FAQs

How do you do therapy with babies and young children?

Early childhood mental health views the relationship between the parent and the child as the ‘client’. Helping both the parent and the baby or child feel better and enjoy each other more is the goal of therapy. Depending on the difficulties you are facing, different interventions are utilized to enhance bonding, understand your baby or child’s needs more clearly, develop realistic expectations of your child and your relationship and learn positive parenting techniques that allow you to nurture your child’s development, manage typical and difficult behaviors and have more fun together. Check out my page on Therapy for Children to learn more.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us today. (619) 248-2016 or info@babiesandkidz.com

Can you do EMDR with couples?

Yes, it is possible to use EMDR with couples. Certain qualities in the couple’s relationship must be present for EMDR to be an appropriate option in couples counseling. Emotional safety is the most important quality. You and your therapist will openly discuss how you each feel about the process and determine together if couples EMDR may be an option for you.

I have heard EMDR can work in just a few sessions; is this true?

The part of EMDR that people think of is the stage that involves bilateral stimulation (when the therapist moves their fingers back and forth). This stage may have a deep, healing impact in as little as 1-3 sessions but this stage is just one of 8 stages that make up EMDR therapy. EMDR therapy is not necessarily shorter or faster than other types of therapy, rather, the effectiveness and lasting nature of the changes that occur have been shown in studies to be better than other types of therapy. Any therapy takes time. There are no short-cuts. For more information about EMDR, check out these pages: What is EMDR? and My Favorite Things

Do you accept insurance? How much do you charge?

We do not accept insurance. Our rate is $195 for a 50-minute session (increasing to $230 on 11/1/23). We are happy to provide you with a superbill that you can submit to your insurance company and request reimbursement. Many of our clients are successful in being reimbursed with a superbill. The amount an insurance company reimburses will vary from company to company. You can call your insurance company and ask what they will reimburse for psychotherapy. Different billing codes are used for the first appointment (assessment), individual sessions (for either 45 minutes or for 53-60 minutes), family sessions, couples sessions, or parent-child sessions. Another way to reduce the cost of therapy is to submit a receipt to your medical flexible spending account if you have one.  Here are some of the most common billing codes:

90791 – Psychiatric diagnostic evaluation

90837 – Individual therapy

90847 – Family therapy with the client present 50 minutes

90846 – Family therapy without client present 50 minutes

Here is some information on the “No Surprises Act” and Good Faith Estimates.

Do you have a sliding scale?

We offer a few reduced-fee spots. These spots are typically full. If you are interested in a reduced fee spot contact us to inquire if we anticipate a spot opening up.

I need the specialized help you offer but I can’t afford therapy

Private pay therapy can feel expensive and out of reach. If you have already cut-back where you can and still are not able to afford private pay, specialized therapy, let’s talk about creative ways you may be able to get parts of what you need. For example, it may be possible to see a therapist through your insurance provider (or a lower-fee therapist) for your regular therapeutic care and schedule consultations with us for specialized support as needed.  Inquiring with your insurance company to learn if they accept superbills or if you have a medical flex spending saving account may be other ways to help reduce the cost of therapy.

How long will it take before I start to feel better?

Unfortunately, this is not possible to say in a general FAQs page. Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them and the length of time therapy can take to allow you to accomplish your goals depends on your desire for personal development, your commitment, and the factors that are driving you to seek therapy in the first place.

Can I bring my baby to the session with me?

Sometimes we will ask you to bring your baby with you if we are doing attachment focused work or parent-infant psychotherapy. If you are doing individual sessions and are not able to leave your baby at home, you may bring your baby-in-arms with you and we will adapt as necessary to attend to your needs and your baby’s needs too. You are always welcome to feed your baby in whatever way you need and attend to your baby’s needs (diapering, playing, snuggling, etc.). We recommend arranging care for your older children so you can focus on yourself during your session and so your little ones do not hear or absorb the issues you want to work on.

How often should I attend therapy?

Therapy is most helpful when attended once a week. Weekly sessions allow us to establish rapport and create a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship together and maintain the momentum of the work you want to do. We are open to seeing clients every other week if that is all that they can fit into their schedules and family lives. We have a great deal of respect for how busy and tiring postpartum life can be and the realities of parenting and family life. We ask our clients to make a commitment to their therapy and their personal growth and attend therapy either weekly or every other week. If we offer a group that meets your therapeutic needs, it may be possible to alternate individual sessions with group sessions. Consultations are available without a regular commitment.