THE BRAIN BEHAVIOR GROUP
ENCOURAGING FORWARD MOTION
CONTACT
The only required fields are name, email, and message.
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Dr. Horne is currently only accepting new patients for therapy via telehealth. She is happy to provide a referral for Neuropsychological evaluations in the Central Florida area.
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Dr. Horne does not accept insurance of any kind.
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ABOUT DR. HORNE
Dr. Leveta Horne is a Clinical Neuropsychologist and Licensed Psychologist in private practice licensed in both Florida and Virginia.
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While completing her doctorate Dr. Horne chose to additionally complete full doctoral level course work in Sport Psychology providing her with a uniquely specialized approach to improving performance, especially for those in highly competitive positions. Through this experience she naturally developed a specialty working with individuals transitioning out of "Identity Rich Careers". An Identity Rich Career [IRC] is one in which an individual’s identity is closely aligned with, and/or woven into, their career. For example, professional athletes, veterans, law enforcement officers, and similar. See the section "Transitioning out of an Identity Rich Career" for more.
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Dr. Horne has paired her love of travel with educational opportunities in many other states and countries. She has served on hospital research teams, as faculty in graduate programs, and as consultant to several companies and attorneys. Further, she has worked in a variety of settings including private practice, prisons, schools, and hospitals. This purposeful approach, to seeking significantly varied opportunities to improve her psychological knowledge, has resulted in the ability to create unique treatment plans and programs for a variety of clients facing diverse challenges.
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Dr. Horne understands the incredible benefit of prevention and prefers to work with clients before a problem arises or negatively impacts them. However, she also understands many are not interested in treating something that hasn’t happened yet. In that case she is able to work with clients to develop both a treatment plan and a long term program to support positive change and growth. She takes particular pride in creating unique treatment plans and programs for each client leading to a quicker and longer lasting result than would come from from a “blueprinted” approach.
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Dr. Horne enjoys working with a variety of clients including, but not limited to, corporate clients, attorneys, adolescents and their parents, veterans, and other individuals transitioning out of IRCs.
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When not working, Dr. Horne enjoys traveling with her family, water sports, playing with her dogs, learning to surf, reading, hanging out with friends, and the occasional binge watching session.
Therapy with Dr. Horne is likely not the type of therapy you have had before or that you have seen depicted in film or television. The first session is longer than others, between 90-120 minutes, and consists of a thorough biopsychosocial interview, directly addressing concerns that brought you to therapy, and identifying goals. The second session consists of discussing your unique treatment plan and beginning to move forward at a quick and steady pace. Therapy with Dr. Horne is active and focused; this approach often lessens the number of sessions needed to reach identified goals.
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Therapy focuses first on helping you gain an understanding of your approach to solving problems and improving functioning. To this end, Dr. Horne assists you with developing and honing skills including the ability to recognize, and address, possible difficulties before they grow out of control. Further, Dr. Horne does not believe in treatment in isolation, rather she takes a full approach to healthcare by not only addressing areas of concern but also sleep, diet, relationships, and exercise.
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As a Neuropsychologist, Dr. Horne possesses a unique understanding of how brain structure impacts behavior. She designs each unique treatment plan to encourage and support neurogenesis, the building of new and stronger neural pathways, and improve plasticity. This approach results in true learning, leading to longer lasting results.
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Do not hesitate to contact Dr. Horne for more information or an appointment.
TRANSITIONING OUT OF AN IDENTITY RICH CAREER (IRC)
An Identity Rich Career (IRC) is a unique career type in that the individual’s very identity is closely linked to it. For example, a Professional Athlete has most likely been participating in their chosen sport most of their life and many of their beliefs, behaviors, and values are closely tied to this participation. Similarly, a Veteran, especially one who entered service young and spent many years in service, has most likely formulated a world view, expectations of self and others, and even a specific language. Law Enforcement Officers usually fall into this category as well. The retirement process from an IRC is often challenging in expected, and unexpected, ways.
Another aspect of an IRC is that it has a sudden and complete retirement process. A professional athlete will take off their uniform and leave the locker room after their last game or event never to return in the same capacity, if ever. Law Enforcement Officers and Service Members will take off their uniform for the last time and relinquish any and all powers tied to their profession.
