Frequently Asked Questions
Starting therapy can feel overwhelming. And doing it online might raise even more questions. This FAQ is here to ease your mind, answer your questions, and remind you: You don’t have to do this alone.
How often are sessions? How long do they last?
Most clients are seen once per week for 53 minutes.
Younger children may have shorter or parent-guided sessions.
Some families begin with more frequent support and then taper as needed.
We’ll co-create a schedule that fits your life and your child’s needs.
Where are you located?
We’ll work together online through a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform.
As long as you’re in California at the time of your appointment, we can work together from any private space where you feel comfortable.
Is teletherapy effective for children and teens?
Yes! Research shows that online therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy for most mental health concerns, including trauma, anxiety, depression, and behavior challenges.
In fact, many children and teens feel more relaxed and open from the comfort of home. No sterile office. No long drives. Just connection, creativity, and healing. It’s through a screen, but it’s still heart to heart.
Can teletherapy work for toddlers or young children?
Absolutely. For kids under seven, I use a parent-child model of therapy. That means you (the caregiver) are a key part of the process.
I guide you in play-based, body-based, and attachment-strengthening activities you can do with your child during and between sessions. You don’t need to be a perfect parent; just a willing partner.
Together, we help your child:
- Feel safe in their body and environment
- Learn to name and manage big emotions
- Rebuild trust, security, and co-regulation
How do you keep younger kids engaged online?
I use a blend of:
- Interactive drawing
- Games, stories, and movement
- Play with toys the child already has at home
- Sensory breaks, regulation tools, and caregiver support
Sessions are developmentally attuned, which means we follow the child’s pace, attention span, and natural rhythms. And we always prioritize connection over compliance.
Will my teen actually talk through online therapy?
In most cases, yes – and sometimes, more than they would in person.
Teens often appreciate the control, privacy, and relaxed setting that telehealth offers. Some feel safer opening up from their bedroom than in a clinical office.
I also offer flexible formats for teens, including:
- Chat-based reflection during sessions
- Creative exercises (like writing or drawing)
- Breakout movement moments for regulation
- Collaborative goal-setting and boundary work
I meet your teen where they are. I help them build trust, not walls.
What if my child has a trauma history or complex needs?
That’s my specialty. This practice is trauma-informed, developmentally grounded, and narrative-focused.
We work with kids and young adults who’ve experienced:
- Early trauma or attachment disruptions
- Grief or loss
- Emotional neglect or abuse
- Complex family dynamics
- Anxiety, depression, self-doubt, or burnout
Every session honors your child’s nervous system, pace, and dignity.
There’s no pressure to “tell everything” right away. There’s no rush… no shame.
Will I be involved as a parent?
Yes, especially for children. For teens, involvement varies depending on their age, needs, and preferences, but you’ll never be left out of the loop.
I offer:
- Regular check-ins or parent coaching
- Collaborative updates
- Support with behavior challenges, school stress, or home conflict
- Tools to help you support your child without power struggles
I believe healing happens in relationships, and that includes yours.
What do I need for telehealth to work?
All you need is:
- A reliable Internet connection
- A device with a camera and microphone (tablet, laptop, or phone)
- A quiet, private space (perfection not required!)
- A willingness to show up, even on the messy days
I can guide you through the setup before your first session. If tech hiccups happen, we’re flexible. Your humanity is always welcome here.
Do you take insurance?
No, this is a private-pay, cash-based practice, and I’m an out-of-network (OON) provider.
However, if you have OON mental health benefits as a part of your plan, I can provide you with statements for possible reimbursement.
Why don’t you work with insurance?
My self-pay telehealth therapy format is helpful for:
- People with high-deductible insurance plans or weak mental health networks
- Uninsured individuals or those with limited coverage
- Clients seeking specialized, culturally competent providers
- Individuals valuing fit and convenience over insurance savings
You will get invoices, and I can provide superbills if needed. You can turn these in to your insurance company for reimbursement.
What if my child doesn’t want therapy?
That’s normal. Therapy can feel weird or scary at first, especially online.
Here’s what I suggest:
- Start with a free 15-minute consult, so it’s less intimidating.
- Frame therapy as a safe space to talk or play, not a punishment.
- Share that many kids, teens, and adults use therapy to feel better – not because they’re “broken,” but because they’re human.
The key is this: We don’t force connection. We earn it with patience, creativity, and trust.
What if I still have questions?
I am happy to talk through your family’s unique needs.
Call me today to schedule a free 15-minute consultation: (530) 440-1538.