For Parents - Supporting Your Child
PARENT RESOURCES

For Parents

Supporting your child's mental health journey with trauma-informed, culturally responsive care

The Journey

What to Expect from Counseling

A clear, supportive process designed to make therapy accessible and effective

Initial Contact
01

Initial Contact

Reach out via phone or email. We'll schedule a brief consultation to discuss your concerns and determine if we're a good fit.

Intake & Assessment
02

Intake & Assessment

Complete intake paperwork and participate in an initial assessment session to understand your child's needs and goals.

Treatment Planning
03

Treatment Planning

Together, we'll create a personalized treatment plan that addresses your child's unique strengths and challenges.

Regular Sessions
04

Regular Sessions

Weekly or bi-weekly sessions focused on building skills, processing emotions, and working toward therapeutic goals.

Progress Monitoring
05

Progress Monitoring

Regular check-ins to assess progress, adjust approaches as needed, and celebrate growth along the way.

Completion & Transition
06

Completion & Transition

When goals are met, we'll work together on a thoughtful transition plan to maintain progress and celebrate achievements.

Session Duration & Frequency

Sessions typically last 50-60 minutes and are scheduled weekly or bi-weekly, depending on your child's needs. Consistency is key to building trust and making meaningful progress.

YOUR PARTNERSHIP

Your Role as a Parent

Parents are essential partners in the therapeutic process. While youth privacy is respected, caregivers are involved through:

Optional Check-ins

Regular updates on progress and goals, respecting your child's privacy while keeping you informed.

Psychoeducation

Learn about trauma, stress responses, and developmental needs to better support your child at home.

Collaborative Planning

Work together to set goals and strategies that align with your family's values and needs.

Support for Home Routines

Practical guidance on creating supportive environments and reinforcing therapeutic progress at home.

CONFIDENTIALITY

Privacy & Boundaries

Youth counseling includes clear boundaries around confidentiality. Information is shared only with consent or when safety requires it. All communication is HIPAA aligned.

Confidential Sessions

Your child's sessions are private. Information is shared only with their consent, except in cases involving safety concerns.

HIPAA Compliant

All communications and records are protected under HIPAA regulations, ensuring the highest level of privacy and security.

Safety First

If there are concerns about harm to self or others, appropriate steps will be taken to ensure safety while maintaining trust.

Privacy and confidentiality in counseling
Recognition

Signs Your Child May Benefit from Counseling

Trust your instincts. If you're concerned about your child's well-being, reaching out is always the right choice.

Emotional Changes

Emotional Changes

  • Persistent sadness or irritability
  • Frequent crying or emotional outbursts
  • Withdrawal from family and friends
  • Loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed
Behavioral Shifts

Behavioral Shifts

  • Changes in sleep or eating patterns
  • Difficulty concentrating or completing tasks
  • Increased defiance or acting out
  • Regression to earlier behaviors
School-Related Concerns

School-Related Concerns

  • Declining grades or academic performance
  • Refusal to attend school
  • Conflicts with peers or teachers
  • Increased anxiety about school activities
Physical Symptoms

Physical Symptoms

  • Frequent headaches or stomachaches
  • Unexplained aches and pains
  • Fatigue or low energy
  • Changes in physical appearance or hygiene
Trauma Responses

Trauma Responses

  • Nightmares or difficulty sleeping
  • Heightened startle response
  • Avoidance of certain places or people
  • Re-experiencing traumatic events
Social Difficulties

Social Difficulties

  • Isolation from peers
  • Difficulty making or keeping friends
  • Increased conflict in relationships
  • Changes in social media behavior

Remember: These signs don't always mean something is seriously wrong, but they do indicate that your child could benefit from additional support. Early intervention can make a significant difference.

GETTING STARTED

Scheduling & Insurance

Counseling On Duty is in-network with SonderMind. You can request an appointment, verify insurance, and complete intake forms through the SonderMind portal.

Easy Scheduling

  • Request appointments online through SonderMind
  • Verify insurance coverage instantly
  • Complete intake forms digitally
  • Flexible telehealth and in-person options

Insurance Accepted

In-network through SonderMind:

Aetna
BCBS
United
Cigna
Velocity
ClaimDoc
FAIROS / OccuNet
Unity
Alliance Coal Health Plan
Partners Direct
Sana Benefits
Headspace EAP

Ready to Get Started?

Book a free 15-minute consultation to explore whether we're the right fit for your family.

Telehealth Available
Florida Statewide
Talk with Us