What is a Child Mental Health Specialist?

A Child Mental Health Specialist is a therapist who is trained in child development, parenting education, child mental health counseling and family counseling. A Child Mental Health Specialist can facilitate individual therapy with youth and family therapy. A child mental health specialist also coaches a child's parents/caregivers with supporting their child with anxiety, depression, grief, adjustments, sleep disturbances, behavioral issues, mood regulation and abuse/trauma recovery.

Counseling is a working relationship with a therapist who is trained to support you with whatever concerns you have. The most important aspect of counseling is the professional relationship with the therapist; feeling connected and comfortable to be yourself is essential. What ideally unfolds from there is a better understanding of yourself, your children, your relationships and the ways in which you manage the issues you face.

What ages of clients do you work with?

I facilitate therapy with individuals ages 3-18 as well as young adults. I also provide parenting coaching for caregivers of all kinds.

As a parent/caregiver, how do I know if my child needs counseling?

  • You might notice that as a parent you have maxed out your "bag of tricks" for addressing the problems your child faces. You're stumped.

  • You might feel like what comes naturally in your parenting approach doesn't seem to be getting the results you'd like.

  • You might be seeking more tools to help your child manage life and relevant challenges.

  • You might be asking yourself, "Is this (meaning any behavior like hitting, excessive worrying or crying) normal child behavior or is there something more going on?"

  • You might notice that there are changes in your child's appetite, sleep patterns, mood or relationships.

  • You might notice that your child is isolating more or shutting down around you or others.

  • You might notice that your child does not seem to be enjoying life as much as in the past.

  • Your child may have experienced a traumatic event and you are interested in additional support to cope.

  • You or your child may have been encouraged by a physician or school counselor to start seeing a counselor.

As a child, teen or young adult, how do I know if I need counseling?

The following are common examples leading to seeking counseling:

  • You feel alone.

  • You feel like no one "gets you."

  • You're spending more and more time alone and/or online.

  • You're adjusting to a big change in your life.

  • You've experienced physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse and/or neglect.

  • You feel traumatized by an experience.

  • You've been coping with feelings by using drugs or alcohol.

  • You notice big changes in your sleep patterns, eating patterns, grades, mood or in relationships.

  • You're avoiding certain people, places or situations.

  • You don't find things as enjoyable as you did in the past.

  • You'd prefer to have an additional person to talk to outside of your family or friend circle.

  • You're spending more time worrying in the day/night than you'd like to.

How does counseling help?

A counseling environment and the therapeutic relationship offers an individual the opportunity to get to know himself or herself better. The counseling environment is a unique, safe space to talk about feelings and concerns and gain new perspectives. Those perspectives can lead to feeling like problems are easier to manage. There is often a feeling of relief when you talk about problems and issues instead of holding feelings in or showing feelings primarily through problem-behavior. Counseling can help with problem-solving, planning and adding to the skill-set you already have, which builds a stronger sense of control and empowerment. Counseling also facilitates expression through play and art that is often difficult to verbalize for children.

Counseling offers parents/caregivers an opportunity to explore issues and strategies specific to each child's developmental age and needs. Kids and parents work together to understand each other and work on relevant goals as a team.

How long does counseling take?

The length of counseling varies based on individual needs and goals. It is typical to expect to attend weekly sessions to get comfortable and maintain momentum with the therapeutic process. I recommend new clients attend three consecutive weekly appointments and then develop a plan for future sessions from there. As a therapist, my ultimate goal would be to work myself out of a job with you and/or your child. Meaning, counseling ends when you and/or your child feel goals have been accomplished or feel confident managing issues on your own. You can return at any time if needed.

When are you available to take clients?

I schedule clients on Tuesday’s, Wednesday’s and Thursday's. My earliest appointment is at 8:30am and my latest appointment is at 4:30pm. Appointments are 50-minutes in duration.

How much does counseling cost?

The first appointment is for the parents/caregivers to attend without the child. It is a 90-minute appointment that costs $175.00. Subsequent appointments are 50 minutes and cost $145 for individual therapy and $150 for family therapy or parent coaching.

What insurances are you contracted with?

I am not contracted with insurance companies. Instead, once fees are paid by clients I can provide a receipt called a superbill for insurance purposes. Clients can submit the superbill directly to the insurance company to seek potential reimbursement for out-of-network services. I recommend clients contact the insurance company before a counseling intake to inquire what reimbursement is provided.

What can I expect for the first appointment?

The first appointment is for the parents/caregivers to attend without the child. It is an opportunity for me to get to know you and your family and the way I get to know you is by asking a lot of questions. We will talk about your child's development from birth on and discuss current life issues and what you're hoping to see different or improved by coming to counseling. Please bring your child's insurance card and paperwork that was sent before the appointment date.

What is offered for clinical supervision?

I offer approved clinical supervision per WAC 246-809-334 for mental health counselors, social workers, certified counselors and marriage and family therapists seeking licensure. Clinical supervision supports supervisees fulfilling requirements under the Washington State Department of Health Credential Licensure. The clinical supervision fee is $150.00 per 60-minute session.

Where is the office?

The office is in downtown Bellingham at 1329 N State Street, Suite 209.