• Do you accept Medicaid?

    • We’re currently not a Medicaid provider. If Medicaid is your primary or secondary insurance, please contact our support staff to discuss your specific situation.

  • Will my insurance cover therapy?

    • Many of our therapists are in-network with providers like Highmark Blue Shield, Capital Blue Cross, Aetna, and others.
    • If we’re in your network, our office will bill electronically—the details depend on your deductible, copay, or coinsurance.
    • If we’re not in your network, you will pay out of pocket and then can file for out-of-network benefits if available as part of your insurance plan.
    • Keep in mind that once your claim is filed, some diagnostic info becomes a permanent record with your insurer, and we can’t control what happens with that data.

  • What’s your policy if I need to cancel an appointment?

    • We ask for 48-hour advance notice if you need to cancel or reschedule (call us at 800-689-0250).
    • Late cancellations or no-shows may incur fees (typically $125).
    • If you face an emergency or something beyond your control, just let us know—we understand and will do our best to work with you in light of the circumstances.

  • Is email a good way to contact my therapist?

    • Email is fine for general information (like scheduling or address details), but keep in mind it isn’t fully secure or private.
    • For discussing personal or health matters, please use our secure web portal.
    • If you email, be aware that sometimes messages might not get through—so a follow-up call is a good idea for urgent matters.

  • How do you manage confidentiality when working with minors?

    • We involve key figures (teachers, pediatricians, parents) with proper written permissions and consent.
    • Children’s sessions remain private—we share only general progress updates with parents.
    • If sensitive topics arise and need to be shared, we encourage the child to speak with you first.

  • Are there times when you must share my information?

    • Yes—in cases of concern for safety (for example, threats of harm, abuse, or suicidal thoughts), we’re legally required to share only enough to protect you or others.
    • In these cases, we work to intervene as quickly as possible and will notify you when we can.
    • We may also need to share information with your insurance carrier (with your consent) or for professional supervision, but always on a strictly need-to-know basis.

  • How do you keep my therapy sessions confidential?

    • Your privacy is our top priority. We only share your information with your written permission.
    • After any information is shared (for professional consultations or with your insurance), we’ll let you know what was shared.
    • Our commitment means we go beyond basic HIPAA standards to ensure your comfort and trust.

  • How do you coordinate care with other professionals?

    • We work closely with professionals—like pastors, family doctors, or previous counselors—only when it benefits you.
    • Any shared details are limited to what’s needed for your care, and it always starts with your consent.
    • We even welcome having someone important join you during therapy sessions to boost support and consistency.

  • How does childhood trauma affect emotional development?

    Trauma rewires the brain, shaping the way a child processes emotions for years to come.. Children who experience trauma may struggle with overwhelming emotions, difficulty trusting others, or feeling disconnected from their own feelings. These effects can linger into adulthood, shaping how they respond to stress and relationships. Healing starts with recognizing how trauma has impacted emotional growth and finding ways to rebuild a sense of safety.

  • Can trauma impact school performance and friendships?

    Trauma doesn’t just fade into the background—it changes how the brain works, making school and friendships much harder. Kids who’ve experienced trauma often struggle with focus, memory, and motivation, which can lead to lower grades and frustration. Socially, they may have trouble trusting others or push people away without realizing it. The coping strategies that helped them survive tough situations don’t always work well in everyday life, making relationships and learning more challenging.

  • What role do parents and caregivers play in helping a child heal from trauma?

    Parents and caregivers play a huge role in helping a child heal from trauma. The most important thing is creating a sense of security—making sure they feel safe, understood, and comforted when they need it. When a child knows they can rely on you, it becomes easier for them to process their experiences and begin to heal.

  • What is the difference between trauma and PTSD?

    Trauma is a broad term—it’s the way our brain reacts to overwhelming experiences or the absence of things we needed to feel safe growing up. It can come from events like accidents or violence, but it can also stem from emotional neglect or lack of support. PTSD, on the other hand, is a more specific diagnosis with clear symptoms, including flashbacks, heightened anxiety, and difficulty processing past events.

