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 and individualized plan. Some therapy is brief and some requires 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 (for abuse) will be notified. In working with kids/teens in therapy, the therapist/child/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.
MEDICATION MANAGEMENT WITH KIDS/TEENS: Seeking psychiatric consultation can be an emotional and overwhelming process for parents. There is much to navigate when deciding whether medications are right for your child. Our nurse practitioners are very conservative with medications and will discuss all alternative treatments, the role of therapy, diet/exercise/sleep needs, medical issues, etc. as part of a treatment plan. However, for many, medications are an essential element to treating symptoms and illnesses in mental health, just as in any other area of medicine. There can be a great deal of stigma surrounding mental health, as well as inaccurate information in the media. One area surrounds the accusations of suicide risk in kids/teens on antidepressants, which is based on research that is not methodically sound. In addition, another challenge is that a majority of the medications needed to target certain biochemical pathways and areas of the brain are not FDA approved, but are standard of care when practicing evidence-based medicine and psychopharmacology. You can be assured that you will work closely with our NPs and collaborate on a plan that is best for your family.