Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

What ages do you work with?

I work with children, teens, young adults, including college students, and their family. My practice provides both therapy and psychological evaluations to help individuals better understand attention, learning, emotional concerns, and life transitions.

Therapy Questions

What issues do you help teens and young adults with?

I work with clients experiencing a range of concerns, including self-harm, eating disorders, anxiety, depression, school stress, social challenges, ADHD, identity development, perfectionism, family conflict, and life transitions. Some teens also come simply wanting support, guidance, or a space to talk.

How do I know if therapy is right for my teen or young adult?

Therapy may be helpful if you notice changes in mood, motivation, sleep, social behavior, academic performance, or general stress levels. If your child feels overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how to cope, therapy can provide tools, perspective, and support.

I am happy to offer a complimentary 15-minute consultation call to answer initial questions and help determine whether therapy may be a good fit.

What happens in the first therapy session?

For children and teen clients, the first session is held with parents or caregivers so I can gather background information, understand your concerns, and learn about your child’s history, strengths, and current challenges.

The second session is typically with the teen so they can begin building a comfortable, trusting relationship in a private space where they can speak openly and begin working on their goals.

Do parents participate in therapy sessions?

For teen clients, sessions are primarily one-on-one. However, I encourage collaborative communication with parents when appropriate, and parent check-ins may be scheduled as needed.

Young adults (18+) typically attend independently unless they request otherwise.

Is what my teen says in therapy confidential?

Yes. Privacy is essential for building trust, and therapy provides a safe space where teens can speak openly.

Exceptions to confidentiality include situations involving safety concerns, such as risk of harm to self or others, or when disclosure is legally required.

How long does therapy last?

Each session is typically 45 minutes. The length of treatment varies depending on individual needs. Some clients attend for short-term support (8–12 sessions), while others benefit from longer-term therapy depending on their goals.

What therapeutic approaches do you use?

My work is informed by evidence-based approaches, including:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills

• Strengths-based and relational approaches

• Mindfulness and coping strategies

Treatment is tailored to the unique needs of each client.

What if my teen doesn’t want therapy?

This is common. I encourage a low-pressure introduction, and sometimes a single consultation helps teens see that therapy is a supportive, nonjudgmental space. Many become more comfortable after meeting the therapist and learning what to expect.

How can parents support their teen during therapy?

Parents can help by:

• Encouraging consistency with appointments

• Being patient with the process

• Keeping communication open

• Validating their teen’s feelings

• Avoiding pressure to “fix” things immediately

Therapy works best when caregivers and therapists collaborate as a supportive team.

Assessment and Testing Questions

How do I know if my child may need testing?

Parents often consider an evaluation when a child is working hard in school but continuing to struggle with attention, organization, reading, writing, or math. Teachers may also recommend testing when learning or attention concerns begin to affect academic progress.

A comprehensive evaluation can help clarify a child’s learning profile and identify strategies that support academic success.

What happens during a psychological or educational evaluation?

Evaluations typically include an intake meeting with parents, several hours of standardized testing, and when appropriate, input from teachers. Testing helps assess areas such as cognitive abilities, academic skills, attention, memory, and executive functioning.

Following the evaluation, families participate in a feedback session and receive a comprehensive written report with findings and recommendations.

What should my child bring to their testing appointment?

Your child does not need to bring much—just themselves. It is helpful for them to arrive well-rested after a good night’s sleep.

Students are welcome to bring a water bottle or small snack, although water and snacks are also available in the office. If your child uses glasses, hearing aids, or other assistive devices, please bring those as well.

Will schools or colleges accept private evaluations?

Many schools and colleges accept evaluations completed by licensed psychologists. Families may share the report with their school to help guide educational planning or to support requests for academic accommodations.

Practical Questions

Do you offer virtual sessions?

Yes. I am a PSYPACT-licensed psychologist, which allows me to provide telepsychology services to clients who reside in PSYPACT-participating states. This expands access for teens and young adults who may live outside my immediate area but want consistent, high-quality care.

How do I schedule an appointment?

You can request an appointment through the contact form on the website or by phone/email. I also offer a brief consultation call to answer questions and determine whether we may be a good fit.

Why are you out of network, and what are the benefits?

I remain out of network with insurance companies so I can provide individualized care without restrictions that often accompany insurance-based treatment. Insurance plans frequently require a formal diagnosis and impose limits on the type or length of therapy.

Remaining out of network allows greater flexibility in treatment and helps protect your family’s privacy. Many clients still receive partial reimbursement through their out-of-network benefits, and I provide a superbill that can be submitted to your insurance company.