What do I tell my older child or teen about going to counseling?

 Being upfront and honest about counseling with your teen is best.  Using counseling as a threat for poor choices is not recommended.  "We are going to visit a counselor that helps others work out different feelings they may have or figure out a better way to handle a problem.  You don't have to talk about anything you don't want to talk about.  You may be invited to do artwork, do different activities or listen to music." 

What do I tell my  young child about going to counseling?

It may be helpful to say something like, "We are going to visit a friend that is a helper for children who may have lots of different feelings about lots of different things.  The counselor may ask you questions, but most of the time, you will play together.  If you don't feel like talking, that's okay."

How do I make an initial appointment?

Please contact us via phone or email to set up an initial appointment.  Child Parent Counseling has morning, afternoon and evening appointments available on weekdays.  Morning and day appointments are also available on the weekends. 

What is your cancellation policy?

Kindly give 24 hours notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment.  Cancellations less than 24 hours notice will be charged a $50 fee, payable prior to your next session. 

Do you accept my insurance?

We accept some major insurance plans.  If we do not accept your insurance, we will work with you to file claims for an out-of-network provider.  Your insurance may reimburse a portion of the counseling fee.  Please check with your insurance carrier for more information on using an out-of-network provider.  Contact us for information on whether we are in-network with your insurance provider.  Keep in mind that insurance companies do collect information on diagnosis and can access your mental health record.

What kind of payment do you accept and when is payment due?

We accept payment by cash, check or credit card.  Payment is due at the time of service.  A statement of services can be provided to assist you in receiving reimbursement from your insurance for counseling fees if we are not in network with your insurance carrier.

Frequently Asked Questions & Answers    

Would my child benefit from play therapy or counseling?

It's important that both you and your child feel comfortable working with the therapist you choose.  A therapist who has a good working relationship with your child is more likely to make progress toward resolving the core problems.  Mental health professionals should be licensed in their respective field and specialize in working with children.  You are welcome to schedule a free fifteen minute phone or in-person consultation at Child Parent Counseling to get a feel for whether we may be a good fit for your child and family.  Generally after a few sessions, it is clear whether a therapist is a good match for a child and family.  If it is decided we are not a good fit, we will help refer you to someone who may be.

As a parent, will I know what's going on in individual therapy sessions with my child?

Your therapist will always keep you aware of goals, general themes and progress in therapy if your child is having individual sessions.  Children will benefit the most from having a trusted individual work with them.  This is someone who will not tell their parents what they say and how they feel without their consent.  If there is information shared that reflects a danger to themselves or someone else, we will inform parents and the appropriate authorities as necessary.  One of our ultimate goals in counseling is to increase communication among family members.  Your therapist will encourage your child to share feelings and thoughts with you in treatment but will not be forced.     

How long are sessions and how often do you meet with me, my child and/or family?

The initial assessment is approximately one hour.  Your therapist will collect information from you and your child individually and together.  After the first meeting, sessions are typically 50-60 minutes.  The frequency of sessions will depend on the treatment plan that you and your therapist initiate.  Often, counseling occurs on a weekly basis, and fades to biweekly or monthly as progress is made.  Counseling may be recommended individually for your child, individually for you, you and your child together or for your whole family.  This will be discussed when you and your therapist initiate a plan for treatment.  Parent consultation is always a part of treatment and may occur prior to your child's session or at a separate time.

What do I need to bring to the first appointment?

Child Parent Counseling will email you or direct you to our consent forms on our website to review and complete prior to the session if you wish.  Completing these forms ahead of time will help make our time together the most useful.   Bring government issued identification and any educational or testing information that may be helpful.  If you are divorced from your child's other parent, we require that both parents consent to treatment if there is joint custody.  We also require a copy of the custody agreement.  Please bring payment for your initial assessment.

It is difficult to make generalizations for how long counseling will last.  Every child, parent, family and problem is unique.  Child Parent Counseling will make recommendations and talk with you and your family about approximate length of treatment.  The first few sessions focus on problem identification, treatment planning and getting to know each other.  Trust and a good working relationship are crucial for counseling to be effective.  If other treatment, activities or services may be helpful, your therapist will discuss these recommendations and provide referrals.  There is no guarantee that counseling will help.  Symptoms may even get worse for a period of time.  Your therapist will keep an open dialogue about what you may expect and progress in treatment.  We collaborate with schools, physicians and other providers involved in your child's care.

Do you accept adult clients?

 We work with people of all ages and have specfic therapists who also work with adult clients or those in late adolescence.  Whether you are a parent seeking help for your own problem or are an adult seeking counseling and support, we may be able to help.  If we feel that you may benefit from a provider with more specialized experience and training, we will help refer you. 

 How do you work with children with divorced or separated parents?

Children with parents who are separated, divorced or having conflict, most likely can benefit from sharing feelings with a supportive and neutral person.  Child Parent Counseling requires that both parents consent to treatment for their child.  We advocate for children to have their own space  to feel comfortable sharing thoughts and feelings that will not be used in a custody hearing.  Having your child's therapist testify in court or submit records may jeopardize the therapeutic relationship your therapist has with your child.  Counseling can be very beneficial for children experiencing divorce or separation and it is recommended that a separate practitioner make recommendations for custody.

What is telehealth and do you offer it?

Telehealth allows an individual to connect to their provider via a HIPPA compliant secure internet portal providing live video and audio.  Individuals interested in this service will need to come to our office for the initial appointment and if agreed upon with the provider can continue therapy from the comfort of their home or other confidential location.   This mode of therapy can be helpful to those unable to attend in-person sessions regularly. 

How much does counseling cost?

Current self-pay fees for counseling services are as follows:

Initial assessment                                                              $160 (55-60 min.)

Individual or family session                                          $120/$145 (approximately 45min/60 min.)