Do you offer sliding scale rates?
I partner with a wonderful organization, Open Path Collective, that helps connect people with therapists for a lower rate. Please click below to learn more about their program. If it sounds right for you, please choose Katie Smith as your therapist.
Do you take insurance? What is your rate?
I accept Aetna, Blue Care Network, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. I will help verify coverage and any copays prior to our first session. My out of pocket rate is $150.00 per session. I accept cash, checks and credit cards. You may also be able to use your Health Savings Account (HSA) depending on their specific requirements. I provide invoices for sessions upon request.
How long will my child need to be in therapy?
Great question! This depends on a few things; age of the child, issues that are occurring, and parental participation. It’s important to remember that for children the therapeutic process typically moves more slowly than it does for adults. After a few sessions of getting to know your child and family, I will be able to talk more about this with you.
What type of therapy do you use?
I use a combination of play therapy, skill development and relationship building. This is derived from my background in Child Parent Psychotherapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. These are both evidenced based practices that work really well with children. I am also trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) which helps children work through stress, anxiety, mood issues and trauma.
What if my child is adopted, a foster child or another child I am otherwise responsible for the care of? Can therapy help us?
Absolutely. I have worked with many families who are adoptive, fostering or are otherwise responsible for a child. It’s wonderful for a child to be placed with capable and caring adults but the adjustment process is not without its challenges. Therapy helps enhance this process through creating a safe and nurturing environment for parents and children to face these challenges together and be stronger because of it.
What is your experience working with children and families?
I have worked with children for as long as I can remember and as a therapist for over fifteen years. I worked in community mental health for many years which allowed me to work in a variety of settings such as schools, treatment centers and providing in home therapy. Families I worked with experienced issues such as substance abuse, domestic violence and trauma. I have also worked in an outpatient setting with children and families experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, relationship issues and adjustment related to divorce or major changes.
