Getting Started With Child & Teen Therapy

Book Your Free Intro Call

Ready to get started or have some questions to run by me? Call or email me to set up an 15 minute initial video or phone call to see if working with me is right for your child. If you have questions about insurance or fees, please check my Frequently Asked Questions page before scheduling the call.

Step 1 - Initial Parent Meeting

The intake appointment is a comprehensive conversation that is usually 75 minutes long, for a parent or parents only. It gives us a chance to have a candid, private conversation about your child. It is a time for you to tell your child/family’s story, ask questions and get an initial read on whether I am someone you think your child would like to work with. I will orient you to my practice, provide some feedback and give you a preview of possible next steps. At the end of the meeting we’ll decide if it seems to make sense for us to move ahead with my meeting your child.

Step 2 - First Meeting With Your Child

I meet with a child or teenager at the next appointment. With younger children, a parent usually comes in for the beginning of the first meeting. For adolescents, it's up to you and your child. Make sure to speak with your child about the appointment before bringing them in. No surprises. Let me know if you want ideas on how to frame therapy.

Step 3 - Treatment Planning

After the first 2-3 meetings with your child (the initial assessment period) I’ll meet with you again to debrief. We’ll talk about my initial impressions and the plan moving forward. This includes the goals, an estimate how long the therapy will last, and what the parent consultation piece will look like. If we decide we’re not a fit to work together, I’ll provide you with additional resources or referrals if you’d like them.

Step 4 - Regular Therapy

Sessions are usually 45 minutes long, once a week. The frequency and length of the sessions may vary depending upon your child’s needs. Early on, my focus will be on getting to know your child. I’ll pay attention and try to understand the whole picture. This will include your child’s relationships, thoughts/feelings/behavior, routines, school and your family.

Therapy is a form of learning. Behavior change and implementation of new patterns takes its own time. The length of the treatment is flexible. Regular attendance is necessary. Results can be compromised if your child does not attend consistently. 

Expect that parent meetings will be scheduled outside of your child's therapy sessions. One of the features of child and adolescent therapy that is different from adult therapy is the chance to have regular input from people who witness the person’s life. We will talk about what you observe about your child as well as their therapeutic goals, progress and supports at home and at school. If your child is in middle or high school, we will discuss how to adapt this in respect of their age/developmental stage, as parent meetings are less frequent as a child gets older.