FAQs for Parents About Child Therapy & Play Therapy
PAYMENT
What is the cost of a play therapy session?
The cost for a 50-minute play therapy session is $200.
What forms of payment do you accept?
I accept cash, checks, and all major credit cards. I also accept HSA cards.
Do you take insurance?
I do not take insurance or Medicaid. The primary reason for this is that the vast majority of children I see do not meet the criteria for a mental health disorder. Insurance requires a mental health diagnosis for reimbursement. However, I will provide a superbill at the end of each month. Parents may submit this paperwork to their insurance company if they wish.
PLAY SESSION LOGISTICS
What is the structure of your session? Can I join my child for therapy?
Typically I see children individually for the first 30-40 minutes of the session. Parents are invited to join us for the last 10 minutes of the session. At this time, we can discuss the session with your child present. If your child is uncomfortable being in a session alone with me, you are welcome to join for the duration of the session. It is most important that your child feel comfortable in the play therapy space.
How often should we schedule an appointment with you?
I have been doing therapy long enough to know that there is not a formula that works with every family. I see some families twice a week and others once every other month. Sometimes I see families every 6-12 months for a check-in. I want parents to feel like they are the decision makers as to how often their child comes in for therapy. If there are several months with no concerns, feel free to take a break. If there is a time when things become more intense again and you feel that you could use extra support, it is likely time to make an appointment.
How should I explain to my child why we are coming to see you?
I encourage parents to tell children that they are going to see a feelings doctor. Dr. Kim has a playroom where there are lots of toys to play with. The reason for attending is to help your child talk about and process their feelings.
Should I meet with you before you meet with my child?
Each family is unique. I want you to feel supported by the decision you make. Some families like to have a meeting with me first, prior to seeing their child. Other families prefer that I work with their child first and set up an adult meeting with me after several sessions. I am open to either option.
What hours are you available to see clients?
My typical work schedule is 7A to 6P Monday through Thursday. I do not take appointments on the weekend. If your schedule does not work within these parameters, please contact me.
Can you see both of my children together?
I understand the desire for families to have one therapist to address all of their family’s needs. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and do conduct family work. When children are working through the divorce of their parents, often they come to see me as a unit as they are working through the same situation. If your children are responding to the situation differently, it is best that they be seen independently. Similarly, if you have different concerns about each child, they should have their own appointment. If you are not sure what would be best, let’s talk further.
Can we split one session between both of my children?
Yes. I can see two children in a 50 minutes session and still have their own appointments. In this case, each child is seen for 20 minutes each and then we have 10 minutes to process with parents. I also schedule two 45 minute sessions back to back for 2 sessions total and then provide 10 minutes for parents to join.
Can my nanny drop off and pick up the children from therapy?
Yes. Many families I see have their nannies pick up and drop off their children. In this case, I will write an email to both parents within 24 hours of the session. This allows parents to feel connected to what is happening during the therapy session. Of course, parents are welcome to call or email anytime for additional information about their child’s session or if there are questions or concerns.
PARENTS
Do you work with parents around parenting challenges?
Yes. Often I meet with parents first to address their concerns and brainstorm solutions to parenting challenges.
I share custody of our child. Do I need the other parent’s consent before beginning treatment for my child?
Yes. Unless you have sole decision making for your child (medical and education), both parents need to consent to treatment for their child. Documentation of sole decision-making is required prior to the first session for your child.
Are you willing to testify in a court case as an expert witness?
Yes. I have testified as an expert witness in Denver, Arapahoe, Jefferson, Douglas, Larimer, Boulder, and Pitkin counties as well as outside the state of Colorado. I have been qualified as an expert in play therapy, children’s counseling, child therapy, child development, family therapy, and high conflict divorce. The rate for any court involvement, including depositions or writing reports for court use is $400/hour. A retainer may be required.
Do you work with parents who need help with co-parenting?
Yes. Parents who work together for the benefit of their child provide the best environment for their children to learn and grow. I believe it is worth an effort to try to work together prior to involving the court system.
What if I want to engage in co-parenting work but my co-parent refuses to join me?
It can be helpful for parents to meet with me to discuss parenting concerns even if they come without the other co-parent. While you cannot control the actions of another person, you can take charge and choose to handle things the best way you know possible. It may be helpful to talk through how to manage your situation so that your child is not in the middle and you set him/her up for success in transitioning between homes.
FAQs for Professionals
Do you provide supervision for candidates seeking licensure?
Yes, I am an approved supervisor through CCE as an Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS). I am also an approved supervisor through the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (AAMFT). Additionally, I am approved as a supervisor through the Association for Play Therapy (RPT-S).
What is the cost for supervision?
The cost for one hour of supervision is $200. There may be a reduced cost for group supervision. Please contact me for more details.
What type of supervision do you offer?
I offer live one-on-one supervision, distance supervision and group supervision. At this time, I do not have a group utilizing supervision. If this is of interest to you, please contact me.
Do you provide supervision for mid-career professionals?
Yes. Many therapists find themselves lacking information on how to work with young children. I am willing to supervise professionals who are already licensed. Please contact me for more details.
Will you provide training on play therapy or how to work with young children?
Yes. I am currently developing some online coursework related to play therapy and working with young children. In the meantime, if you are interested in live training, please contact me.