  • How can unresolved trauma impact relationships?

    Unresolved trauma can make relationships really challenging because it shapes how we respond to the people around us. The coping strategies we develop to survive—like shutting down emotions, avoiding vulnerability, or constantly trying to please others—may have helped in tough situations, but they don’t work well in safe, healthy relationships. Healing involves recognizing these patterns and learning new ways to connect.

  • How do I know if I am depressed?

    Depression can feel like life has lost its spark—things that used to bring joy just don’t seem to matter anymore. It often comes with feelings of hopelessness, low self-esteem, and exhaustion, making even simple tasks feel overwhelming. It can stem from trauma, childhood experiences, nutritional issues, or medical conditions (like hypothyroidism). But the good news is that it’s treatable with the right support.

  • How can I tell if my child is depressed or just sad?

    Every child feels sad sometimes, especially after something upsetting happens. But depression is different—it lingers, often without a clear cause, and can affect their energy, motivation, and overall outlook. If their sadness seems constant and isn’t improving, it could be more than just a passing emotion.

  • Is there a connection between depression and anxiety?

    Yes, anxiety and depression are often connected, though not always. When anxiety becomes overwhelming, it can cause someone to avoid situations in their life, leading to missed opportunities and a growing sense of loss. Over time, that feeling of helplessness can turn into depression, which can then create even more anxiety by making everyday challenges feel even harder to manage.

  • How can a parent support a child with depression?

    The most important thing you can do for a child struggling with depression is to take their feelings seriously. Trying to cheer them up or list reasons why they should be happy usually backfires, making them feel misunderstood. Instead, let them know you see their pain, you care, and you’re there to help them through it—no matter how long it takes.

  • Can teenagers recover from depression without medication?

    Definitely! Research shows that expert therapy and nutritional support can be just as effective—if not more—than medication for treating depression in teenagers. With the right strategies, teens can build coping skills, address underlying issues, and find lasting relief without relying on medication.

  • What causes bipolar disorder?

    Bipolar disorder is caused by a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors. While family history plays a role, stress, trauma, and imbalances in brain chemistry can also contribute to its development.

  • What are the early warning signs of a manic or depressive episode?

    Early signs of mania can include feeling unusually energetic, talking rapidly, taking risks, and sleeping very little. Depressive episodes often bring deep sadness, fatigue, and loss of interest in daily activities.

  • What role does family therapy play in managing bipolar disorder?

    Family therapy is a key part of treatment, helping families recognize mood shifts, respond effectively, and support their loved one’s recovery. It can also reduce conflict and improve emotional stability.

  • At what age can bipolar disorder be diagnosed?

    The usual age of onset is in adolescence or early adulthood. Whether bipolar begins in childhood or not is still under debate, since symptoms in childhood are not distinct from other conditions. A thorough evaluation is needed to differentiate it from other conditions.

  • Are there non-medication treatments for bipolar disorder in kids?

    Yes! Therapy, lifestyle changes, and structured routines can help children manage bipolar symptoms. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and family therapy are often effective. Nutritional interventions are also very effective in addressing biological contributions.

  • Can autism develop later in life, or is it always present from childhood?

    Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that is present from early childhood.

  • What are the early signs of autism in children?

    Because autism is on a spectrum from severe cognitive and functional deficits to high functioning, these signs can vary significantly. Low functioning autism is usually easy to identify due to significant verbal, social, and cognitive impairment. High functioning autism can be trickier, as the child may function well in many areas. Early signs of high functioning autism are lack of social responsiveness or difficulties with social interactions, high rigidity and resistance to change, and getting “stuck” on topics or behaviors are common. Sensory difficulties and “odd” behaviors such as walking on tip toes, hand flapping, or rocking are also sometimes present.

  • What accommodations can schools provide for autistic students?

    The accommodations a child needs are going to be specific to their unique blend of challenges. Your therapist can work with you and your child’s school to tailor accommodations to their specific needs.

  • What challenges do autistic adults face in relationships and social interactions?

