psychoeducational Testing (Learning Disabilities, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)

• Forensic Psychological and Forensic Neuropsychological Testing (Civil and Criminal pre- & post-trial)

  • Independent Medical (Neuropsychological) Evaluations (IMEs) for Workmen's Compensation/Insurance Claims & Civil Lawsuits

  • Impaired Physicians Assessment

  • Risk Assessment

  • Competency Assessment

  • Criminal Responsibility Assessment

  • Post-Trial Aide in Sentencing Assessment

• Expert Testimony (Forensic Psychological and Neuropsychological)

  • Have you found yourself in a lawsuit where mental health concerns have arisen?  Are you incapable of work and needing an evaluation for workmen’s compensation? … an Independent Medical Examination (IME)?   Are people questioning your competency to handle your finances?  …raise children?  Have you been arrested and do you need a competency to stand trial evaluation? …a violence/sexual risk assessment?  …an assessment of criminal responsibility?  …or aide-in-sentencing?  Expert witness testimony can make the difference in both civil and criminal courts.

 

 

RESEARCH INTERESTS

My research interests keep me current in the literature that increases effectiveness as a therapist.
Coming Out Process & Healthy Self-Esteem Development in Gays & Lesbians
Coping with HIV
Schizophrenia
Malingering
Norming Issues in Psychological Test Development

 

 

OTHER PROFESSIONAL & VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES

• Member of the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology

• Member of the American Psychological Association

• Member of the International Neuropsychological Society

• Member of the National Academy of Neuropsychology

• Teach Psychiatry Residents at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital

• Provide Addictions Treatment at Salvation Army Harbor Light Treatment Center

• Provide Neuropsychological and Forensic Neuropsychological Services to Clifton T. Perkins Hospital Center, Springfield Hospital Center and St. Elizabeth’s Hospital

 

 

PAYMENT POLICIES AND INSURANCE

My office calls all insurance companies to verify the details of coverage.  Monthly bills are sent to insurance companies and they reimburse my office directly.  Clients are billed the uncovered percentage monthly.  On the rare occasion an insurance company will not pay my office directly (MAMSI & Carefirst), my office will still bill the company but will have to collect the entire fee from the client.  In these instances, my office will wait for the client to be reimbursed by their insurance company (usually a 3–5 week process) before full payment is expected.  My office does participate with Medicare.  My office does not participate with any other company and is considered out of network.

 

 

AVAILABILITY

Call 202.255.5187 to schedule an appointment.

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