Common difficulties and challenges include but are not limited to:
The “Didn’t you used to be” phenomenon as in
“Didn’t you used to be a star?”
“Didn’t you used to be a Marine?”
“Didn’t you used to be an officer?” and so on.
While this may seem small to people outside an IRC it can, in some cases, be devastating and in most cases is incredibly difficult for those experiencing the transition.
Increasing the difficulty of the transition is the common mindset in an IRC of “suck it up and drive on” or “play through the pain”. This can be especially impactful when the transition is unexpected or unwanted, e.g., due to an injury, end of a contract, or forced due to age.
Dr. Horne has created a specialized approach to assisting individuals navigate this transition. This approach begins with an initial session to assess current and likely future needs and a treatment plan is set in the 2nd or 3rd session depending on the individual needs of the client. Most sessions are one on one; however, given the unique nature of the transition from an IRC, it can be helpful to include family members and/or friends in some sessions so they can learn more about the transition and how to understand and support their loved ones. Contact Dr. Horne for more information or to get started.
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Check back for blogs and podcasts.
FOR THE YOUNG ADULT
Transitions can be difficult. The bigger the transition, often the bigger the difficulty.
It can be said that transitioning from childhood and adolescence into adulthood is one of the more challenging transitions in the lifespan. As with any transition, guidance and support are what eases the experience the most. With these, you know better what to prepare for and how to develop needed Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) but you also know that when you struggle there is a place for support and encouragement to keep moving forward.
To assist both young adults, and their parents, Dr. Horne has created a 6-week program that addresses the most common challenges of this transition. The program is, of course, interactive and begins with a brief assessment to identify which areas need attention and which are going along pretty well. Once completed, Dr. Horne creates an individual plan with specific goals and ways to measure success. Contact Dr. Horne to get started.
MOS - CIVILIAN
Helping Service Members become Veterans
​​​Upon entering military service, individuals undergo rigorous training and education. This training and education teaches service members HOW TO BE SERVICE MEMBERS. The training and education range from basic information and command structure to details and skills needed to perform in some of the most challenging and demanding of positions in the world.
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There is no such training and education upon separation from service.
Civilian life is different from military life in nearly every aspect imaginable.
This program provides information and support that, again, ranges from basic to specific on HOW TO BE A CIVILIAN ADULT. This information and support can help ease the transition to civilian life.
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Common areas addressed are:
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Scheduling and managing your own time
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Navigating the changes in your relationship with family and friends
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Dealing with and understanding the civilian mind and world
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Different approaches and skills in the workplace
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And more - we are ALWAYS open to suggestions for areas to address!
While the program is structured, each treatment plan is individualized for each veteran. Sessions are completed via a secure (HIPAA compliant) video chat service anywhere with secure, high speed, Internet access. [Use of cellular service, e.g., 5G, is not sufficient for this purpose]. Please complete the Contact form for questions and scheduling.
DENIAL OF VETERANS' DISABILITY CLAIMS
SERVING THOSE WHO SERVED
Dr. Horne has been providing Compensation and Pension (C&P) evaluations for veterans who have filed for disability through the VAMC for several years. Additionally, she provides Individual Medical Exams and/or Opinions (IME/Os) for attorneys working with veterans whose claims have been denied.
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Sometimes the prospect of the C&P examination itself will increase anxiety that may result in a temporary increase in other symptoms including physical ones. For veterans who are interested in a short consultation about what to expect during a C&P examination including, but not limited to, what information you should have on hand for the exam, duration, and general expectations please feel free to contact Dr. Horne. These sessions are completed via a secure (HIPAA compliant) video chat service anywhere with secure, high speed, Internet access, last no more than 30 minutes, and pricing is a flat rate. [Use of cellular service, e.g., 5G, is not sufficient for this purpose] PLEASE NOTE this is NOT a C&P examination and no information will be shared with anyone, including the VA, for any purpose. This is an information session only. Please review the section on this website titled "Regarding Disability Claims" or click "A Very Important Message for Veterans" at the top of the site.
