What to expect:
During your initial consultation, I will ask a lot of questions about your child's history to gain a better understanding of the issues. At the end of the first session, we will collaborate to develop a treatment plan that may include testing or a trial period of counseling sessions, depending on your child's and family's needs.
If testing is needed, I will schedule another session for your child to come in for evaluation. This appointment will take several hours, depending on the tests that are being administered. Depending on your child's age and special needs, I will try to complete all of the testing at one time, but we may break the testing session into multiple appointments if needed. Once all of the testing has been completed, I will score the measures and prepare a comprehensive written report with the test results and detailed recommendations. I will then schedule a time to review the test results with you and provide you with a copy of the report. At your request, I will also provide copies to other parties (such as a school, pediatrician, or other treatment provider) with your signed authorization to do so.
If counseling is needed, we will discuss the desired goals and anticipated length of treatment. It is important to note that even though you may be seeking help for your child, you will be expected to be an active part of your child's treatment. I often meet with children and parents alone, as well as together, throughout treatment depending on the presenting needs for that session. As children express themselves in multiple ways, I utilize play and art therapies as well as traditional talk therapy in my work. Once the treatment goals have been achieved, we will discuss ending our work together. It is not unusual for there to be a temporary reemergence of problems at this point as clients may experience anxiety about leaving therapy. These feelings and concerns will be addressed as needed with a reminder that you may return for services in the future. It is often helpful to come back in for a "mental health check-up" just as you do for your physical health.
If testing is needed, I will schedule another session for your child to come in for evaluation. This appointment will take several hours, depending on the tests that are being administered. Depending on your child's age and special needs, I will try to complete all of the testing at one time, but we may break the testing session into multiple appointments if needed. Once all of the testing has been completed, I will score the measures and prepare a comprehensive written report with the test results and detailed recommendations. I will then schedule a time to review the test results with you and provide you with a copy of the report. At your request, I will also provide copies to other parties (such as a school, pediatrician, or other treatment provider) with your signed authorization to do so.
If counseling is needed, we will discuss the desired goals and anticipated length of treatment. It is important to note that even though you may be seeking help for your child, you will be expected to be an active part of your child's treatment. I often meet with children and parents alone, as well as together, throughout treatment depending on the presenting needs for that session. As children express themselves in multiple ways, I utilize play and art therapies as well as traditional talk therapy in my work. Once the treatment goals have been achieved, we will discuss ending our work together. It is not unusual for there to be a temporary reemergence of problems at this point as clients may experience anxiety about leaving therapy. These feelings and concerns will be addressed as needed with a reminder that you may return for services in the future. It is often helpful to come back in for a "mental health check-up" just as you do for your physical health.
Westlake Psychological Services, PLLC 1301 S. Capital of Texas Highway, Suite C-130 Austin, Texas 78746 512-917-1307