Counseling Compass: 20+ Session Framework for Hopscotch Virtual Child & Adolescent Therapy

we have prepared this handout specifically for hopscotch therapists to serve as a helpful resource, offering a suggested framework for virtual child/teen therapy sessions while this framework isn't the only path to success, research indicates that child therapy typically involves approximately 20 sessions on average (carmichael, 2006; landreth, 2002) it's important to remember that some children may require fewer sessions, while others may benefit from additional treatment parent participation in the therapeutic process is essential to retention and can help support the child’s progress an important part of this plan includes regular parent check ins we have created a https //www joinhopscotch com/blog/parent check ins why they matter and what child therapists need to know please keep in mind that this framework serves as a general guideline and may need to be adapted to meet individual cases based on medical necessity for insurance purposes, your own clinical judgment, therapeutic modalities, and the preferences of caregivers/parents it's also worth noting that you may decide to incorporate additional family or parent sessions when working with families, and there may be new issues that arise during treatment, necessitating more sessions our goal is to provide you with the necessary support to help children and families thrive we believe that this framework, in combination with the resources available through the https //www joinhopscotch com/hopscotch kids and our intervention library, will prove invaluable in achieving positive outcomes we sincerely appreciate your dedication and commitment to the children and families we serve together, let's create a nurturing and impactful therapeutic experience please also checkout the hopscotch client retention c a r e checklist session(s) description pre session communication & introduction prior to the first session, initiate contact with the parent/caregiver to begin establishing rapport introduce yourself, address any questions or concerns they may have, and provide clarification on the structure of the upcoming session discuss the structure of the intake session, including whether one or both parents should be present, as well as your preference regarding the child's participation during certain segments of the session (with or without parental presence) communicate the typical duration of the session (usually 60 minutes) session 1 intake with parent (and child, if appropriate) conduct an intake session with the parent to gather necessary information work toward establishing rapport with caregivers (see retention guide in resource library) confirm contact information as listed in intake paperwork, ensuring the child is located in the same state the therapist is licensed and that address, phone, etc is correct discussion of session expectations and policies, including clarify your expectations regarding privacy during sessions, emphasizing the importance of confidentiality explain methods of communication that will be utilized, ensuring the parent is aware of how to reach you between sessions and your timeframe to respond emphasize that any crisis calls should be directed to 911 encourage internal messaging through hopscotch platform for hipaa compliance, outline the structure and approach of future sessions including duration of each session (45, 60, etc) and weekly frequency of sessions until after next parent check in (session 5) and then reassess frequency alternatively, y ou may also want to set the next few months appointments on the hopscotch calendar while the parent is present (see care guide for script) encourage parent participation through discussion of the important https //psychcentral com/lib/should parents stay with their children in therapy#should parents be involved and plans for https //www joinhopscotch com/blog/parent check ins why they matter and what child therapists need to know , referring to the established framework, including frequency and purpose of parent check in sessions if you meet with parent at beginning/end of sessions explain treatment methods you use (such as cognitive behavioral therapy (cbt) or play based methods, etc ), and how those might be utilized in session (virtual sandtray, worksheets, shared screens, whiteboards, etc) discuss any materials or resources that may be helpful during sessions (such as paper/pen, crayons, playdough, legos, etc ) and inform the parent if they need to gather or prepare anything in advance emphasize the importance of the parent being present and accessible in the home during the session to provide support or address any emergent situations clearly communicate your commitment to mandated reporting, informing the parent of your legal obligations in the event of suspected abuse or neglect re emphasize cancellation policy (at least 24 hours notice must be given to avoid a charge) if you requested the child be present for part of the intake session, begin rapport building with the child and answering his/her questions https //www joinhopscotch com/hopscotch kids and it’s benefits between sessions add anything else you feel is important sessions 2 4 working sessions with the child rapport building with the child, including any ”get to know you” activities administer any baseline assessments you use, such as gad, phq9, scared, or play based assessments administer subsequent assessments in future sessions as determined by provider may continue weekly or in session 4 to measure progress discuss results with the child as appropriate maintain communication with parents as discussed during intake involve parent/caregiver or other collaterals as needed in sessions session 4 prioritize a conversation with the child before the parent session, to reassure the child about the importance of maintaining confidentiality within the therapeutic relationship create a safe space for the child to express their preferences regarding what information they would like to be shared with their parent or caregiver session 5 parent session engage and support parents through a check in session refer to the https //www joinhopscotch com/blog/parent check ins why they matter and what child therapists need to know communicate how progress is being measured discuss diagnosis given for child/teen and how this was determined address parenting needs/challenges, observations, challenges, medication changes, etc and review initial reasons for contacting the therapist review and modify treatment goals as needed ask about the parent's well being and refer to hs if adult therapy is recommended confirm appointments scheduled for the remaining 15 sessions sessions 6 8 continued working sessions based on progress & ongoing assessment of treatment goals maintain communication with parents as discussed during intake involve parent/caregiver or other collaterals as needed in sessions session 8 progress assessment conduct another assessment to measure the child's progress if not provided weekly discuss the assessment results with the child as appropriate again, prioritize a conversation with the child during session 8, before the parent session, to reassure the child about the importance of maintaining confidentiality within the therapeutic relationship create a safe space for the child to express their preferences regarding what information they would like to be shared with their parent or caregiver session 9 parent session engage and support parents through a check in session refer to the https //www joinhopscotch com/blog/parent check ins why they matter and what child therapists need to know communicate how progress is being measured discuss diagnosis given for child/teen and how this was determined address parenting needs/challenges, observations, challenges, medication changes, etc and review initial reasons for contacting the therapist review and modify treatment goals as needed ask about the parent's well being and refer to hs if adult therapy is recommended confirm appointments scheduled for the remaining 11 sessions sessions 10 12 continued working sessions with child maintain communication with parents as discussed during intake involve parent/caregiver or other collaterals as needed in sessions session 12 progress assessment conduct another assessment to measure the child's progress if not provided weekly discuss the assessment results with the child as appropriate again, prioritize a conversation with the child during session 12, before the parent session, to reassure the child about the importance of maintaining confidentiality within the therapeutic relationship create a safe space for the child to express their preferences regarding what information they would like to be shared with their parent or caregiver session 13 parent session engage and support parents through a check in session refer to the https //www joinhopscotch com/blog/parent check ins why they matter and what child therapists need to know communicate how progress is being measured discuss diagnosis given for child/teen and how this was determined address parenting needs/challenges, observations, challenges, medication changes, etc and review initial reasons for contacting the therapist review and modify treatment goals as needed ask about the parent's well being and refer to hs if adult therapy is recommended confirm next 7 sessions or discuss preparation for termination sessions 14 20+ continue working sessions or begin termination & celebration process repeat pattern above, involving parents in planning discussions for termination when appropriate explain the importance of planned termination sessions to end the therapeutic relationship whenever possible consider gradually reducing the frequency of visits over time (i e bi monthly, then monthly) or plan for multiple final visits to prepare for ending the therapeutic relationship discuss future “booster” sessions with parent/caregiver or child as needed and how to reach you through hopscotch should they choose to return to therapy in the future