For veterans working with an attorney on an appeal:
Dr. Horne has worked with all three of the privatized companies that provide C&P evaluations (QTC, OptumServe [formerly LHI], and VES). Dr. Horne provides comprehensive reports using “VA language” and is adept at refuting arguments for denying deserving veterans. These IME/Os are completed via a secure (HIPAA compliant) video chat service anywhere with secure, high speed, Internet access. [Use of cellular service, e.g., 5G, is not sufficient for this purpose] Turn around time is short and pricing is reasonable.​
Please complete the Contact form for questions and scheduling. ​
Regarding Disability Claims
There are many people who want to help veterans with their VA disability claims for Compensation and Pension (C&P). Most of these people are well meaning and helpful; however, there are those who are out to take advantage of the often confusing and almost always frustrating process.
To be brief:
YOU NEVER HAVE TO PAY FOR AN EVALUATION FOR A DISABILITY CLAIM WITH THE VA UNLESS YOU ARE WORKING WITH AN ATTORNEY ON AN APPEAL AND HAVE A CONTRACT OUTLINING ANY COST OF THAT APPEAL.
CASE CONSULTATION FOR ATTORNEYS
Neuropsychological and psychological evaluations are more and more often a part of law suits, especially those involving injury, and their importance is undeniable. These reports provide information ranging from explanation of injury to competency to treatment recommendations. These reports can be difficult to navigate and understand for two main reasons:
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They are generally deep and broad and, thus, often lengthy.
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They generally contain information and terminology commonly misunderstood by those outside the profession.
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Difficulty in understanding the evaluations often leads to inefficient, improper, or inadequate use of the evaluations you and/or your client spent a significant amount of time and money to obtain. (Just as with medical reports such as x-rays, MRIs, etc.)
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A typical consultation begins with a review of the report(s) provided by mental health professionals and an explanation and/or clarification of the methods (including testing conditions), measures, and findings. From there it is not uncommon to progress to full review of medical records and raw data, "translating" of the reports, and assistance developing questions for deposition, trial, or settlement. Dr. Horne can not only save you time and money but also support the growth and reputation of your firm. Billing is based on time spent and a retainer is required prior to commencement of services.
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From Dr. Horne:
The idea for this service came after I was deposed for seven hours on a three page report I completed over six years prior. I realized the individuals asking me the questions knew little to nothing of the process of obtaining an evaluation, how to read and interpret the evaluation, or even the distinction of the various mental health professionals. These are common difficulties for anyone outside the profession just as most people outside the legal profession struggle with the nuances and even the basics. That day alone I could have saved one of those law firms $2500.
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If you are interested in learning more about, or securing, Dr. Horne's services please feel free to contact her at your convenience.
SLEEP
We have a complicated relationship with sleep from the beginning of life. Much of our early years is spent fighting sleep and much of our later years is spent practically stalking it. Given that sleep is one of the most important components of overall health that relationship needs nurturing.
Dr. Horne provides sleep services including but not limited to:
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Sleep Hygiene for building life long healthy sleep
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Getting kids to sleep
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Helping you get a good night’s sleep before a big day
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Sleep and anxiety
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Contact Dr. Horne about her 6-week program for better sleep or any other sleep related question you may have.
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Also, Dr. Horne has more than one blog post providing more information about sleep hygiene, the importance of sleep, and common myths about sleep.
FOR THE MEDIA
Topics Include, But Are Not Limited To:
Veterans Affairs/Disability
Marijuana and the Brain
Mental Health Professionals
Sleep Hygiene and Impact of Poor Sleep
Learning Disorders including:
Talking to Your Children About Learning Disorders
Parenting a child with a Learning Disorder.
Advocating for Your Child’s Education:
504s and IEPs
Least Restrictive Environment
Response To Intervention
Developmental Disorders
Autism Spectrum Disorder
ADHD
Differential Diagnosis
TBI and Return to Play
Brain Rehabilitation After Injury
Sensory Processing Disorder
Nonverbal Learning Disorder
Anxiety Across the Lifespan
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Contact Dr. Horne to speak with her on any of the topics above or inquire about others.