FAQ

Q. HOW IS THIS APPROACH DIFFERENT FROM OTHER THERAPIES?

A. Our approach is person centered as we believe it is necessary to meet individuals where they are when providing support and moving forward. Our practice is also influenced by the Patient and Family Centered Care model.

  • Realize that the illness or trauma effects the whole family.

  • Learn new ways to cope with stress and anxiety.

  • Managing grief, and other emotional pressures.

  • Improving communications and listening skills.

 

Q. HOW WILL THESE SERVICES BENEFIT ME AND OR MY CHILD?

A. The benefits you obtain from our practice depends on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. The benefits include services provided by a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS). Child life specialists focus on the psychosocial and developmental needs of children, adolescents and collaborating with families and other health care providers to:

  • Prepare children for medical procedures or treatment using language that children understand.

  • Introduce coping strategies to help reduce anxiety and enhance cooperation.

  • Provide support and distraction during medical procedures.

  • Offer opportunities for play and expressive activities, to encourage normal development and a sense of fun in spite of challenging circumstances.

  • Our visits are designed around your family's specific needs and goals.

  • Promote Patient and Family-Centered Care by providing information, advocacy and support to families of pediatric patients.

 

Q. WHAT IS A SESSION LIKE?

A. We believe strongly in the value of play and use play in almost all our work with children. It can be both non-directive and directive based on the individual situation. A number of benefits are available from participating in a practice such as ours. We are different in that we employ practitioners and counselors who have extensive experience in working with children, adolescents and families both in and out of their healthcare realm. We can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as chronic illness, new diagnosis, medical and or surgical preparation, sibling issues, parent support.

 

Q. Do you take insurance, and how does that work?

A. Our services are paid out of pocket at the time of the session. We are happy to discuss payment options with you. However, if you want to look into submitting your bill to your insurance company you would do that on your own. To determine if you have mental health coverage through your insurance carrier, the first thing you should do is call them. Check your coverage carefully and make sure you understand their answers. Some helpful questions you can ask them:

  • What are my mental health benefits?

  • What is the coverage amount per therapy session?

  • How many therapy sessions does my plan cover?

  • How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?

  • Is approval required from my primary care physician?

 

Q. Does what we talk about in our session remain confidential?

A. Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and therapist. Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust with highly sensitive subject matter that is usually not discussed anywhere but the therapist's office. Every therapist should provide a written copy of their confidential disclosure agreement, and you can expect that what you discuss in session will not be shared with anyone. This is called Informed Consent. Sometimes, however, you may want your therapist to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare team (your Physician, Naturopath, Attorney), but by law your therapist cannot release this information without obtaining your written permission.


However, state law and professional ethics require therapists to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations:

  • Suspected past or present abuse or neglect of children, adults, and elders to the authorities, including Child Protection and law enforcement, based on information provided by the client or collateral sources.

  • If the therapist has reason to suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming him/herself or has threatened to harm another person.