Therapy Services

Talking about therapy in an open way will create less shame or negative beliefs around attending. Based on the child’s age you can take different approaches to explaining therapy to your child. For younger children, therapy can be described as a place to learn more about their feelings and things they can do when they feel sad, angry, scared or embarrassed. They also can learn ways to solve problems that may be hard to figure out on their own.  For older children or teenagers, you can ask what they know about therapy as a starting point. You may want to share that therapy is a private space with a safe adult to help them understand feelings, thoughts and experiences that might feel hard or difficult. If there is a specific reason your child is coming to therapy, it may be appropriate to disclose that to your child. 

It is my practice to start with a parent(s) only session and it is important for parents to continue to be involved in their child’s treatment. What this involvement looks like depends on the concerns and the child’s age and development. For younger children, parents may join sessions to work in the moment addressing concerns and attempting new approaches. For older children and teens creating a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship is very important thus brief check ins or collateral sessions may be more helpful. 

Confidentaility is an important component to therapy. I use my professional judgment when providing updates and may include the following information; general themes and recommendations, minor’s diagnosis, treatment plan, progress in therapy, attendance, or similar information. I may also share with the parent when the minor gives me permission to disclose information and I believe the disclosure would be clinically appropriate; or the minor is experiencing a crisis or other emergency circumstance that would authorize me to break confidentiality.

How long a child or teen needs to be in therapy is different for each individual and family. Working collaboratively on treatment goals in the beginning of services will help assess progress and help determine when goals have been met. As progress is felt, the frequency of sessions can decrease. This can be explored throughout treatment.  

I do not accept insurance, instead I can provide you with a monthly invoice or “super bill” which you are able to submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement. This can help offset the out-of-pocket cost of therapy. I also reserve a few sliding scale spaces in my practice and these are available on a case-by-case basis.