Real Talk specializes in working with children, teens and young adults who are struggling with behavioral and emotional issues. Often times, the typical clients seen at Real Talk are children and young people who can be diagnosed with trauma (PTSD), mood dysregulation (DMDD), oppositional behaviors (ODD, CD), or other related challenges.

At Real Talk, support for parents, caregivers and families is an integral part of the therapeutic process. It’s understood that when working with children, involving and supporting parents in therapy and interventions is the key to success.

Typically, when a child is out of control, the behavior can be a hardship on the family and the parents. Disruptive or problematic behaviors can cause chaos for the child and parents, making everyday tasks, difficult. This is the time when parents and children need support because the family system is overwhelmed. Often times, therapy can help families with children who have significant behaviors. Through guidance, parenting support and child focused treatment options, Real Talk can help make change happen in the home and within relationships.

Parenting is hard, it doesn’t come with a manual and even if it did, it probably wouldn’t work on the strong willed child, or the kids who’ve been through hard times. It’s clear you’re exhausted, overstimulated and emotionally spent. Parents often need to know that they are doing everything right, and things can still be rough. Parent coaching can offer support alongside therapy for your child, to engage both sides of the relationship in making positive change.

Real Talk believes that family involvement is key to a child’s success in therapy. Caregivers are encouraged to participate regularly, either through check-ins, joint sessions, or separate parent support sessions, depending on the child’s age and treatment plan.

Discipline is hard, and there’s always a new strategy or philosophy out there. Discipline and consequences don’t matter to a child, if the relationship isn’t there in the first place. Through individual and family therapy, the process towards change starts with rebuilding a parent-child relationship based in trust and understanding. This strengthens the foundation for consequences to begin to matter again in the home.

The first session is an intake appointment where the clinician will get to know you and your child. The session will discuss what brings you in, gather a history of concerns and symptoms, and begin setting goals for treatment. This session may include both caregiver and child participation, depending on the child’s age and needs. It will take approximately 75 min.

Individual therapy sessions typically last 45–50 minutes and are held once a week. Frequency may vary depending on your child’s needs and treatment goals. We also offer parent support and family sessions as appropriate.

It’s common for children and teens to feel unsure or resistant at first. Real Talk takes a supportive, relationship-based approach to help them feel safe and understood. Clinicians work together to build trust and help them engage in the process at their own pace. Therapy takes time, and it’s important to support parents and children throughout the process of change.

Real Talk is currently paneled with Select Health and Aetna and working to become in-network with several insurance providers. Options for private pay and sliding scale is also available. Please contact us to confirm whether your insurance plan is accepted and reach out to your insurance provider to ensure coverage. If not in-network, a superbill can be provided to clients for reimbursement through their insurance.

Real Talk does not provide services for autism spectrum disorder or high-acuity mental health needs requiring hospitalization or intensive care.

Being responsible for and taking care of a child who has disruptive or negative behavior issues can cause parent burnout. Seeking support and help, informally (church, neighbors, family) and formally (therapy, parenting classes, support groups) can make a huge difference. There is no clocking out on being a parent, and it’s ok to call a time-out to get support. Call Real Talk now to set up an appointment.