    Autistic adults may struggle with interpreting social cues, maintaining conversations, or understanding unwritten social rules. This can sometimes lead to feelings of isolation, but with the right strategies, meaningful relationships are absolutely possible.

  • How does autism affect employment and workplace interactions?

    Workplace interactions can be tricky for autistic individuals, such as difficulty with social interactions, adapting to changes, or managing sensory sensitivities. Workplace accommodations, such as clear communication, predictable routines, and sensory-friendly environments can help autistic employees be highly productive, especially in roles that emphasize attention to detail or problem-solving.

  • Can children outgrow ADHD?

    Not usually. However, most children’s symptoms diminish as they mature and develop more ability to compensate for their symptoms. Some people retain all of their symptoms throughout their adulthood.

    “Current best estimates suggest 60% of children diagnosed with ADHD continue to experience symptom persistence into emerging adulthood (Sibley et al., 2017), and only 9% achieving persistent full-remission from ADHD symptoms by age 25.”

    – from Longitudinal Associations Between Symptoms of ADHD and Life Success: From Emerging Adulthood to Early Middle Adulthood

  • What are the best parenting strategies for children with ADHD?

    There’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to parenting a child with ADHD. Every child’s brain is wired differently, and understanding their unique strengths and challenges is key. Psychological testing helps provide vital insights so that your therapist can craft strategies tailored specifically to your child’s needs.

  • Can adults develop ADHD later in life?

    Typically, no. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, meaning it is a neurological difference that emerges in early development before the age of seven. The exception to this is in the case of traumatic brain injury, which can result in symptoms of ADHD.

  • How does ADHD impact mental health, such as anxiety and depression?

    When ADHD makes tasks harder than they should be, it can lead to frustration and self-doubt. Some people develop anxiety because they fear repeating past mistakes, even when they’re giving their best effort. Others may experience depression when the cycle of setbacks makes them feel like they’ll never overcome their struggles. But ADHD doesn’t mean things can’t improve—understanding how it affects you and finding the right strategies can lead to real, lasting change.

  • How does ADHD affect relationships?

    ADHD can sometimes make relationships tricky, especially when memory issues come into play. It’s not that you don’t care—it’s just that your brain doesn’t always hold onto information, even when it’s really important. If the people in your life don’t understand how ADHD works, they might see it as irresponsibility or feel like they can’t rely on you, which can lead to frustration and distance. Conversations, patience, and practical strategies—like reminders and external cues—can make a big difference in strengthening connections.

  • How do I help my child with anxiety at school?

    School anxiety can stem from all kinds of challenges—learning struggles, social difficulties, bullying, or even trouble focusing in class. The best way to help your child is to first figure out what’s causing their anxiety. Once we identify the root of the problem, we can create a personalized plan that gives them the tools they need to feel more confident and secure at school.

  • How do I calm down an anxious child?

    Helping an anxious child can be tricky because comfort doesn’t always mean easing their anxiety. While it’s natural to want to reassure them, constant avoidance of what makes them anxious can actually reinforce their fear. The key is learning when to offer support and when to help them face challenges, and a therapist can guide you in building those skills.

  • How can I deal with anxiety at work?

    Managing anxiety at work starts with understanding what’s triggering it. Whether it’s deadlines, social interactions, or unexpected changes, identifying those stressors is key. Your therapist can help you recognize patterns and develop practical strategies to handle anxiety more confidently.

  • Are there any natural remedies for anxiety?

    Natural remedies can play a big role in managing anxiety, from mindful eating to lifestyle adjustments that promote emotional balance. Working with a mental health nutritionist can provide personalized support, and at Lifegrowth, we offer specialists who can guide you toward a more peaceful and confident mindset.

  • Is anxiety treatable with therapy, medication, or both?

    Without a doubt, anxiety is treatable, and therapy is one of the most effective ways to address it—helping around 80% of people feel significantly better. Medications don’t cure anxiety, and in some cases, they can make people feel dependent on them. The best treatment helps you build lasting coping skills so that anxiety stops controlling your life.

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