FAQs for Parents

Will I get to be involved in the process with my teen?

We approach every family as unique, but we always seek input from parents. Parents are an integral part of every teens’ life, no matter how strained the relationship might be right now. Sometimes a teen will tell us that they really want the counseling time to themselves; other teens really want their parents in the counseling process with them. We will adapt our services to your family’s needs. Ultimately, your involvement will be integral in the progress of your son or daughter.

Do you coordinate care with my teen’s psychiatrist/ doctor?

Yes! Teens are not an isolated organism. We coordinate care with not only their doctor, but also with their school counselor and any other professionals who are involved in helping your teen succeed. All you need to do is provide us with a release of information.

Do you recommend medications?

Having worked in medical settings, Evan is very familiar with psychotropic medications and have seen how helpful they can be. That said, none of our counselors prescribe or recommend specific medications. Consider that medications may help, but without any other change, one will either be dependent on the medication to maintain the improvement or symptoms may crop up again after discontinuing the medication. If you are wondering about medication for your teen, please talk with your counselor about it and we will coordinate care with the medication provider of your choice.

Do I Need To See A Psychiatrist?

Maybe. But maybe not. Often, your primary care doctor can prescribe psychotropic medication to help you with your anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. Sometimes though, if your diagnosis is a little harder to nail down, it can be helpful to do a more thorough evaluation than your doctor has time for. We can help with that.

What should I look for in a counselor?

“Fit” is one of the biggest factors in whether counseling will be effective. You should always talk with the counselor before you decide on who you, your family or your teen will work with. That is why Evan typically talks with all parents or potential clients on the phone prior to matching them with a counselor. Call or message Evan to start the conversation and find the right counselor for your teen/family/yourself.

I think my teen has ADHD. What should I do?

Talking to your child’s primary care provider is one place to start, but keep in mind that medication is not the only route with ADHD. Behavioral strategies can be very useful in teaching how to adapt to the challenges of ADHD. Also keep in mind that ADHD often impacts kids’ self-esteem, mood and relationships. Counseling will address not only the behavioral aspects of ADHD, but also the identity and mood impacts of having ADHD.

I am in college (my son/daughter is in college). Do you work with young adults?

YES!!!! We love working with college-age men and women. Developmentally, the brain is still in a phase of rapid development during college. It is a great time to get support that will set the young person up for success during college and beyond.

It is 2am and I am worried about my teen’s safety, what should I do?

Please call the 24/7 Help Center at 406-586-3333 or dial 911.

Wait! I am not a teen, but I am curious about working with you.

All four of us do work with non-teen/young adult clients. Call or email to talk with Evan about which counselor is the right fit for your needs. We work with:

  • Teens (age 14 and up) and Young Adults
  • Individual Adults around depression, anxiety, trauma, relationships, life transitions
  • Couples to build skills, repair ruptures, reconnect, avoid divorce (or move toward it peacefully and cooperatively)
  • Parents who are struggling to know how to best support their children
  • Parents needing help with more effective structure and discipline strategies
  • Parents who are dealing with their own anxiety or fears (including pre- and post-partum anxiety)
  • Parents around cooperating better with your co-parents so the kids can’t divide and conquer
  • Families to build communication, repair relationships, rebuild connections

Call or text Evan at (406) 599-5355 to chat about what is going on and to schedule an appointment with one of our counselors, or send a message through the form below. We look forward to supporting your family.