Hourly fees vary according to the service and the therapist that is delivering the services. Please call us to discuss the fee structure. We accept and file insurance for most insurance companies including Medicaid and HealthChoice. However, you are ultimately responsible for payment. If your insurance benefits allow payment for our services, you will be responsible for the deductible and co-payment only.
What age range do you serve?
We will work with children and adolescents from age 5 – 20 and their parents, guardians and family members. We also provide therapy and evaluation services to adults.
Do you see only kids, or do you offer family counseling?
We offer a full array of services to families, including family therapy. Although most of our initial referrals involve issues with children and teens, it is impossible to work effectively with kids without incorporating those in their environment. Our clinical staff has extensive training in individual and family therapy for kids, as well as adults.
What is psychological testing and how might it help my child?
Psychological testing involves the administration of tests of academic ability, achievement, emotions, behavior and relationships in order to obtain an objective and more thorough picture of your child's strengths and weaknesses. These tests provide invaluable information for planning interventions in therapy, at school and at home. Since tests are constructed based on empirical research, the results are more objective than personal opinion, and/or observation of your child alone. Usually the child is given these tests and parents/guardians and teachers are also given rating scales and checklists to complete regarding the child.
What makes your services distinct?
The fact that we strive to be the "hub of a wheel" in centralizing treatment in our facility to avoid confusion and professionals working at cross purposes for your child makes our services more thorough, clear, and "family friendly". We make every effort to help you straightforwardly organize and utilize information gathered perhaps from a variety of specialists to maximize your child's strengths and remediate their weaknesses.
How do you help children and teens with their problems?
We will meet first with you and your child to obtain yours and your child's picture of the issues to be addressed. We will then assess those areas of your child's life, be it academic, emotional, behavioral or relational, that are of concern. Using the information from our assessment, we will assist you and your child or teen in designing a clear plan of intervention. Intervention can involve meetings with your child individually, family therapy, parent / guardian teaching, meetings with school, court, social services personnel, psychiatrist, or a combination of all of the above.
How often will we need to meet with you for treatment?
Appointments are scheduled on an individual basis dependent upon each individual's concerns and needs. The initial appointment is scheduled for an hour and follow-up appointments will then be scheduled.
How long does it take to see results?
Treatment is individualized and there is no way to predict this definitely. At the initial meeting, a treatment plan is formulated and we will move toward the goals we set together.
What can you offer that is more than what I would get talking to a friend or pastor?
Friends and pastors can be immensely helpful and we would recommend turning to those that you trust for guidance. There are certain issues in family life, however that either persist or are traumatic that objective, professional expertise is required. If you are not sure if your or your child's issues warrant professional intervention, please call us and we will discuss with you over the telephone our opinion regarding whether you should come in with your child, or if referral to another source, might be more appropriate.
My issues with my child now involve interaction with the courts and attorneys. Do you have experience in dealing with the courts and custody / divorce issues, for example?
Yes. We have clinical staff that are trained and experienced in consulting with the court and with attorneys.
Will I know what's going on with my child during their therapy?
Yes. We will keep you informed of your child's progress in therapy, and certainly of assessment results. This is done with a sensitivity to your child's need for confidentiality, especially with older children and teens. Your therapist will thoroughly cover issues of confidentiality with you and your child in the first meeting.
My child's struggles are primarily in school. Can you help with this?
Yes, we can perform the initial assessment of your child's academic ability and achievement skills in our office. Such tests will screen for the presence of learning disabilities and will help determine the source of the disability, whether it be cognitive, emotional or behavioral in origin. We can then assist you, your child, and teachers design a plan for individual and classroom remediation.
What if my child has emotional struggles with physical conditions such as being overweight, having physical limitations due to injury, birth, or illness? Do you assess and deal with those conditions?
Yes. We will assess and treat the emotional, relational and behavioral results of limiting physical conditions. In keeping with our commitment to centralized treatment in our facility, we have established relationships with other professionals such as physicians, exercise specialists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, audiologists, optometrists, speech and language specialists, etc.
Do your clinicians prescribe medication?
No. We can, however assess conditions such as depression and anxiety that may require medication and then assist you with a referral to a family doctor or a psychiatrist for a medication evaluation. Research has consistently shown that with clinical conditions that warrant prescription of medication that a combination of medication and therapy yield superior results over taking medication alone. This is one reason we are glad to be a part of the treatment team, and to assist you in making effective treatment choices for you and your child.
Do you offer any services for parents/guardians?
Yes. We are committed to offering parent education and support services both on an individual basis and in groups, either in the form of formal on-going parent support groups, or in workshops and seminars offered to the public. Please revisit our website often to stay informed of groups we may be offering for parents.
