Here are answers to some of the questions frequently asked about Amy Allen Meyer and Associates.
Q: How do I get started?
Whether you have been in counseling before or are seeking counseling for the first time, sometimes it can be helpful to understand what to expect.
The first step is to call the office and set up the Intake Session. During this parents-only session, you will meet the therapist and share your concerns about your child. The therapist will gather relevant information to determine the best course of treatment.
Q: How frequently do you want to see my child?
We usually see clients once each week. The time between sessions changes according to your child’s progress.
Q: What if my child misses school for an appointment?
We will provide you with a note to take back to your child’s school; therefore, any absence related to treatment should be excused.
Q: How long will my child be involved in therapy?
Most parents ask this question, which is hard to know up front. Your therapist will recommend treatment durations and frequency based on your child’s progress.
Q: Will you meet with my child or our entire family?
Every child and family is different. We will determine the best course of action based on your unique situation.
Q: How will you inform me about my child’s progress?
We provide feedback either by speaking with you for a few minutes at the beginning of your child’s appointment or by asking you to schedule a parents-only session.
Q: How soon can I expect to see changes?
This timing varies from child to child. Some parents see a difference after the first session, while others do not see any changes for a while.
Q: What do I tell my child about therapy?
If you have a young child, simply tell them they you are taking them to a new place to play.
For older children and adolescents, explain that sometimes it helps to have someone to talk to when things get hard and that you’ve scheduled time for them to talk with someone.
Q: How can I help?
Let us know your concerns and what you’d like for your child to tell us. Having this information helps us better tailor our interactions. So does knowing if there have been any significant changes in your child’s behavior or patterns, such as not sleeping well or being overly defiant.
It is important that you don’t coach your child about what to say in our visit. Children usually know what to say or do. It’s also critical that you do not question your child about what happened in counseling. If he or she wants to talk about the session, that’s fine! But please do not pressure them to share things with you. Your therapist will provide you with feedback.
Q: What kind of therapy do you offer children and adolescents?
We use play therapy with young children. Older children and adolescents typically respond best to more traditional talk and activity therapies.
Q: How much does each session cost?
Fees vary by therapist. Please inquire about fees when scheduling your appointment. For your convenience, you can pay by check, cash, or credit card (MasterCard and Visa only).
Q: Do you accept insurance?
We do not belong to a managed care provider network because they are restrictive and incompatible with most people’s therapeutic needs. However, we will provide you with a detailed receipt that you may use to file for reimbursement with your insurance company.
If you plan to file a claim with your insurance company, please check with them before scheduling an appointment. While most insurance companies will reimburse you when you have out-of-network mental health benefits, some may not. It is best to understand your policy before we meet.