FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

Answers to common questions about our behavioral health services and how we provide personalized care

Answers You Need For Your Behavioral Health Questions

Here you’ll find answers to commonly asked questions about our behavioral healthcare services, treatment options, and how we support your mental well-being. Our goal is to provide clear and helpful information to assist you in understanding our clinic’s offerings and what to expect as you begin your journey with us.

What is behavioral health treatment?

Behavioral health treatment refers to a range of therapeutic services aimed at improving mental health and emotional well-being. This includes psychotherapy, psychoeducation, mental health counseling, and support for various mental health issues, substance use disorders, and emotional challenges.

How can behavioral health treatment improve my quality of life?

Treatment can help you manage symptoms of mental health conditions, improve relationships, enhance coping skills, and foster personal growth. Many individuals experience increased happiness and fulfillment in their daily lives as a result of treatment.

What specific benefits can I expect from engaging in behavioral health treatment?

  • Improved Mental Health: Treatment and support can lead to a reduction in symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.
  • Enhanced Coping Strategies: You can learn effective strategies to manage stress, anxiety, and difficult emotions.
  • Better Relationships: Therapy can improve communication skills and resolve conflicts, leading to healthier relationships with family, friends, and colleagues.
  • Increased Self-Awareness: Behavioral health treatment encourages self-reflection, helping you understand your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors better.
  • Support in Crisis Situations: Treatment provides support and tools for navigating crises, reducing the risk of harmful behaviors.

Is behavioral health treatment only for those with serious mental health issues?

No, behavioral health treatment is beneficial for anyone facing challenges related to stress, relationships, self-esteem, or emotional well-being, regardless of the severity of their condition.

How do I know if I need behavioral health treatment?

If you’re experiencing persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or emotional distress, or if your daily life is being impacted by these feelings, or if you’re struggling with substance use or behavioral issues, treatment can provide valuable support.

What types of professionals provide behavioral health treatment?

Behavioral health treatment can be provided by nurse practitioners, physicians, psychologists, licensed professional counselors, licensed clinical social workers, substance abuse counselors, and other professionals. Each professional may have different approaches and specializations.

How long does behavioral health treatment typically last?

The duration of treatment varies based on individual needs and goals. Some people may benefit from a few sessions, while others may engage in longer-term treatment. Your treatment plan will be tailored to your specific situation.

Can I continue my regular activities while receiving treatment?

Yes! Many individuals continue their daily activities, work, and relationships while receiving treatment. Therapy can often be scheduled around your commitments.

What if I’ve tried treatment before and didn’t find it helpful?

It’s not uncommon for individuals to have varying experiences with treatment. If you didn’t find a previous approach helpful, consider discussing your concerns with a new provider who can offer different techniques or perspectives tailored to your needs.

How can I get started with behavioral health treatment?

Mary and Norm are here to help! Request an appointment to begin your conversation with us today.

Benefits of Behavioral Health

  • Improved emotional well-being & reduced symptoms
  • Customized treatment & support
  • Enhanced coping skills & strategies for daily life
  • Better relationships & interpersonal skills
  • Increased quality of life & satisfaction

Benefits of Medication Management

  • Optimized efficacy through tailored dosing
  • Reduced side effects with monitoring & adjustments
  • Improved adherence with guidance & support 
  • Enhanced overall well-being thru managing symptoms

