Frequently Asked Questions

Questions About Our Office

• Will insurance cover Psychotherapy?
• How can I get more information or make an appointment?
• Do you have evening and weekend appointments available?

Questions About Therapy

• What is your background as an Adolescent and Child Therapist?
• What will my child/teen and family gain from therapy?
• How will I know when my child or adolescent needs help?
• What kind of therapy is offered?
• Can you prescribe medication?
• Are the issues discussed in therapy confidential?

Questions About Our Office

Will insurance cover Psychotherapy?

Office policy is that clients pay directly for services rendered. It is recommended that you contact your insurance carrier’s behavioral health department to find out what benefits are covered under your plan. I will provide the necessary documentation so that your insurance carrier may reimburse you if psychotherapy is covered.

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How can I get more information or make an appointment?

I am available for phone consultations and can be reached at (818) 706-0040. I will get back to you promptly to discuss your child’s needs and your concerns.

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Do you have evening and weekend appointments available?

Late afternoon and evening appointments are available Monday through Thursday. Limited weekend appointments are also available.

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Questions About Therapy

What is your background as an Adolescent and Child Therapist?

In addition to many years of specific training and education focused on child and adolescent therapy, I have more than a decade of experience as a therapist and clinical supervisor working in child and family community mental health settings. Specialized child therapeutic models, techniques, and interventions are utilized to uncover and resolve problems that often times are not easily expressed verbally.

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What will my child/teen and family gain from therapy?

• Finding positive ways to cope with stress, loss, anxiety, and change.
• Developing skills to better manage anger, depression, and other emotional pressures
• Improving communications skills - learn how to listen, and have your child listen to you
• Getting "unstuck" from unhealthy patterns - breaking old behaviors and develop new ones
• Discovering positive ways to solve problems and diffuse parent/child conflict
• Improving academic and social functioning
• Helping parents set realistic expectations that their child/teen can meet
• Improving your child’s self-esteem and boosting their self-confidence

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How will I know when my child or adolescent needs help?

Children and adolescents often need the support of therapy when:

• You notice changes in behavior or mood (depression, anxiety, isolation, aggression) that effect social relationships, and functioning at school/work
• Your child experiences a significant loss or trauma that is causing them distress
• Your family can’t find solutions to help your child
• You suspect your child or teen is using drugs or alcohol
• Your child is engaging in behavior that is self-harmful or harmful to others
• Your child has trouble resolving conflict and has trouble de-escalating when angry
• Family stress continues to increase due to your child’s behavioral and/or emotional challenges

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What kind of therapy is offered?

Both brief and long term therapy is offered from the following therapeutic models and can be delivered in individual and/or family sessions.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy(CBT) is based on the idea that our thoughts cause our feelings and behaviors. Distorted beliefs, thoughts and perceptions are examined, challenged, and altered to facilitate behavioral and emotional change. CBT is especially helpful when treating children that experience depression, anxiety, and negative self-esteem.

Psychodynamic Therapy helps client’s gain an understanding of how past relationships, experiences and behavioral patterns influence the way they currently function. By helping clients become aware of reoccurring negative relational and behavioral patterns, they are able to make more positive and satisfying life decisions.

Family Systems Therapy focuses on the interplay of family roles and relationships in contributing to both the origin and solution of emotional and behavioral difficulties. Therapeutic interventions are aimed at strengthening communication, redefining roles and restoring healthy boundaries. Improved individual and family functioning can result from a more balanced, open relational style.

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Can you prescribe medication?

Psychotherapists are not permitted to prescribe medication. Only psychiatrists and other medical doctors may prescribe medication. In my practice I prefer to collaborate with psychiatrists who specialize in working with children and adolescents. Research suggests that for some childhood and adolescent problems, medication along with psychotherapy is the best course of treatment. In the event your child’s symptoms and behaviors indicate a need for psychiatric intervention, a referral will be discussed and provided. 

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Are the issues discussed in therapy confidential?

All information that a patient discloses in psychotherapy, including the therapist’s written notes and records, is confidential except under special circumstances where disclosure is required by law. Some circumstances where the law requires disclosure include:

• Suspected child abuse or dependant adult or elder abuse. The therapist is required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
• If a client is threatening serious imminent bodily harm to another person or persons. The therapist must notify the police and inform the intended victim. In addition, it may be necessary for the therapist to notify authorities in order to obtain an evaluation for emergency hospitalization for the client.
• If a client intends to harm himself/herself or is gravely disabled. The therapist will make every effort to enlist the client’s cooperation in ensuring safety. Further measures may be taken without their permission in order to ensure their safety. This can include notifying authorities in order to obtain an evaluation for emergency hospitalization for the client.

When appropriate, and for the benefit of the client, written permission for release of information may be given by the parent to allow consultation with third parties.

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