Frequently Asked Questions

Call us any time at 719-358-7437 or email us at info@heartspace-kids.org, and we’ll get you started! There will be an initial phone screen to determine which of our providers would be the best fit to start with, and then we can get you on the schedule for an intake appointment. We occasionally have a waitlist, but we are usually able to fit waitlist clients in within a couple weeks. Our Office Manager, Lindsi, will be happy to answer any questions about getting started and waitlists when you call in. 

A wise person once said, “Play is the language of children”. While traditional talk therapy may be fitting for some older kids, many younger kids are not yet able to sit and focus for an hour of talking. Children also express their worlds through play. For example, a 6-year-old may tell a story about their doll’s feelings that mirrors their own. Different developmental stages require different approaches. 

Play therapy is an evidence-based practice that meets the child where they are and produces better results than traditional talk therapy for many children. Play therapy involves incorporating therapeutic interventions into play, arts and crafts, games, and activities. If you have any other questions about play therapy, please feel free to ask your clinician, or give us a call. We’re always happy to talk therapy! 

Each of our clinicians is versed in several different therapeutic models, and each clinician has their own approach to therapy. Please visit our Providers page to read more about each clinician and their style/expertise. Some approaches to therapy offered by our clinicians include: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT), Play Therapy, Client-Centered therapy, Narrative Therapy, and eclectic approaches. 

Heartspace Kids does not offer formal psychological evaluations at this time. If you are looking for an official psychological evaluation for insurance purposes, please give us a call and we’d be happy to direct you to a local practice that does offer these services. 

Each child is unique and has individual needs. Our clinicians will be open and up-front about whether talk therapy and/or play therapy is a right fit for your child. If your clinician feels your child may benefit from a different type of therapy, they will be happy to refer you to an appropriate practice. 

That being said, studies do show that talk therapy and play therapy can be just as effective for children with autism as other types of therapy. Our clinicians each have experience working with kids across the spectrum, and are well-versed in the specific needs and strengths of a child with ASD. 

If you have any specific questions about your child’s fit with talk therapy or play therapy, please give us a call and we’d be happy to discuss further! 

The self-pay rate for a 50-minute individual counseling session is $120. Groups and workshops rates vary. Financial assistance may be available for qualifying families. See the Kids First Fund for more information. 

Yes, all of our clinicians currently offer telehealth sessions. Your clinician will be able to tell you more about if and when telehealth is a good option for your child.  

There are many different approaches to talk therapy, and our clinicians cover a wide array of experience. Some of the most common types of talk therapy are: 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a widely used approach that focuses on the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. CBT teaches clients to reframe unhelpful thoughts, which leads to more positive emotions and actions. CBT is helpful for a wide array of issues, such as depression, anxiety, relationships, motivation, etc. Many clinicians also offer Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT), a modification of CBT that is specifically developed to support individuals who have experienced trauma. 

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): DBT is a skill-based approach, which focuses on mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. DBT was first developed for use with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), but it is now used effectively for a variety of issues, such as suicidality, self-harm, depression, and anger. 

Educational Therapy: Educational therapy focuses on strategies and practical interventions that close educational gaps and help children succeed academically. This approach involves teaching mindfulness, executive functioning skills, and motivation. Educational therapists often work with the school staff to help develop appropriate goals for the child. 

Eclectic Approach: Clinicians who take an “eclectic approach” generally draw on many different approaches during sessions. Clinicians may teach a CBT skill followed by a DBT skill, or use narrative therapy approaches the next session. This approach is person-centered, and the clinician uses whatever approach the client needs in that moment. Many clinicians consider themselves to use an eclectic approach, rather than focusing on just one type of therapy. 

There are many other types of talk therapy approaches as well, such as Narrative Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and more. Each clinician utilizes their professional experience to draw from therapy approaches that best fit the individual client’s needs. 

Confidentiality is critical to the client-therapist relationship. Children are respected as clients and what they say will be held in confidence. Aside from some exceptions (including health and safety concerns, abuse, etc.), information will only be disclosed to parents with permission of the child. This policy is consistent with the ethical and legal guidelines given to counselors, social workers, and other mental health professionals as mandated by their respective boards. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this policy, please discuss with your clinician and they will be happy to have a longer conversation about confidentiality. 

While confidentiality is important, your child’s clinician will work to involve you as a parent throughout the therapeutic process as needed and as appropriate. Your child’s therapist may share things like skills that are being taught in session, what can be done at home to support those skills, any concerns, updates on successes in session, etc. 

The age of consent for therapy in Colorado is 12. 

This is a deeply personal and individual decision. The short answer is that therapy is never a wrong or bad decision. Therapy can help clients in many different ways, and it is always good to build social-emotional skills. 

If you decide to pursue therapy for your child, your clinician will conduct an intake session to evaluate your child and their specific needs. We want you to feel comfortable asking your clinician any questions you have about types of therapy, goals, other options, additional supports, or any other areas you are wondering about. Your clinician will be able to either support your child and your family directly, or refer you to a better fitting option. 

There is no “contract” with therapy: If you do one intake session and decide that individual therapy is not the best option for your child, you are in no way obligated to continue. You also have the option of changing therapists if you feel it would benefit your child. 

If you are looking for education surrounding developmental milestones, parenting, or specific issues, please visit our “Resources” tab. We regularly compile helpful links and articles for families to utilize at home. 

Some alternatives to individual therapy that might be appropriate for your child are: family therapy, couples counseling for parents, parenting classes, groups and workshops (please visit our page for more information about what we offer), support groups, or psychological evaluations. You can also talk to your school counselor and/or school social worker for information about how to support your child at school and any resources they are able to offer. 

In summation, we are always happy to work with your child. We are also happy to discuss other options that may be appropriate. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns. We are here for whatever you need!