FAQs
DO YOU ACCEPT INSURANCE?
I am considered an out-of-network provider. This means that you will pay the full fee up front each session and I can provide you with a detailed invoice of services provided (a.k.a. a Superbill) that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. In the spirit of transparency, submitting a superbill requires the therapist to give you/your child a diagnosis, which will become part of the individual's medical record. Additionally, your insurance may ask for your therapy records. If you desire the highest levels of privacy, this may be undesirable.
If you have limited or no health insurance I encourage you to still contact me. I can discuss alternative treatment options with you as this is part of my commitment to ensuring mental health care accessibility to all members of our community.
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In order to ensure that your insurance allows you to submit claims for out-of-network providers, contact your insurance company and ask the following questions:
1. Are mental health benefits for my child included in our insurance coverage?
2. If I have mental health benefits, are out-of-network benefits included?
3. Is any pre-approval required before obtaining out-of-network mental health services in order to be reimbursed?
4. What is my out-of-network deductible?
5. Will I be reimbursed the full amount I paid or a portion?
6. If I have out-of-network benefits, must I select a therapist from a list or can I choose any provider?
7. Are services by a clinical social worker (LCSW) covered?
* Please note that it is up to you to establish your out-of-network benefits to determine your eligibility for reimbursement before your visit.
HOW LONG IS THERAPY?
Initial Intake session: 90 minutes (Parent Only)
Individual Therapy, Family Therapy, Parent Consultation: 45 minutes
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The duration of therapy is personal to the individual child and family. There is no minimum or limit to the number of sessions, however, it takes an average of 20 sessions for most children to complete their therapeutic goals (Carmichael, 2006; Landreth, 2002). We will discuss your goals and needs to determine the frequency and length that best suits you and your child.
WHAT CAN WE EXPECT COMING TO THERAPY?
During the intake session (parent/caregiver only - no child) we will go over information pertaining to your child's development, family history, and delve into the reason you are seeking services for your child. We will also review important documents related to the therapeutic process and administrative items. We will discuss how you'd like to talk to your child about coming to therapy and discuss the outline of following sessions.
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During the first meeting with your child, I will meet with him or her individually. Sometimes, a child is worried and has difficulty separating from his or her parent or caregiver. In that case I will welcome you into the therapy room until your child is comfortable enough to stay in the room with me alone.
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In order to provide you with an update of your child's progress we will schedule a parent consultation session (without your child) every
4-5 weeks.
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IS MY CHILD TOO YOUNG FOR THERAPY?
​Nope! Often, individuals who begin therapy in adulthood soon realize that they have been repeating patterns of thought and behavior based on an unmet need in childhood. Individuals at every age, and especially children, deserve to feel safe, understood, connected and to heal from stressors just as much as anyone else.
WHAT SHOULD I SAY TO MY CHILD PRIOR TO STARTING THERAPY?
The energy you come into this conversation with is much more important than the specific words. Notice any hesitation or anxiety you have about your child coming to play therapy and process that first, as a child is more likely to pick up feelings of hesitation rather than what you actually say. Go into the conversation with a hopeful, confident attitude knowing that this will likely be a positive, supportive and collaborative experience.
Example:
“I met a woman named Curren and she creates special play time for kids to play. I thought that because it’s been hard for us to (simply describe the challenge the child or family is having) we would schedule special play time for you with Curren each week. She knows how to play with kids, loves to play with kids, and whenever things get hard she knows how to help kids feel and understand their emotions. I thought it would be amazing for you to have your own time to play and have full attention on you because you’re worth it! I’ll also speak with her sometimes so I can learn more about how to be the best parent for you. Let’s take a look at her office (pictures are on my website). If we have any questions, she said we can email her and she’ll respond before we go for the first time.”
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After the Session
When your child’s session is over, just let him or her know that you are happy to see them. Do not ask them to tell you about their session; let them tell you about their time if they choose to. Do not ask them if they had fun. Although your child may have had fun in the play therapy room, this is therapy, not a typical playtime, and your child is doing some serious work. Asking if they had fun creates the expectation that it SHOULD be fun and they could feel like they did it “wrong” if they did not have fun. We want your child to learn that whatever happens in the play therapy room is okay. It IS important to validate your child’s feelings, especially if it seems like they are feeling something that is uncomfortable like sad, scared or angry. They may not be able to tell you why, but knowing you recognize and value their feelings could be all they need at the moment and it will help them feel valued as well. If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s behavior after their session, please reach out to me!