What is therapy, and how can it help?
Therapy is a safe, confidential space to explore thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It can help with emotional regulation, communication, identity development, and navigating life’s challenges.

Do you only work with children?
My primary focus is working with children, adolescents, and young adults, but I also support parents and families as part of the therapeutic process.

What kind of concerns do you help kids and young adults with? 

I work with a wide range of presenting concerns common among children, adolescents, and young adults. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Anxiety (generalized anxiety, social anxiety)

• Depression and mood challenges

• Identity exploration

• Gender dysphoria and body dysmorphia

• Stress management and coping skills

• Self-esteem

• School-related stress and academic pressure

• Social skills and peer relationships

• Family changes (divorce, relocation)

• Grief and loss

• Adjusting to life transitions (e.g., starting middle school, going to college)

• Emotional regulation and anger management

• Executive functioning challenges (organization, planning)

How do you keep therapy sessions engaging for younger clients virtually? 

Keeping sessions engaging is key! I use a variety of interactive techniques, adapting to each child's age and personality. This might include:

• Interactive screen sharing: Using digital whiteboards, games, or worksheets.

• Creative activities: Encouraging drawing, storytelling, or "show and tell" with items they have at home (e.g., a comfort item).

• Movement breaks: Incorporating simple stretches or short, fun activities to help with focus.

• Therapeutic play: Adapting play therapy principles for the virtual space, using imaginative scenarios or digital tools.

• Pacing and flexibility: Sessions are tailored to attention spans, with varied activities to maintain interest.

Do I attend sessions with my child?
It depends on the child’s needs and age. Younger children often benefit from parent involvement, while older children and teens may prefer individual sessions. We’ll collaborate to find the right balance.

How do I talk to my child about starting therapy?
Keep it simple and positive. You might say, "Therapy is a place where you can talk, play, or draw about your feelings and thoughts with someone who helps kids feel better."

Will I get updates on my child’s progress?

Yes, absolutely! Providing updates is important, and how we do that depends on your child's age and what best supports their privacy and the therapeutic relationship.

• For younger children: We'll typically have brief parent check-ins at the end of each session. This allows for quick updates on how things went, what we're working on, and any strategies you can support at home.

• For pre-teens and teenagers: We'll schedule somewhat regular 30-minute parent sessions. These separate check-ins ensure your child feels their individual session space is private while still allowing us to discuss progress, challenges, and how you can best support them. The frequency of these will be decided together.

• For older teens and young adults: Parent updates are not always necessary or regularly scheduled. At this age, fostering their independence and confidentiality in therapy is key. We can discuss and agree upon if and when updates would be beneficial, always respecting their privacy and involvement in that decision.

Are you affirming of LGBTQ+ and trans youth?

Absolutely. I am deeply committed to creating a safe, supportive, and validating space for all kids and young adults, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation. This means you can expect an environment where your child is seen, heard, and respected for exactly who they are. My practice is built on principles of affirmation, celebrating the unique journeys and identities of LGBTQ+ and trans youth. I work to understand and honor their experiences, helping them navigate challenges, build resilience, and thrive authentically.

Do you have experience working with neurodivergent kids (e.g., ADHD, autism)?

Yes! I have extensive experience and enjoy working with many neurodivergent kids and young adults. My approach is neurodivergent-affirming, meaning I celebrate the inherent strengths, unique perspectives, and diverse ways of experiencing the world that each individual brings.

Instead of solely focusing on helping them adapt to a neurotypical world, my priority is to meet them where they are. We'll work together to understand their specific communication styles, sensory needs, and processing differences. The goal is to build on their existing strengths, develop practical strategies that genuinely work for them, and foster self-acceptance, while also navigating any challenges they face in a world that isn't always designed for neurodivergent minds. This tailored approach ensures that therapy is a space where they feel understood, valued, and empowered.

How often will we meet?
Most clients come weekly, especially in the beginning. We’ll discuss what frequency works best for you or your child. We are continually re-evaluating which session frequency feels most appropriate.

What if we need to cancel or reschedule?
I ask for at least 24 hours' notice for cancellations. Late cancellations or no-shows are subject to paying half of the session fee.

What technology do I need for virtual therapy, and how do we ensure privacy? 

You'll need a reliable internet connection and a device with a camera and microphone (a computer, tablet, or smartphone works well). I use a secure, HIPAA-compliant video conferencing platform. This means our conversations are encrypted and private, ensuring confidentiality just like in an in-person office. It's also important for the client to be in a private, quiet space during their session where they won't be interrupted.

How do I get started?
You can reach out via the contact page on this website to get started, or send an email to charlotte@takingrootcounseling.org. We’ll schedule an intake session to learn more about your needs and see if we’re a good fit.

Do you take insurance?
I am not taking insurance at this time. I can provide "superbills" for potential reimbursement if perferred.

What are superbills and how likely am I to get reimbursed? 

Superbills are detailed receipts for services you've paid for, which you can submit to your insurance company for potential out-of-network (OON) reimbursement. The likelihood of approval varies greatly. Well-prepared superbills with strong PPO insurance plans have a 60-80% chance of reimbursement, while high-deductible plans or restrictive HMO/EPO plans may only have a 10-30% chance.

What factors determine if my superbill claim will be approved? 

Several key factors influence approval:

• Your Insurance Plan: PPO plans are most likely to reimburse, while HMO, EPO, Medicaid, and Medicare plans rarely do for OON providers unless pre-approved.

• Deductibles & Reimbursement Rates: You'll need to meet your out-of-network deductible before reimbursement begins, and then insurance typically covers a percentage (e.g., 50-80%) of their "allowed amount."

• Type of Service & Diagnosis: Services deemed "medically necessary" (e.g., individual therapy for moderate-to-severe diagnoses like OCD, PTSD, GAD, MDD) are more likely to be approved than coaching, family/couples therapy, or some neurodivergent-related services.

• Client Persistence: Insurance companies often deny initial claims. Appealing and following up significantly increases your chances of approval.

What should I do before submitting a superbill to my insurance? 

Before submitting, it's essential to:

1. Contact your insurance company: Ask about your out-of-network mental health benefits, deductible, reimbursement percentage, any restrictions on sessions or diagnoses, and their specific claim submission process.

2. Review your superbill: Ensure it includes all necessary information, such as your full name and date of birth, your therapist's details (name, credentials, NPI, license, address, phone), session dates and durations, correct CPT and ICD-10 codes, and the fee paid per session.

What's the process for submitting a superbill and what if it's denied? 

After ensuring your superbill is complete and you've verified your benefits:

1. Submit the superbill: Follow your insurance company's instructions (online portal, email, fax, or mail) and attach any required forms. Always keep a copy for your records.

2. Follow up: Allow 2-6 weeks for processing. If you don't hear back, call for a status update.

3. If denied: Ask for the specific reason for denial and inquire about the appeal process. You can also ask if you can submit a "Benefits Exception Request," especially if there are no in-network providers available. Remember to submit claims promptly, as some plans have time limits.