REVIEWS FROM REAL PATIENTS

Kelly Dalton profile picture
Kelly Dalton
June 18, 2026
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I've used this practice for years and Norm has truly changed my life! After years of treating me, he also referred me to a psychotherapist who matches with me perfectly!
Monica C profile picture
Monica C
June 4, 2026
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Norm is compassionate, professional, and dedicated to his patients. I appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with him and would not hesitate to recommend him.
Heather Mousa profile picture
Heather Mousa
October 10, 2025
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I’ve been seeing Norm as my primary mental health provider for over ten years, and I honestly don’t think any review could do him justice. He’s exceptionally thorough, compassionate, and professional. He tracks my progress closely, remembers every detail, and always follows up — even on things I forget. He listens, takes my feedback seriously, and never dismisses even the smallest concern. What I appreciate most is how dedicated he is to staying current — always learning, keeping up with new research and medications, and seeking healthier, more effective solutions. Finding a provider who combines genuine empathy with deep knowledge and consistency is rare. I’m so grateful for his care and can’t recommend him highly enough.
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Mahawa Mansaray
December 18, 2024
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Mr Norman is a wonderful and caring man, I went to him about a year ago with so many years of untreated mental health issues not only I feel safe talking to him he's able to get me where I am today and I am so grateful for him. It's still a on going healing and he's on right track. Thank you Mr Norman
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Caitlin Davis
December 6, 2023
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This is by far the best experience I’ve had with a mental health professional, he is dedicated, trustworthy and very intelligent. You know he cares about your health and progress above all else, could not recommend more!
Smita Chand profile picture
Smita Chand
October 26, 2023
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Hi, as a South Asian, it is a very big deal for me to post publicly about something related to my mental health, but that is exactly why I want to. We all have very real struggles and support and care which is exactly what I have received from Norm. He helped me uncover a diagnosis that provided me so much insight and healing into something I have struggled with my whole life. Norm is incredibly intelligent, compassionate, kind, and caring. I would highly recommend him to anyone seeking support of a psychiatrist beyond the 5 to 10 minutes in an appointment otherwise.
Michael Spencer profile picture
Michael Spencer
May 2, 2023
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Norman is highly personable and makes you feel comfortable right off the bat. I think that is important for therapy. The same goes for the staff. Highly recommend!
Jordan Baylor profile picture
Jordan Baylor
March 27, 2023
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I have been receiving quality care from Norman since 2019, during this period my health and wellbeing have always been placed at the forefront. I cannot stress enough how grateful I am to Norman for the exceptional level of care I have received. I highly recommend Norman Jacobowitz if you are looking for the best care possible.
laura cole profile picture
laura cole
December 15, 2022
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I've been seeing Norm for a little over a year and he's been great - he's helpful, supportive, and (most importantly) he's really comfortable to talk to. I've had providers in the past that I dreaded appointments with, but I actually look forward to talking to Norm. He's knowledgeable about different medications and types of treatment, but he isn't pushy about any of them which is like a breath of fresh air after having dealt with that in the past. I definitely recommend Norm Jacobowitz to anyone looking for a provider!
Olivia Djoble profile picture
Olivia Djoble
September 26, 2022
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Norman J is outstanding. He his extremely professional and does his job perfectly. I have been under his care for about 2 years now and everything he has done for me has been working amazingly.
Sue Krcelic profile picture
Sue Krcelic
December 1, 2021
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Norm is a great NP to work with. He offers suggestions on medication changes we can try.
Delores Jordan profile picture
Delores Jordan
November 10, 2021
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Dr.Jacobwitz listened and isvery interested in helping the patient.
Nicole Puri profile picture
Nicole Puri
October 28, 2021
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Mr. Jacobowitz is professional but has a sense of humor, which I appreciate. He treats me with respect and understands what I’m going through. He explains everything thoroughly and I feel like he actually cares that I get the individualized and appropriate treatment for my needs. I’m improving and feel hopeful I will continue to improve under his care.
Kent Barnett profile picture
Kent Barnett
October 27, 2021
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Norm's is the best,
Daniel profile picture
Daniel
October 20, 2021
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A very genuine and good dude who just wants the best for his patients. He will listen to everything you have to say and make you feel welcomed and appreciated. Nothing is a bad question and he is always there. He is very knowledgeable and will do his best to make sure you understand what his course of action is and the plan form there on out.

MEET OUR TEAM

HE/HIM | CARING FOR PATIENTS AGES 18-64

Specializing in Medication Management, ADHD Assessment, and Treatment  Support

Norm graduated from Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama, in 1992. While working in the IT industry, he volunteered as a suicide hotline telephone worker for a year. Finding the work both rewarding and much in need, he took a massive pay cut to work in a psychiatric hospital, caring for the most vulnerable and gravely ill patients. He attended nursing school during this time, and upon graduation became a…MORE

SHE/HER | CARING FOR PATIENTS AGES 10+

Specializing in Behavioral Healthcare, Psychotherapy, ADHD Support

Mary Fisher is a Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist and Family Nurse Practitioner. She has been a member of the nursing profession for 30 years. She is a graduate of Radford University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She also holds a master’s in nursing from the University of Virginia. Her clinical interests include the treatment of children and adolescents as well as the medically complex. Her duaL…MORE

CONTACT US

Now Accepting New Patients Ages 10+ in the Northern Virginia and DC Metro Area

12011 Route 50, Suite 410
Fairfax, VA 22033

P | 571-535-2480
E | operations@atarahealth.com

Route 50, Pender, Chantilly, Fairfax County, Virginia, 22033