Question 1

What does neurodivergent mean?

Accepted Answer

Neurodivergent means a person’s brain works in a different way than what’s considered “typical.” This can affect how someone thinks, learns, feels, or interacts with others. At Connected Strides, we support kids and teens by helping them understand their strengths and feel confident in who they are.

Question 2

What types of therapy do you offer?

Accepted Answer

We specialize in supporting neurodivergent children, teens, and women—particularly those with ADHD or autism—and provide therapy for parenting, motherhood, and family dynamics.

Question 3

Do you offer in-person or virtual sessions?

Accepted Answer

Both! We see clients in-person at our Los Angeles-area office and also offer telehealth for convenience.

Question 4

Do you accept insurance?

Accepted Answer

We are an out-of-network provider and don’t accept insurance. If you have a PPO plan, you may be eligible for partial reimbursement—please check with your insurance. We’re happy to provide a monthly superbill upon request. Sliding scale rates are available for those with financial need.

Question 5

Could my child have ADHD or autism, even if it hasn’t been diagnosed yet?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many neurodivergent kids—especially girls—are missed or misunderstood. We help you explore these concerns in a supportive, informed way.

Question 6

Do you do evaluations for autism or ADHD?

Accepted Answer

We offer comprehensive clinical assessments that not only diagnose autism and/or ADHD, but also aim to understand any co-occurring areas of strength and needs.

Question 7

What is the duration of sessions?

Accepted Answer

Sessions are typically held weekly for 45 minutes. For younger clients, shorter sessions (25–30 minutes) twice a week via Telehealth may be offered. We also provide parent consultation sessions monthly to support children’s progress.

Question 8

What is the frequency of sessions?

Accepted Answer

As therapy evolves, session frequency may shift to biweekly or as needed. We'll determine the best schedule early on and adjust as needed throughout the process.

Question 9

How many sessions does it take to experience improvement?

Accepted Answer

Therapy is a long-term process that looks different for every family. Building trust takes time, and real progress happens when parents stay involved and practice between sessions. We recommend committing to at least 10 sessions and sharing feedback early to help us support your family best.

Question 10

What happens in the first session?

Accepted Answer

We’ll get to know you and your goals, and you’ll learn how we work. It’s a relaxed, collaborative, supportive conversation.

Question 11

What is play therapy?

Accepted Answer

Play therapy helps children express their feelings and work through challenges using play—because play is their natural way of communicating. It allows them to process experiences, learn to manage emotions, and build social skills in a way that feels safe and comfortable.

Question 12

What is CBT?

Accepted Answer

CBT stands for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. It’s a type of therapy that helps people understand how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected. CBT teaches practical skills to handle stress, anxiety, or other challenges in a healthy way. It's often used with kids and teens to help them build confidence and cope better with tough situations.

Question 13

What is art therapy?

Accepted Answer

Art therapy uses creative activities like drawing, painting, or sculpting to help people express their feelings and thoughts. Sometimes it’s easier to show how you feel through art instead of words. Art therapy helps kids and teens understand their emotions, reduce stress, and work through challenges in a safe, fun way.

Question 14

How are parents involved in sessions with minors?

Accepted Answer

We create a safe space where kids and teens can share their feelings, build skills, and better understand themselves—through talking, play, or other activities. Parents are an important part of the process. Sometimes they join sessions to help with communication and support. If not, we often check in at the end so the child can share something meaningful.

Question 15

How do I know if I need parent counseling?

Accepted Answer

Parent counseling can be helpful if you're feeling overwhelmed, unsure how to support your child, or want guidance on managing family challenges. It's space to learn new strategies and strengthen your relationship with your child. If you're noticing behavior concerns or difficulty connecting with your child, parent counseling might be a good option to explore.

Question 16

I’m feeling overwhelmed as a mom. Can therapy help?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We support moms through anxiety, identity shifts, burnout, and the emotional ups and downs of motherhood.

Question 17

What is parent coaching?

Accepted Answer

Parent coaching is a practical, solution-focused approach to parenting challenges. It can be combined with therapy or used on its own.

Frequently asked questions