How To Begin Child Therapy

We begin with a 30-minute virtual consultation. We’ll discuss your concerns, the timing of the changes in mood and behavior and I’ll answer any questions you have about my practice.

 

There is no charge for the initial consultation

If you decide to start your child in therapy, you’ll receive an email invitation from my HIPPA-compliant system (SimplePractice) to electronically sign the required forms and provide credit card information for billing after each child session and parent consultation.

 

All paperwork must be completed before the first session.

The first session typically includes your child and one or both parents, depending on your child's age and therapy experience. It's a gentle introduction — a chance to get to know each other and talk about the reasons for therapy.

 

We'll also briefly cover confidentiality. What your child shares stays between us, so they feel safe to speak freely. The one exception is safety — if I'm ever concerned your child may be at risk of harm, I will let you know and take the appropriate steps to protect them.

 

If this is your child's first time in therapy, some nervousness is completely normal. During our initial consultation, we can discuss ways to help them feel prepared.

Children attend weekly 45-minute sessions at my office in West Los Angeles, convenient to families in Santa Monica, Brentwood, Culver City, and nearby neighborhoods.

 

Beginning with the second session, your child and I meet one-to-one. It’s important that your child and I meet every week to build a strong, trusting relationship where we can connect, communicate and experiment.

 

Every child’s pace is different, and the length of therapy depends on each child’s needs.

Parents play an important role in the therapeutic process. We will schedule monthly parent consultations, which you can schedule via my Zoom scheduling calendar so flexible to meet your needs. Parents can be in separate locations.

 

During these conversations we’ll discuss themes I am noticing in sessions, talk about patterns you are observing at home, how your child is engaging at school and with friends and explore practical ways to support your child between sessions

 

When parents feel more confident in how to respond to their child’s emotions, children will also feel more secure and contained.

At the beginning of each month, you’ll receive two emails from me.

 

I'll share your child's upcoming session dates and flag those that fall on holidays, giving you the opportunity to reschedule if needed.

 

If requested, a Superbill for your child sessions and parenting consultations for the previous month.