FOR PARENTS & CAREGIVERS
When your child is struggling, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
We work with children ages 6–12, teens and their families. This page explains what therapy looks like, what your role is, how privacy works and what to have ready before the first appointment.
Is it time to reach out?
Every child has hard days. It may be time for support when changes last for a few weeks or start getting in the way of school, friendships or family life. For example:
- Worry, fears or panic that keep them from things they used to do
- Sadness, irritability or pulling away from friends and family
- Big emotions or outbursts that are hard to calm
- School refusal, falling grades or trouble focusing
- Changes in sleep, eating or energy
- A loss, divorce, move or other difficult experience
Getting help doesn’t mean something is “wrong” with your child, or with your parenting. It means adding support during a hard season.
Don’t wait for an appointment if…
your child talks about wanting to die, hurting themselves or someone else, or you’re worried about their safety right now.
- Call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, any time
- Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room
- Local 24/7 crisis services, Encompass Community Supports (Fauquier, Culpeper and nearby counties): (540) 825-5656
What therapy looks like
Children (6–12)
Play-based and skills-based sessions help kids name feelings, calm their bodies and practice new ways of coping. Parents are part of the process, with regular check-ins and ideas to use at home.
Teens
Teens get a space of their own to talk openly and build practical skills for stress, mood, relationships and big decisions, often drawing on DBT and CBT. Parents stay informed about goals and progress.
Families
Family sessions focus on communication, repairing conflict and working through transitions together, such as a move, a loss or changes in the family.
Your role
You know your child best. We’ll ask for your observations, set goals with you and share ways to support progress between sessions. Some sessions may include you, some may be just for you, and some will be just for your child.
When your child is the client, their care stays at the center. If you and your child’s clinician see things differently, we’ll talk it through openly. The decision to continue therapy is always yours; if you decide to stop, we ask for a few closing sessions so your child can end well.
What stays private
Kids and teens open up when they trust that what they say won’t be repeated word for word. You’ll hear about goals, general progress and how to help, but not the specifics of what your child shares in session.
The exception is safety. If your child is at risk of serious harm, we will tell you right away and help you make a safety plan. When something important comes up, we often help your child share it with you themselves.
Before the first appointment
- Legal custody. A parent or guardian with sole or joint legal custody needs to consent to treatment. We may ask for a copy of your custody order or agreement.
- Separated or divorced? We’re required to let the child’s other parent know that we’re meeting with your child.
- Paperwork. Intake forms are completed through our secure client portal before the first session.
- Insurance. Have your child’s insurance card handy. We’ll help confirm coverage.
- The first session. It’s a diagnostic evaluation, usually 60 to 90 minutes.
Talking to your child about it
- Keep it simple and honest: “We’re going to meet someone whose job is helping kids with big feelings.”
- Make clear it isn’t a punishment and they aren’t in trouble.
- Let them know they can ask questions, and that it’s okay to feel nervous.
- For teens, invite their input on goals. They’re more likely to engage when it’s partly their choice.
Please note: our clinicians don’t provide custody evaluations, testify in custody matters or write letters about parenting fitness or visitation. Our role is to support your child.
Helpful resources
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Free, confidential support 24/7 by call, text or chat, for kids, teens and the adults worried about them.
Child Mind Institute
Clear, parent-friendly guides on anxiety, ADHD, mood, behavior and more.
NAMI Virginia
Free education and support groups for families of young people with mental health needs.
Have a question before you start?
Call or send a message. We’re glad to talk through whether therapy is the right next step for your child.
