Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I know if therapy is right for me or my child?

People seek therapy for many different reasons. Some individuals want to improve self-confidence, manage stress, or develop healthier coping strategies, while others seek support for their child who may be struggling with emotions, behaviors, relationships, or life transitions.

If changes in mood, anxiety, stress, behavior, or relationships are interfering with daily life, therapy may provide valuable support. Therapy can help individuals and families better understand challenges, develop effective coping skills, and improve overall quality of life.

2. What age groups do you work with?

I work with children, adolescents, and adults. I typically see children ages 6 and older.

For children, therapy may include developmentally appropriate approaches such as play therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), social skills development, emotional regulation strategies, and grief support. Children learn skills to better understand their emotions, manage stress, improve problem-solving, and navigate challenges at home and school.

For adolescents, therapy provides a safe and confidential space to discuss concerns such as anxiety, depression, peer relationships, academic stress, bullying, social media pressures, self-esteem, and life transitions.

3. How long are therapy sessions?

Individual therapy sessions are typically 45 minutes.

The initial appointment is reserved for parents or guardians to complete intake paperwork and discuss concerns, history, and treatment goals without the child present. I believe this allows parents to openly share important information while creating a more comfortable and trusting environment for the child when therapy begins.

When children are present during parent discussions about their struggles, they may feel uncomfortable or worried about what is being shared. Beginning with a parent intake helps create a stronger foundation for the therapeutic relationship.

4. What are your areas of specialty?

I have extensive training and experience utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and other evidence-based approaches.

I work with children, adolescents, and adults experiencing concerns including:

  • Anxiety disorders

  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

  • Depression

  • ADHD

  • Emotional regulation difficulties

  • Grief and loss

  • Life transitions

  • Stress management

  • Parenting support

Treatment is individualized based on each client's unique needs, strengths, and goals.

5. My child has been to therapy before and all they did was play games. How do I know this will be different?

Play is an important therapeutic tool when working with children because it allows children to communicate, process emotions, and develop skills in a way that feels natural and comfortable. However, effective child therapy is more than simply playing games.

During treatment, children participate in structured activities designed to help them understand emotions, identify challenges, develop coping skills, and practice new strategies. Children may complete activities such as CBT worksheets, skill-building exercises, emotional regulation activities, and therapeutic projects.

Each child has an individual therapy folder that remains in the office throughout treatment. This folder contains completed work, coping strategies, and tools developed during sessions. At the end of treatment, children may bring their folder home as a resource they can continue using.

Sessions typically include skill-building activities first, followed by a therapeutic activity or game when appropriate.

6. My child has seen multiple therapists but has never connected with anyone. How can I help them try therapy again?

This is a very common concern, especially among children and adolescents who may feel hesitant or resistant after previous experiences with therapy.

A strong therapeutic relationship is one of the most important factors in successful treatment. My goal is to create a safe, supportive environment where children and teens feel respected, understood, and comfortable being themselves.

I have experience building connections with children and adolescents who have struggled to engage in therapy. I frequently receive referrals from school adjustment counselors and other professionals when additional support is needed.

As a parent, I understand how difficult it can be to make the decision to bring your child to therapy. I approach every child with the same care, patience, and compassion I would want for my own family. While I cannot guarantee that I will be the right fit for every child, I believe finding the right therapist is essential and I am happy to help families identify appropriate resources if needed.

7. Do you prescribe medication or work with psychiatrists?

I do not prescribe medication and I am not a psychiatrist. When medication evaluation may be beneficial, I refer clients to qualified medical providers who specialize in psychiatric medication management.

With client permission, I collaborate with psychiatrists, primary care providers, schools, and other professionals to ensure coordinated care and provide a comprehensive approach to treatment.

8. What is the difference between a therapist and a psychiatrist?

A therapist is a licensed mental health professional who provides psychotherapy to help clients understand emotions, identify patterns, develop coping strategies, and work toward personal goals.

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in mental health and is able to evaluate, diagnose, and prescribe medication when appropriate.

Some individuals benefit from therapy alone, while others benefit from a combination of therapy and medication management.

9. Does my child or do I need medication?

Medication is not necessary for everyone experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, or other mental health concerns.

Some individuals make significant progress through therapy alone, while others may benefit from medication to help manage symptoms and better utilize the skills learned in treatment. After a thorough evaluation, recommendations regarding medication can be discussed with an appropriate medical provider.

10. Will I be in the room with my child during sessions?

The initial appointment is typically completed with parents or guardians only. Follow-up sessions are focused on building a therapeutic relationship with the child.

Many children feel more comfortable expressing their thoughts and emotions independently once they have established trust with their therapist. Most children experience some nervousness when meeting a new therapist, but many become more comfortable as they begin engaging in the process.

After sessions, I provide parents with appropriate updates, treatment recommendations, coping strategies, and any suggested activities to support progress at home while respecting the child's therapeutic privacy.

11. Do you accept insurance?

I currently accept the following insurance plans:

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield

  • Optum

  • United Behavioral Health

  • Harvard Pilgrim Health Care

Please note that I do not accept standard MassHealth plans.

Private pay options are also available. Please contact my office to discuss fees, insurance benefits, and payment options.