FAQ
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How quickly will this work?
Typically, each session lasts about 50-60 minutes. Most people start by seeing their therapist once a week, but they can adjust how often they meet as they go along. How long someone stays in therapy depends on their situation, the seriousness of their challenges, the effort they make between sessions and their goals. After completing regular sessions, some people find it helpful to have occasional check-ins to maintain their progress.
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How will I know if it's working?
You may notice that you or your teen are handling things differently or acting in new ways. For instance, you might see your child sharing more, realize you are caring for yourself better, or settle disagreements without screaming matches. You could notice a change in sleep or energy. Typically, it takes about 12 to 16 sessions to see significant improvements. Parents are encouraged to schedule a session with me every 2-4 sessions I have with your child to gain tools, information, and resources to support the progress made in therapy.
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Where are you located?
I am based in the Greater St. Louis, Missouri area, and I offer all my services online. Right now, I can only meet with people who live in Missouri and Illinois.
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When can we meet?
You can schedule appointments from Monday to Thursday. Sessions start at 9:00 am on Monday and Wednesday, and the last session ends at 6:30 pm; on Tuesdays and Thursdays, sessions can start as early as 7:30 am, and the last session will end by 5:30 pm.
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How do I get in touch with you?
You can email me at contact@clscounselingandconsulting.com, text or call 618-515-5890. If you're already one of my clients, you can use your secure account to make appointments or send messages. If you’re a new client, you can book a free 15-minute call by clicking the “get started” link.
If you are in a crisis or need immediate help, please call 911, text or call 988, or visit your nearest emergency room.
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How much does it cost? 0Will my insurance cover the cost? How does that work?
My rate is $150 per hour. I am an in-network provider for most major insurance companies, meaning you will only be required to pay your co-payment at the time of service. I can also help you use your out-of-network benefits using a superbill. During the 15-minute consultation call, we can discuss your specific details or reach out via email with your insurance information and questions.
How Will I Know What Is Going On in Sessions with My Child?
What You Can Expect
Transparency on Key Issues: You’ll always be informed about safety-related matters or significant concerns.
Collaborative Goals: We’ll work together to align on therapy goals and strategies that benefit both your child and your family.
Support for You: Parent check-ins are a space for you to process your own feelings, learn new approaches, and build skills to support your child.
By respecting your child’s confidentiality while maintaining open communication with you, we create an environment where your child can thrive, and you can feel confident in their progress. This collaborative approach helps foster trust, growth, and stronger family connections.
This is an important question, and as a parent, it's natural to want to stay informed about your child’s progress in therapy. At the same time, therapy is most effective when your child feels they can speak openly and honestly without fear that everything they share will be reported back. Here’s how I balance confidentiality with your need to stay engaged and involved:
The Role of Confidentiality in Building Trust
Confidentiality is a cornerstone of effective therapy, especially with teenagers. When teens know their sessions are private, they are more likely to open up about their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. This openness is essential for building trust with the therapist and addressing the challenges they face. Without confidentiality, many teens may withhold important information, limiting the effectiveness of therapy.
That said, confidentiality doesn’t mean secrecy. It’s about creating a safe space for your child to explore their emotions while keeping you informed in appropriate and meaningful ways.
Safety Comes First
If there are any safety concerns—such as your child expressing thoughts of self-harm, harm to others, or situations involving abuse—I will share this information with you immediately. Your child will also be informed about what is being shared and why, as this transparency fosters trust while ensuring their safety.
Keeping Parents Involved
To keep you connected to the process, I encourage parents to schedule their own sessions with me every 2–4 sessions their teen has. These parent check-ins provide an opportunity to:
Share general updates about your child’s progress (e.g., “We’ve been working on managing anxiety” or “Your child is learning to identify and express their emotions”).
Address any questions or concerns you may have.
Provide you with tools and strategies to support your child at home.
Discuss any patterns or themes that may help strengthen your relationship with your child.
During these check-ins, I won’t share specific details your child has disclosed unless they’ve given explicit permission. Instead, the focus will be on supporting the family as a whole while respecting your child’s need for privacy.