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1. What kind of psychotherapy is offered?
Dr. Judith Stein, Coordinator of Clinical and Counseling Services, uses
a variety of approaches including cognitive-behavioral and psychodynamic
psychotherapy. She specializes in working with children and adults with
learning and attentional difficulties, anxiety disorders, depression,
and stress-related problems. Our other therapist have had similar experience.
2. What should I tell my child about psychotherapy?
Children are often aware of their problems and are often relieved when
help is offered. It is important to identify a problem that your child
has talked about and acknowledged. You can tell your child that you know
someone who can help her (or him) learn better strategies or ways to handle
her fears, frustrations, or sadness. If your child is having difficulties
with peer relationships, you could tell her (or him) that she can learn
some better ways to make and keep new friendships.
3. How long will my child be in therapy?
The length of therapy differs for each individual and is dependent on
many factors including the type and severity of the problem, the interest
and motivation of the child, and the commitment of the parents. Generally,
we recommend that a child participate in at least 6-8 sessions to see
if a positive relationship can be developed and if the child is receptive
to help. After an initial relationship is formed, most children are in
treatment for at least six months and often for longer periods of time.
4. How do I know if my child is making progress?
When your child begins treatment, the therapist will discuss the treatment
goals with you and your child. If your child is making progress, you should
notice a decrease in the frequency and intensity of the behaviors or symptoms
that you were concerned about when the child began treatment. Progress
towards achieving specific goals should be noticeable to you, to your
child, and to other adults who interact with her/him. Regular meetings
with the therapist will be scheduled to discuss your child’s progress.
5. How do I communicate with my child’s therapist?
Parents should play an active role in the treatment process. In most cases,
your child’s therapist will schedule regular appointments with you
to discuss your concerns and your child’s progress. In addition,
you can establish a means of communicating regularly or when urgent matters
arise. Therapists may be available by phone, FAX and/or e-mail. If your
child is an adolescent, the therapist may need to protect his/her privacy
to a greater extent to insure the development of a therapeutic relationship.
In this case, communication may be limited to phone calls and/or e-mails.
6. Can I use my health insurance to pay for services?
All health insurance plans pay for a certain number of mental health visits
on an annual basis but they may only pay for services provided by in-network
providers. At the present time, our therapists are providers for Aetna,
Beacon Health Strategies, Blue Cross/ Blue Shield (Indemnity and PPO plans),
Blue Choice, Fallon Health Plan, Harvard Pilgrim HMO, HMO Blue, and Tufts
Health Plan. Many other plans offer out-of-network benefits and will provide
reimbursement for treatment at ILD.
7. How do I arrange psychotherapy for my child?
Call for an initial consultation with Dr. Judith Stein (781) 861-3711
ext.14. She will arrange for an appointment for both parents to understand
your concerns and gather important background information. If you decide
to pursue treatment for your child, an appointment will be offered soon
after the initial consultation.
8. Do you prescribe medication?
We do not have a physician on staff at the current time. However, if we
feel that medication might be helpful for your child, we will refer you
to an appropriate physician in the community of your choice.
9. What will my child learn in a social skills group?
Social skills groups are a wonderful way for children and adolescents
to improve their communication and friendship-building skills with their
peers. Generally, girls and boys are grouped together with 4-6 others
of the same age and sex. Groups meet for at least 12 sessions and often
continue year-round. During the group sessions, children have an opportunity
to share information about themselves, to listen to others, to role play
difficult social situations, to participate in fun games and activities,
and to receive specific coaching on how to interact in positive, healthy
ways. Each child will be encouraged to set specific goals for himself/herself
and to keep track of his/her progress. For more information, please call
Dr. Judith Stein.
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