Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are sessions like? What should I expect?

    Newbridge offers group therapy and family therapy sessions. For either service, an initial evaluation session is required. The initial evaluation session includes interview, observation and you may be asked to complete questionnaires/rating scales, as well.

    Group sessions are interactive, engaging and involve play-based activities, interpersonal learning, social support, discussion, and/or activities that cultivate intrapersonal reflection. These sessions are typically 60-90 minutes long.

    Family therapy sessions are designed to provide support by collaboratively developing strategies to meet behavioral needs. During these sessions, family members can expect to engage in discussions about the possible causes and characteristics of the behavior. Families can also expect collaborative planning and practice of strategies to address behavioral concerns.

    These sessions are typically 60 minutes long and are offered in-person or online via telehealth services. Check out the session types here »

  • Will parents be allowed to participate in therapy sessions, or will they be asked to wait outside?

    Parent participation differs based on the type of session. Parent participation is an integral part of family therapy sessions at Newbridge and parents are required to participate. Regarding most group therapy sessions, parents will be able to monitor the session from an adjacent room and in some groups, parents may be asked to participate. This enables parents to understand content being covered in each session and also allows parents to observe how the therapist addresses concerns as they come up in treatment. Additionally, at the end of sessions, time will be allotted for parents to ask questions and the therapist will recommend tasks for families to work on at home. This enables families to continue to work together toward therapeutic goals in-between sessions.

  • How do talk to my child about therapy?

    This answer is so in-depth that we turned it into a full blog post. You can read it here: How do I talk to my child about therapy »

  • How often do sessions occur?

    The frequency of therapy sessions varies, however, group therapy sessions typically meet once per week. The frequency of family sessions varies according to each family’s needs and may change over the course of treatment.

  • Do you accept insurance?

    We accept Medicaid, Anthem, Aetna, Optum/UBH, and Optima.

  • What is group therapy, and how is it different from individual therapy?

    Group therapy is a type of therapy where a small group of individuals meet regularly with a trained therapist to discuss and explore shared issues or concerns. Group therapy differs from individual therapy in that it provides participants with the opportunity to interact with others who are experiencing similar challenges or struggles and to receive support and feedback from both the therapist and other group members.

  • How long does therapy last?

    Group therapy sessions typically last between 6-16 sessions depending on the type of group. The duration of family therapy sessions is determined from the initial session and generally ranges from 8-10 sessions. At the end of the 8-10 session period, the therapist and family decide if goals have been met, if additional sessions are needed, or if other services may be more appropriate.

  • Will my child be comfortable participating in a group therapy setting?

    It is normal for children to feel nervous or apprehensive about participating in group therapy, especially if they have never done it before. It's important to talk with your child about what to expect in therapy, and to help them understand that it can be a safe and helpful space for them to explore their thoughts and feelings.

  • How many children will be in the therapy group, and what is the age range of the participants?

    The number of children in each therapy group ranges from 5-7 participants. The age range of participants will vary depending on the specific therapy group. Some groups may be targeted to a specific age range (e.g., preschoolers, adolescents), while others may be more diverse in terms of age, particularly if participants are similar across other characteristics (i.e., developmental level, communication modality, etc.).

  • What happens if my child decides that they do not want to participate in group therapy anymore?

    If your child decides they do not want to participate in group therapy anymore, it's important to discuss this with the therapist. The therapist may be able to work with your child to address any concerns or reasons for wanting to leave the group.

  • What kinds of activities will my child participate in during therapy sessions?

    The activities that your child will participate in during group therapy will depend on the specific goals of the group and the specific interests of participants. Activities may include (but are not limited to) games, role-playing and/or group discussions.

  • How will confidentiality be maintained within the group therapy setting?

    Confidentiality is an important aspect of group therapy, and the therapist will discuss confidentiality policies with both the children and their parents. Generally, what is said in therapy stays in therapy, unless there is a concern for the child's safety or well-being.