Question 1

What ages does Dr. O’Brien work with?

Accepted Answer

She primarily works with children and adolescents from elementary school through high school. In selected circumstances, she may also work with college-aged young adults when the presenting concern fits her expertise and telehealth is clinically appropriate.

Question 2

Does Dr. O’Brien work with school refusal or school avoidance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. She works with children and teens experiencing anxiety, physical symptoms, panic, emotional shutdowns, behavioral escalation, or other difficulties that interfere with school attendance and participation.

Question 3

Can Dr. O’Brien help my child obtain a 504 Plan?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Dr. O’Brien can write a letter of support to help a child obtain a 504 Plan at school. The letter can include specific recommendations and appropriate accommodations based on the child’s needs. She can also work collaboratively with school administrators and other members of the school team to support a coordinated, team-based approach. Approval of a 504 Plan is determined by the school and cannot be guaranteed.

Question 4

What happens during the initial consultation?

Accepted Answer

The initial consultation is generally 55 minutes and usually includes the parent and child. For older children and adolescents, Dr. O’Brien may spend part of the appointment speaking privately with the young person when appropriate.

Question 5

How often are appointments scheduled?

Accepted Answer

Frequency depends on the child’s needs and treatment plan. Some clients attend weekly, while others may meet every other week to allow time to practice skills between appointments.

Question 6

Is the practice telehealth only?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All services are currently provided through secure telehealth.

Question 7

Where can Dr. O’Brien see clients?

Accepted Answer

Dr. O’Brien is licensed in Florida, Texas, and Washington, as well as PSYPACT credentialed. PSYPACT is an agreement between states that lets her see clients by video in other participating states, and 42 states currently participate. Where your family is located during sessions determines eligibility, so Dr. O’Brien will confirm she is legally permitted to practice in your state before care begins.

Question 8

Does Dr. O’Brien accept insurance?

Accepted Answer

The practice is private pay. This is a deliberate choice to protect the quality and privacy of your child’s care. When treatment is billed through insurance, the insurer—not you and your clinician—often shapes the care: insurance companies typically require a formal mental health diagnosis on the child’s permanent record before covering sessions, dictate how many sessions are approved, and can end coverage before treatment is finished. Claims also become part of your child’s insurance history, meaning personal information about your family is shared with the insurance company and may be reviewed by third parties. Choosing private pay keeps those decisions—and your family’s information—between you and Dr. O’Brien. A superbill is available upon request for families seeking possible out-of-network reimbursement. Insurance reimbursement is not guaranteed. Dr. O’Brien accepts Visa, MasterCard or HSA funds, and can assist with financing through CareCredit.

Question 9

Does Dr. O’Brien offer treatment packages?

Accepted Answer

Structured package options may be available when clinically appropriate. The recommended format of care is determined after the initial consultation.

Question 10

Does Dr. O’Brien provide neuropsychological testing?

Accepted Answer

No. She does not provide neuropsychological testing, court-ordered evaluations, forensic evaluations, custody evaluations, or medication management.

Question 11

Can Dr. O’Brien help with chronic illness, medical procedures, or pain?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Pediatric health psychology is an important part of her background. She works with children and adolescents adjusting to chronic illness, disability, pain, medical treatment, medical anxiety, and upcoming procedures.

Question 12

Does Dr. O’Brien provide clinical hypnosis?

Accepted Answer

Clinical hypnosis may be incorporated when it is clinically appropriate and relevant to the child’s treatment goals.

Question 13

Does Dr. O’Brien treat self-harm?

Accepted Answer

Dr. O’Brien may work with self-harm concerns when outpatient telehealth is clinically appropriate. Higher levels of risk may require local, in-person, emergency, or more intensive services.

Question 14

What should I do during an emergency?

Accepted Answer

This practice does not provide emergency or crisis services. In the United States, call 911, call or text 988, or go to the nearest emergency department if a child is in immediate danger.

Frequently asked questions

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