Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about our therapy services, scheduling, insurance, and more.

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Getting Started

Getting started is easy! Simply call us at (508) 657-4408 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free 15-minute consultation. During this call, we will discuss your concerns, answer your questions, and determine if we are the right fit for your family. If we decide to move forward, we will schedule an initial assessment session.

The free consultation is a brief phone call (about 15 minutes) where you can share what brings you to therapy, ask questions about our approach and services, and learn about what to expect. There is no pressure or obligation — it is simply a chance for us to connect and see if we are a good match for your family’s needs.

No, you do not need a referral to begin therapy with us. You can contact us directly to schedule a consultation. However, if you plan to seek insurance reimbursement, your insurance company may require a referral — we recommend checking with them directly.

We typically have availability within 1-2 weeks for new clients. In some cases, we may be able to accommodate urgent needs sooner. Contact us to check our current availability and we will do our best to find a time that works for your schedule.

How you introduce therapy depends on your child’s age. For younger children, you might say something like, “We are going to meet someone who helps kids with big feelings. She has a special playroom with lots of toys.” For older children and teens, be honest and supportive: “I think it would be helpful to talk to someone who specializes in helping teenagers. It is a safe space just for you.” We are happy to provide guidance on this during your consultation.

Our Services

We provide therapy services for children, teens, and families across all developmental stages — from infancy (0-2 years) through young adulthood (18+ years). Our services include infant therapy, child therapy (ages 3-12), teen therapy (ages 13-18), family therapy, and parent coaching.

We offer a range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches tailored to each client’s needs. These include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), play therapy for children, family systems therapy, parent coaching, and specialized support for ADHD, anxiety, and depression. During your consultation, we will discuss which approach is best suited for your situation.

Yes! We offer secure, HIPAA-compliant virtual therapy sessions for clients who prefer to meet online. Virtual therapy can be just as effective as in-person sessions and offers the convenience of meeting from home. We use a secure video platform to ensure your privacy.

Absolutely. We provide specialized support for children and teens with ADHD, including executive function coaching, behavioral strategies, and skills training. We work with families to develop practical tools for managing attention, organization, and impulse control both at home and at school.

Yes, we work with children on the autism spectrum, providing support for social skills, emotional regulation, anxiety, and family dynamics. While we do not provide formal autism assessments, we can support children who have already received a diagnosis and help families navigate the unique challenges they face.

Sessions & Scheduling

Standard therapy sessions are 50 minutes. For family therapy or more complex situations, we may recommend 75-90 minute sessions. The initial assessment session is typically 60-75 minutes to allow time for a comprehensive understanding of your situation.

Most clients begin with weekly sessions to build momentum and establish a therapeutic relationship. As progress is made, sessions may be spaced to bi-weekly or monthly. The frequency is tailored to your specific needs and goals, and we will discuss this together.

The length of therapy varies depending on the issues being addressed and the goals of treatment. Some families see significant improvement in 8-12 sessions, while others benefit from longer-term support. We regularly assess progress together and adjust the treatment plan as needed.

We understand that life happens. We ask for at least 24 hours notice for cancellations or rescheduling. Cancellations with less than 24 hours notice may be subject to a cancellation fee. Please contact us as soon as possible if you need to make changes to your appointment.

Yes, we offer flexible scheduling including evening appointments (until 7pm) and limited Saturday availability to accommodate busy family schedules. Contact us to discuss what times work best for your family.

Insurance & Payment

We are an out-of-network provider, which means we do not bill insurance directly. However, we provide detailed superbills that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. Many clients receive 50-80% reimbursement for out-of-network mental health services. We recommend contacting your insurance company to understand your out-of-network benefits.

Our standard session fee is $200 for a 50-minute individual or family session. Extended sessions (75-90 minutes) are available at a pro-rated rate. We accept HSA and FSA cards. Please contact us for current rates and to discuss any questions about fees.

We have a limited number of sliding scale spots available for families experiencing financial hardship. These spots are offered on a case-by-case basis depending on availability. Please mention your interest in sliding scale fees during your consultation, and we will discuss options.

We accept all major credit cards, debit cards, HSA/FSA cards, and cash. Payment is due at the time of service. For your convenience, we can keep a card on file for automatic processing.

Yes! Mental health therapy is an eligible expense for Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA). We accept HSA/FSA cards and can provide receipts for reimbursement if needed.

For Parents

Parent involvement is crucial to successful child therapy. For younger children, parents often participate in parts of sessions. For older children and teens, sessions are typically private with regular parent check-ins. We will discuss the best approach for your family and keep you informed of your child’s progress.

You should start seeing small improvements within the first month — fewer tantrums, better sleep, improved mood, or more cooperation. We provide regular updates on your child’s progress and encourage you to share your observations. Trust your instincts as a parent — you know your child best.

This is common, especially at first. Many children are hesitant about something new. We recommend framing therapy positively and giving your child time to adjust. It often helps to let them know they can try a few sessions and then decide. Most children who are initially reluctant become engaged after building a relationship with their therapist.

Yes! Parent coaching is one of our core services. We provide practical strategies for behavior management, communication, setting boundaries, and understanding child development. Many families benefit from a combination of child therapy and parent coaching.

Open communication is essential. If you have concerns about the therapeutic approach, we encourage you to share them. Therapy is a collaborative process, and we want to ensure our approach aligns with your family’s values and goals. We are always happy to discuss and adjust our methods as needed.

For Teens

Yes, your privacy is important. What you share in therapy is confidential, with a few important exceptions related to safety (if you are in danger of hurting yourself or others, or if there is abuse). We will explain confidentiality fully in your first session so you know what to expect.

Generally, no. Your therapy sessions are private. However, your therapist may share general updates with your parents about your progress and goals. If there is something specific you do not want shared, talk to your therapist about it. The most important thing is that you feel safe to be honest.

No. Therapy is your space, and you get to decide what to talk about. Your therapist may gently encourage you to explore difficult topics when they are relevant to your goals, but you are always in control. We will never force you to discuss anything you are not ready to address.

Therapists are trained professionals who can offer objective guidance, evidence-based strategies, and a judgment-free space. Unlike friends, therapists do not have their own agenda or emotional investment in your decisions. We are here to help you figure out what is best for you.

The relationship between you and your therapist is important. If you do not feel comfortable, that is okay — it is better to be honest about it. Sometimes it takes trying a different therapist to find the right fit. Your comfort and trust are essential for therapy to work.

Still Have Questions?

We meet you where you are — literally. Choose the format that works best for your family.

Call or Text

(508) 657-4408

Email Us

JHSLICSW@gmail.com

Book Online

Schedule a free consultation

Ready to Help Your Teen Thrive?

Your teen deserves a space where they feel seen, respected, and supported. The sooner you reach out, the sooner they can start feeling better.

Call or Text

(508) 657-4408

Email Us

JHSLICSW@gmail.com

Location

Boston, MA & Surrounding Areas

Availability

Same-week appointments

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Your Teen Deserves to Feel Understood, Supported & Hopeful

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JHS Counseling

Compassionate, collaborative therapy for children, teens, and families in Boston, MA. Grounded in empathy and evidence-based practice.

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