Frequently Asked Questions

This page will answer many of the common questions parents and guardians have about Children's Counseling and Play Therapy.

Confidentiality

Q: How do you handle confidentiality?

A: "Confidentiality" is a big word for little ears, so we use age-appropriate language to explain our obligation and commitment to privacy and priviledged communication. Parents are also given a Notice of Privacy Practices fully explaining confidentiality and all that implies.

Basically, all records are for documentation and personal review, and are never shared with anyone, unless permission has been granted to do so or legally required. At times, collaboration with other professionals is necessary to provide the best treatment, and it is standard practice to share only the relevant information, without personal or distinguishing data.

There are certain circumstances in which confidentiality must be broken and are as follows:

We are bound by legal and ethical obligations to protect your privacy and rights as clients, and it is our commitment to you to uphold the highest level of confidentiality with your records. After all, the records do belong to you, the client.

In working with children, confidentiality sometimes gets a little tricky. Parents often want to know what is happening in the play room and what the child is expressing during therapy. You need to know that our responsibility is to protect the rights of the child we are working with, which requires that the specifics of the sessions cannot be discussed with the parents.

That does not mean that parents are left out of the therapy process, nor imply that you will not be informed of what the focus of the sessions is. We are free to discuss broad themes and general areas of concern during parent consultations, but not what is said or done as part of the play. Thanks for helping us keep your child's rights protected!

Insurance

Q: Do you accept insurance?

A: Not at this time. We have chosen to be a fee-for-service operation because we feel that we are able to give far superior client care when we are free from relying on Managed Care involvement. We’ve made this decision for the following reasons…

First, we respect the privacy of our clients. Even though all providers must comply with HIPAA regulations, when you see a behavioral health provider and use your insurance, your information and mental health history are stored in your insurance company’s databases. These records are viewable by individuals whom you did not authorize to view your records. Further, your records can be requested under certain circumstances without your explicit consent. By not relying on Managed Care involvement, we are able to keep your records far more confidential than your insurance company. There are very few circumstances where we are required to release records. Your privacy is of the utmost importance to us. See the confidentiality FAQ for more detail.

Second, Managed Care companies often do not understand the unique needs of providing therapy to children and their families. It often takes long periods of time to receive reimbursement and/or get approved for therapy. This creates undue stress and frustration on the part of the client and the therapist. By not relying on Managed Care reimbursements for our revenue, we are able to provide exceptional care at reasonable rates.

Third, Managed Care companies influence client care. Behavioral health providers are forced to label their clients with DSM codes in order to be reimbursed. We are focused on encouraging healthy, well-balanced child behavior, not diagnosing a child with a mental disorder. Further, Managed Care “encourages” terminating therapy after 16-18 weeks, regardless of the progress of the client. We feel that termination should depend on the child’s true progress. This could be more or less than 18 weeks, but we feel the decision to continue care belongs to the parents and the child… not the insurance company.

Nothing is more important than the mental well-being and happiness of your children. We ensure that you get the care and attention that you deserve. We are able to achieve our goals more effectively when we are not restricted by Managed Care contracts.

You have the option of independently submitting a "Super Bill" to your insurance provider for out-of-network reimbursement if you wish to do so and your insurance policy allows it. You may feel free to discuss this option with us at any time.

What is Play Therapy?

Q: Can you tell me a little more about Play Therapy?

A: The section below describes the beneficial aspects of play therapy.*

WHY PLAY?

Some of the greatest philosophers of all time have acknowledged the importance and benefits of play. We learn the most about ourselves and our world when engaged in play.

WHY PLAY THERAPY?

Play therapy is a proven therapeutic modality that allows children to grow, learn, heal and thrive. Children often do not have the verbal abilities to express their feelings. Play therapy, conducted by a trained play therapist, offers children the opportunity to process and assess appropriate coping skills, behaviors and world views.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

When children are not equipped to solve their own problems, they often act out and are unhappy. Play therapy provides the opportunity for therapists to assess and understand children’s play. When children can confront their problems in the play session, they are able to develop more appropriate resolutions and gain insight about how to handle situations.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?

Each play therapy session lasts 45-50 minutes and is usually held weekly. Studies have shown the average length of time for a child to receive play therapy is 20 weeks, although some children need fewer or additional sessions.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

Play therapy especially benefits children 3-12, and helps children take responsibility for behaviors, establish creative solutions to problems, accept themselves and others, experience and express emotions, learn respect for feelings of others, cultivate relational skills with family, gain pride in their abilities, and more!

* Adopted from the Association for Play Therapy

For further reading, the Association for Play Therapy has an excellent, more detailed question and answer webpage that should answer many of your questions about Play Therapy. You can view it here