When thinking about distress, here are some issues to consider:

• Do you or someone close to you spend some amount of time every week thinking about the problem?

• Is the problem embarrassing, to the point that you want to hide from others?

• Over the past few months, has the problem reduced your quality of life?

When thinking about interference, some other issues may deserve consideration:

• Does the problem take up considerable time (e.g., more than an hour per day)?

• Have you curtailed your work or educational ambitions because of the problem?

• Are you rearranging your lifestyle to accommodate the problem?

A “yes” response to any of these questions suggests that you might wish to consider seeking professional help. Clearly, the decision to enter into therapy is a very personal one.

We provide a wide range of services, and so can help with a wide range of problems including depression, anxiety, mood dysregulation, trauma or loss, behavioral or neurobehavioral problems such as ADHD, anger, life changes, or relationship concerns.  If appropriate, we also provide psychological or neuropsychological evaluations for youth to gather a more thorough and valid understanding as to what issues may be contributing to the problem.

Therapists are trained to help with all kinds of problems. For example, they help kids and teens going through tough times like:

• family problems

• school problems

• bullying

• health problems

They help with feelings like:

• sadness

• anger

• stress and worry

• low self-esteem

• Grief

They help kids and teens with conditions like:

• ADHD

• depression

• OCD and anxiety

• self-injury

• disruptive behavior disorders

• trauma-related disorders

The length of treatment for psychological problems will necessarily vary from one individual to another. Essentially, the treatment (type and duration) should always be matched appropriately to the nature and severity of the person's presenting difficulties. Acute difficulties usually require fewer treatment sessions than do chronic conditions. Moreover, length of treatment also varies with the type of treatment provided; cognitive behavioral treatments, which focus on a specific problem, are generally briefer than are psychotherapies with a broader focus.

It is important to consider the following when determining the length of treatment:

• Therapy successfully ends when the patient has accomplished the goals mutually agreed upon with the therapist.

• Discussion of treatment length should be part of your conversation with the therapist.

• Treatment length is often tentative and revisited throughout the course of treatment.

Source: APA Div. 12 (Society of Clinical Psychology)

At first, the therapist will meet with you and your child to talk. They will ask questions and listen. This helps them learn more about your child and about the problem. The therapist will tell you how they can help.

After that, your child will go to more therapy visits. At these visits, your child might:

• Talk. Talking is a healthy way to express feelings. When kids put feelings into words instead of actions, they can act their best. When someone listens and knows how they feel, kids are more ready to learn.

• Do activities. Therapists use activities to teach about feelings and coping skills. They may have kids draw or play as a way to learn. They may teach mindfulness and calm breathing as a way to lower stress.

• Practice new skills. Therapists help kids practice what they learn. They might play games where kids need to wait their turn, use self-control, be patient, follow directions, listen, share, try again, or deal with losing.

• Solve problems. With older kids and teens, therapists ask how problems affect them at home, at school. They talk over how to solve these problems.

We accept the following insurance providers:

• Aetna

• BCBS PPO

• Blue Choice

• UHC

• Optum

• Golden Rule

• UHC Student

• UMR

Our out of network fees are typically $225 for the first session, and they range from $180 to $225 for all subsequent sessions.  Clients are provided with the paperwork and information they would need to seek reimbursement from their insurance carrier.

Typically, you will be able to meet with a therapist at FPS within a week of initial contact with the therapist.  If we are not able to accommodate your schedule, our intake coordinator will work to connect you with another therapist in the community.

The intake paperwork on the portal will need to be completed at least 2 business days prior to your appointment so that we can verify your insurance benefits.  We recommend that you also contact your insurance carrier to verify benefits as we at times receive inaccurate information. 

We find it helpful that clients reflect on the problem they are seeking help with prior to the first appointment, and to make a list of questions you may have for your therapist as well.  The first several appointments are an opportunity for you to assess if the therapist is a good fit and for the therapist to ensure they can support you and the goals you have collaboratively identified.

We ask that you contact your therapist directly at least 24 hours prior to your appointment to cancel or reschedule.  If you communicate later than 24 hours, you will be responsible for paying the session fee out of pocket.