FAQ

PSYCHOTHERAPY: Psychotherapy may have benefits such as significant reduction in distress, improved social relationships, resolution of specific problems, and clearer understanding of yourself, your values, and your goals. For therapy to be most successful, you will have to be able to talk openly and honestly, address any difficulties that arise, and put forth active effort outside our sessions. Our therapists have expertise in several areas of therapy and will collaborate with clients to create an individualized plan. Some therapy is brief and some require a longer duration to address symptoms and treatment goals. If you have any questions or uncertainties, please discuss them with your therapist.

THERAPY WITH KIDS/TEENS: Confidentiality in working with kids/teens can be difficult for parents/guardians to understand. Children/teens won’t feel safe to open up in therapy unless they can be assured that what they say will be kept private. On the other hand, as a parent, you have a right to know how your child is progressing. In general, we will tell children that while we will be speaking with their parents from time to time, we won’t share specifics of our work unless the child and clinician(s) have agreed beforehand. The exception is when information is obtained that falls under mandated reporter status (child/dependent/elder abuse) and/or knowledge that the child is suicidal or involved in any dangerous activities. In these cases, parents and the appropriate agencies will be notified. In working with kids/teens in therapy, the therapist, child, and family are partners in the growth, but the therapist must serve as the guide while in treatment. The frequency of parent meetings depends on the individual and is done periodically or as issues arise.  In between sessions, you are welcome to email any concerns or updates to our clinicians with respect to the time it takes outside of the office to read these concerns/requests. Please use this mode of communication, including phone contact, to convey only the most important information and of course for any urgent issues.