Child / Adolescent Therapy
The primary purpose of the therapy I provide is to help young people and their parents/caregivers better understand, talk about, and manage difficult thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. Here are some things that you should know about my approach to treatment:
The main type of therapy that I provide is called Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT). CBT is a type of “talk therapy” that focuses on helping people understand the relationships between thoughts, feelings, and behaviour and how they can effectively manage those relationships. Although my approach to therapy is grounded in CBT, I also integrate other approaches and influences when they seem appropriate (e.g., trauma- and attachment theory, mindfulness, and sensory-, play-, or art-based activities).
Parent Consultation
I typically involve parents/guardians in at least some part of their child’s individual therapy, with the goal of promoting mutual understanding, communication, problem solving, and collaboration on goals between therapy appointments. Sometimes, however, it makes sense to set up appointments for parents separate from their child. Such sessions might be recommended under circumstances that include:
- Family goals involve supporting parents/guardians in understanding and applying effective behaviour management, emotional support, and attachment strategies or other parenting techniques
- There are sensitive issues that would be important to be addressed outside of the presence of the child/teen
- The referred individual is unwilling or too young to directly participate in therapy
Parent consultation may be scheduled as a stand-alone service or as part of other services. Parent consultation may take place in-person or through phone or video sessions.
Psychological Assessments
The purpose of psychological assessment is to gain a better understanding of a person’s strengths and needs, with the ultimate goal of supporting the development of strategies to promote success and mental wellness at home, school, and in the community. Assessment tools may include cognitive and academic achievement tests; interviews with the parent/guardian, child/teen, school staff or other parties that have relevant information; art- or play-based activities; and behavioural and social-emotional rating questionnaires. Types of formal assessment I can offer include the following:
- Psychoeducational Assessment – primarily focused on identifying learning strengths and needs to help inform educational programming and identify factors that might affect school functioning. This type of assessment might lead to specific diagnoses related to learning and behaviour, such as Specific Learning Disabilities, Intellectual Disability, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum, etc.
- Social-emotional Assessment – primarily focused on developing a better understanding of past and current factors that might contribute to challenges related to thinking, feelings, and behaviours. This type of assessment might lead to specific mental health diagnoses, such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders, disruptive behaviour disorders, and attachment and trauma-related disorders.
- Comprehensive Assessment - A combination of psychoeducational and social-emotional assessment goals and activities.
Please note: Even if an assessment does not result in a specific diagnosis, recommendations will be provided to support you in addressing strengths and needs identified in the course of assessment.
Fees
My usual rates are $225/hour. Most sessions will include 50 minutes of direct client contact and 10 minutes to allow me to complete required paperwork; however, our first appointment may be scheduled and billed for 1 to 2 hours to make sure that we have enough time to discuss relevant background information and the main questions and concerns that you have. We will establish the planned length and fee for the initial appointment during a brief telephone consultation prior to our first session.
Fees for formal assessment begin at $2250 for psychoeducational or social-emotional assessment, and $2750 for a comprehensive assessment. Any additional costs above the minimum depends on the complexity of the assessment and the amount of time required to complete it. My regular rate of $225 per hour will be applied accordingly. All costs will be discussed with you and agreed upon prior to the commencement of any assessment.
Note: The length of each session is structured to allow me 10 to 15 minutes to record session notes for each billable hour.
Also note: I do not bill directly to insurance companies; however, you will be provided with a receipt that you may submit to your insurance company, if relevant.