How long is your waitlist?
I really can’t say as I’m a solo practitioner and it just depends on when people discharge. Usually a few months with shorter waits for clients who are available during school hours. Filling out your availability thoroughly on the google form is the best way to help me get you/your child in as soon as a spot opens up! You are also welcome to email me to check in once on the waitlist.
What is the best way to contact you?
Email, I will always get back to you! Phone calls are harder to return as I am most often in sessions.
What are sessions like for kids? For teens/adults?
Sessions are very kid friendly and interactive. We start with highs and lows from their week and check in about anything that has come up. Then we do 'my activity' which is some sort of therapeutic intervention such as identifying triggers of anxiety, learning a coping skill, a game focused on sharing feelings, a craft to use as a coping skill, ect. Then it's 'their choice' and kids can do anything they'd like in the room such as playing games, coloring, fidgets, ect.
For teens & adults, it's very much geared towards what each client would like in regards to structure-- I'm happy to provide hands on learning materials, concrete coping skills, ect. if desired, primarily talk therapy or a mixture.
For more, see 'clinical approach' tab.
Is there an exception to your age range of 6-21?
If I do make exceptions, it would be on a case by case basis and still close to my range-- I have made exceptions for 5 year olds and 22 year olds in the past. I do not discharge clients once they turn 21, they are able to continue seeing me if they chose to.
Do you provide family therapy? Can I be in the room with my child?
No, I do not provide family therapy and only offer individual counseling. Sometimes parents will join at the start of a session if a child is warming up to being with me and this is not a problem at all but the goal is for the child to be able to meet with me independently. I have yet to have a client uncomfortable with coming into session after the initial meeting and usually they are excited to come back. If they did continue to want a parent with them after a period of time, I may refer out to a family therapist instead. The hope is to create a safe and separate space for the child to share and work through things with a trusted adult that is outside of their circle.
Do you see siblings?
I am happy to see more than one child from a family as long as everyone involved is comfortable with this. These would be separate sessions as I don't offer family therapy. If I start seeing one child in the family and later on a parent asks me to see a sibling, I will always want to confirm that my original client is open to this before proceeding.
Where do I wait while my child is in session?
There is a waiting room attached to my office with free wifi, coffee and reading materials. You are welcome to stay and there are also toys for siblings to play with that come along with parents. If you determine your child old enough to be dropped off and picked up and they are also comfortable with that, it’s fine with me.
How do I find your office?
The Cummings Center is definitely complicated so I send you picture directions before your first session to make it easy to find me!
Do you offer virtual therapy?
For teens and adults, definitely. I prefer in person but understand that virtual is sometimes more accessible for families. For kids, I am more hesitant as I often do hands on activities to help them engage in sessions and keep their attention but feel free to email me and we can see if it would make sense for your child.
Is what my child says in therapy confidential?
Yes, by law anything shared between client and therapist is confidential except for situations related to safety.
Are you a mandated reporter?
Yes, I am.
How long will therapy continue for?
Treatment is not a set amount of time/sessions. The amount of time is very much up to client, family and my clinical judgement. If the client wants to continue seeing me indefinitely and we are making progress towards identifiable goals I am happy to meet with them for as long as they would like. I would say clients typically fall into one of two categories-- 6-12 months and indefinite. I have some clients who have been seeing me for 5+ years.
Do I prescribe medication? Are you supportive of clients exploring medication?
No, I do not. I suggest families start with their primary care doctor to either prescribe or refer you to a psychiatrist. I am always supportive of families exploring medication if they would like to and the need is present but do not “push” it at all or am a part of that process.
Do you have to diagnose to provide treatment?
Yes, if you are using insurance they require me to provide a diagnosis to bill.
Can I see you if I have out of network benefits?
I can provide you a monthly superbill to submit to your insurance for reimbursement but I am not able to obtain the reimbursement for you and you would be considered a private pay client at the normal rate.
Do you provide Christian therapy?
I am a Christian myself and am happy to integrate faith into sessions but always follow the client’s lead and what they are comfortable with. I also welcome clients who've had negative experiences in faith communities and need a safe place to process this.