Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are your fees?

Because fees vary by associate and by the type of therapy offered, it is best to please contact Dr. Rich for the current fee schedue.

2. Do you take insurance?

We will provide you with a "superbill" to submit to your PPO insurance for reimbursement at out-of-network provider rates. If you have an HMO, it is sometimes possible to get a "single case agreement". This is successful mainly for the social skills groups because very few insurance companies have in-network groups for children available. In a single case agreement, your insurance company agrees to reimburse you for all or part of my fees.

3. Do you take credit cards?

No. We accept cash or check payable to Rich & Associates. Payment is due at the time the service is rendered.

4. Are you vendored with the Regional Center?

Yes, Dr. Rich is a Regional Center vendor. If your child is a Regional Center client, then the Regional Center will provide reimbursement for some services. It is important to note that not all Regional Center clients are appropriate for my services. Please contact Dr. Rich for more information.

5. When is your next social skills or parenting group starting?

The parenting group meets continually throughout the year and new parents may join at any time, once an intake is completed. The social skills groups are formed approximately every three months, based on the developmental level, age, and social skill level of the children. Groups typically begin in October, January, April, and July and meet in the late afternoons. Please contact Dr. Rich for openings in the Key Skill Groups for 8-12 year olds

6. How is your approach unique?

We follow a family-centered model in all of our services. Even in the social skills groups and individual sessions, parents are involved in or are a part of the intervention. Our philosophy is that change is maximized with parent participation. It is important for parents to know how to encourage skill-building outside of the child's time with us.

7. What kinds of children are a good match for your services?

Our group services are best for the child who is having problems in one or two areas, but is otherwise doing well. Typically, children are having problems with friends and also having a hard time following directions at home or school. The children in the groups are usually bright, well-meaning children who just need some pointers on how to be welcomed and accepted by others. These children might have a diagnosis of some kind, but are all children who are in a mainstream classroom. Children who are having great difficulty in more than one area are a good match for individual sessions. We also work with particular issues, such as dealing with divorce, improving homework behavior, and breaking habits (e.g., thumb-sucking).

8. Is it a good idea to put my child in a group with other behaviorally-challenged children?

We get this question a lot. Because the groups are structured with clear expectations right from the start, few problems arise. Any negative behavior that is displayed is handled in a consistent and positive manner. Every action in the group is a teachable moment - not just for the children involved but for the onlookers, as well. It is important for children to know where the limits are. For children that tend to get taken advantage of, the group is helpful in pointing out how they should expect to be treated - what is okay and what is not okay. When a child has a tantrum or meltdown, it is also instructive for other children that sometimes behave this way. As in, "Wow, look how upset he is over this. Isn't it hard to play with him right now?" These moments encourage perspective taking. We want you to know that we value your opinion every step of the way. If you are ever concerned about whether this is the right place for your child, please speak with Dr. Rich about your concerns.

9. When will I see improvement?

Without ever meeting you or your child, this is a hard question to answer. From experience most children demonstrate noticeable improvement during the first 8-10 weeks. Some children improve faster, and a small group of children need more time. The average amount of time a child stays with us is 9 months. It is very rare that children stay with us for longer than a year. And, when they do, it is usually because something else has come up - like a pet died, or the child changed schools, etc.

10. Do you have groups for children over the age of 12?

Not at this time, but please contact Dr. Rich to discuss your older child's needs, as one of our other services may be appropriate.

11. Do you see adults?

We definitely work with adults struggling with their own social skills difficulties and with parenting issues. For other issues, please contact Dr. Rich to discuss your situation and whether our approach may be appropriate.