Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Before the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers had started to develop methods of conducting autism assessments remotely as a way of reaching families in rural areas and reducing wait lists at speciality centers. When the pandemic started in 2020 and in-person services became restriced by social distancing and PPE, clinicians turned to these new telehealth measures as a solution. Two years later, we have preliminary research evidence to support their use. You can read more about how autism centers have adapted their assessment methods during the pandemic in this article. Although telehealth assessments have become common during the COVID-19 pandemic, some insurance companies may not accept diagnoses made via telehealth appointments. I recommend that you check with your insurance company or service provider if you have concerns about the assessment being accepted.

Absolutely! Therapy delivered over telehealth is just as effective as in-person therapy. I have seen this in my own experience as well as in peer-reviewed research. I believe strongly that quality of care is dependent on the the skills of the therapist and the therapist-client relationship, which are independent of the delivery format.

In fact, telehealth is my preferred method of doing parent coaching for two main reasons:

1. Children often act very differently when they come into a clinic setting vs. at home. Being able to see the child and the parent-child interactions in the home environment has helped me make significant progress with famlies.
2. The telehealth format allows the parent to be the focus for the child, rather than the clinician.

For more reading, I recommend this issue brief on telehealth therapy and this article from Yale Medicine about telehealth therapy with children.

Parent coaching involves a combination of live coaching and discussion with the parent. During live coaching, you will set up your camera so that I can see both you and your child. Using headphones or earbuds, you will be able to hear my coaching instructions as you interact with your child.

You will need an electronic device with audio/visual capabilities and a good internet connection. A larger screen is often helpful for therapy but not necessary. For assessments, a tablet- or laptop-sized screen is required. Headphones or earbuds are recommended for privacy or when you are receiving coaching while interacting with your child.

I use Zoom as a HIPAA compliant platform for telehealth sessions. When we schedule an appointment, you will receive a link to a private and secure Zoom room. At the time of our appointment, you will use the link to enter the Zoom room where we will be able to see and hear each other. I am happy to walk you through using Zoom and troubleshoot your device set-up during our first session.

My fee for therapy (individual and parent coaching) is $250 for a 60 minute session. For child assessments, I offer several different packages that are a set fee and all-inclusive. For adult and other individualized assessments, my fee is $300 per hour. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate of what your services may cost.

Credit and debit payments can be made easily via the secure client portal. If you would prefer to pay in cash or check, arrangements can be made.