Question 1

How much do sessions cost?

Accepted Answer

The fee is $175 per session.

Question 2

Do you take insurance?

Accepted Answer

We are considered “out of network” providers. We are happy to provide you with a superbill to obtain reimbursement from your insurance provider, and to walk you through this process.

Question 3

Do you offer virtual sessions?

Accepted Answer

Virtual sessions are not an option for play therapy.  In-person therapy is encouraged if possible, but is not a requirement for Parent Guidance or adolescents, and will be discussed in the evaluation process. There are benefits and drawbacks to doing therapy virtually as opposed to in-person. Virtual therapy provides convenience, but some of the drawbacks include lack of privacy and the annoyance of technical glitches (think, “can you hear me now? No? How about now?”). In-person therapy requires a greater time commitment, but the benefits include being in a space whose only function is to promote healing, and most importantly, being in the same room together.

*Please note that clients wishing to receive virtual therapy must currently be living in New York State*

Question 4

How long are sessions?

Accepted Answer

Sessions are 45 minutes for children and adolescents, and 60 minutes for parents.

Question 5

How long is therapy?

Accepted Answer

Because Play Therapy moves at the child’s pace, it often lasts for 1-2 years. It is difficult to predict the amount of time a child will need to be in therapy, but in general, parents should expect progress to take place over a period of time. This is because the goal of Play Therapy is not to provide a band-aid or a quick fix, but to help the child achieve transformation.

For children (and all people), therapy does not have to be a “one and done.” Sometimes a child will resolve certain issues while they are in elementary school, but when they enter high school, new challenges are presented. It is expected and completely normal for children and adolescents to pause therapy for months or even years, and then return at a later date.

Question 6

How long is parent guidance?

Accepted Answer

Parent Guidance sessions are 60 minutes long, and can take place at whatever frequency is desired by the parents. Some parents attend Parent Guidance weekly, others biweekly, and others only as needed. Some parents benefit from having a handful of sessions as a form of consultation. It can be provided on a short or long-term basis.

Parent Guidance can take place in addition to therapy the child is receiving, or independently of a child receiving therapy.

Question 7

How often do you meet?

Accepted Answer

Play Therapy and talk therapy with adolescents takes place once a week on a weekly basis, though we are flexible as necessary.

Some parents attend Parent Guidance weekly, others biweekly, and others only as needed. Some parents benefit from having a handful of sessions as a form of consultation. It can be provided on a short or long-term basis.

Question 8

How do I prepare my child for their first visit?

Accepted Answer

You don’t have to do much to prepare your child. Some parents find it helpful to explain to their children that they will meet with a really nice lady who is a “feelings doctor” and she just wants to get to know you. Plus, she has lots of toys and fun activities!

Question 9

Will I be in my child’s session?

Accepted Answer

After the parents meet with the therapist to complete the evaluation process, they generally will not participate in weekly sessions, although this will depend on the specific needs of each child. We always want to follow the child’s lead. The therapist will ask to meet with parents approximately once every 4-6 weeks to provide feedback about the child’s progress, and to hear about how the child has been doing in between therapy sessions.

Question 10

Will I know what my child is doing or talking about?

Accepted Answer

While it may seem strange to think of a child having “confidentiality,” it is crucial to the therapy process for the child to know that what they talk about will not be shared. The purpose of this confidentiality is not to “keep secrets” from parents, but to allow the child to express feelings that they may not feel comfortable sharing with their parents. There are certain limitations to this confidentiality when the child’s safety is involved, which will be discussed further during the evaluation process. In parent meetings, the therapist will share general feedback and observations of the child, but will not share specific details about what the child says. Since strengthening the parent-child relationship is one of the goals of Play Therapy, the therapist will work with the child on feeling more comfortable sharing feelings with their parents.

Brooke Marlin

PSYCHOTHERAPY

Children｜Adolescents｜Parents

Frequently Asked Questions