FAQs
How might formal testing serve my child?
In today’s world, most of us operate in systems (public education, health care, etc.) that require a formal diagnosis for treatment costs to be covered by an insurer or for a school to approve and provide services such as interventions, accommodations, and modifications. We want to understand each family’s unique needs before deciding what steps to take next.
Why are so many children being diagnosed?
This question has many different answers depending on who you ask. A great book that aligns with our philosophy is A Compromised Generation by Beth Lambert.
Why don’t you work with insurance?
Any time insurance is involved, a formal, specifically coded diagnosis is required in patient records to justify coverage or treatment. Only some diagnostic codes are reimbursed, while others are not. Rendering a specific diagnosis in order for insurance to pay for treatment means practitioners face a serious ethical dilemma as a helper. On the other side of things, with health care and electronic records, it becomes likely that your child’s mental health information file will include a diagnosis that may follow them into adulthood. We can’t predict what that will mean for a child’s future in terms of career or education. We feel strongly about protecting your privacy and your child’s career and academic choices for the future. At your request we will provide coded receipts that you may submit to your insurance provider.
Does my child need evaluation or therapy?
Diagnostic evaluation and play therapy are separate services. While they sometimes go hand in hand, each child’s needs are uniquely considered whenever you choose to work with us. By reviewing your completed paperwork, we can quickly determine the services we would recommend for each unique child. If we are not the best fit for your family, we will connect you with other mental health providers.
How many therapy sessions will we need in order to see progress?
Every family is unique and there are many variables. Research in play therapy suggests that therapeutic change requires a minimum of 14-16 weekly sessions. For the best outcomes for a child, consistently attended, weekly sessions are recommended by our team. To make the most of your child’s therapy, parents are encouraged to grow too by learning a comprehensive parenting philosophy called Conscious Discipline, by Becky Bailey. Her book, Easy to Love, Difficult to Discipline is available on Amazon. You may also inquire about our eight session, Zoom parent coaching.
If I’ve made some mistakes, will the therapist think I’m a bad parent?
NOT AT ALL! We strongly believe that parents have the most difficult job and just like any job – to do it well takes the right tools and support – and in this day and age, that is changing rapidly! We LOVE equipping parents with tools and heaps and heaps of encouragement and compassion.
How do I tell my child they are coming in for an evaluation?
We think honesty is always the best policy and usually kids have no problem warming up and developing rapport after 15 minutes or so in our office. After all, it’s full of toys. Just let your child know they will be coming to play and do some jobs with a grown up who loves to learn how different kids’ brains work. It will probably feel a lot like school but it’s usually more fun than school because Dr. K. is nice and also really encouraging. All kids have to do with us is try their best and be themselves! Even after a day of testing, kids will often ask when they can come back!
How do I tell my child they will have weekly therapy?
Honesty is always best. You can tell your child that one of the most important jobs of a kid is to learn and grow. Parents are supposed to be a part of that job too. Sometimes we all stop enjoying the job we need someone who is good at helping us reconnect. The child’s job in therapy specifically is to feel feelings in a helpful rather than hurtful way. For young children, they connect through play more so than through verbal dialogue. It works best when parents stop talking and just listen when and if a child freely shares what they worked on in therapy.
How do I find your office?
We are newly located at 5899 Preston Rd., Suite 601, Frisco, Texas 75034. If you are in the parking lot, look for JRx Pharmacy and we are right next door!
What are the next steps to get started?
The fastest way to schedule an appointment is to complete our paperwork and send it back via email.
If you have questions, you may call 469.408.0331 or email (drkoehler@neurodevelopmentx.com) and we will personally assist you. We ask that you first complete our paperwork before we schedule an intake session. Children do not typically attend the first session. Please feel free to share what days/times work best for you so we can reserve appointment times for you whenever possible.
