Your Questions, Answered.

Every child experiences challenges from time to time, and seeking support doesn't mean something is wrong.

You may be noticing changes in your child's emotions, behavior, friendships, school experience, or confidence and simply wondering, Is this something I should be concerned about? What can I do?

You don't have to figure that out before reaching out. Parent consultation can be a helpful place to start. We can talk through what you're noticing, consider what may be contributing, and think together about what kind of support makes sense for your child and family.

Sometimes that may mean trying some strategies at home or talking with the school. Sometimes ongoing parent consultation is helpful. And sometimes individual therapy is the right next step.

There isn't one right answer for every child. The first step is understanding what's going on.

I think this is much more aligned with the practice you're actually trying to build. It makes parent consultation feel like a legitimate service, rather than something parents do only after deciding their child needs therapy.

I work with parents and families of children and adolescents from early childhood through the teenage years.

Parent consultation and school collaboration can be helpful across a wide range of ages, whether you're trying to understand a new concern, navigate a school issue, or figure out what support your child may need.

I also provide individual therapy for children and adolescents, with the specific age and needs of each child considered when determining whether therapy is the right fit.

If you're not sure whether my practice is a good fit for your child's age or situation, please reach out. I'm happy to talk it through with you.

Families reach out for many different reasons. Some are looking for help understanding a new concern, while others want support navigating an ongoing challenge at home or school.

Common areas include:

• Anxiety and worries

• Emotional regulation and big emotions

• Executive functioning and organization

• School-related concerns

• Friendships and social challenges

• Confidence and self-esteem

• Behavioral concerns

• Life transitions and changes

• Homework and school routines

• Navigating school supports and accommodations

Sometimes you know exactly what the concern is. Sometimes you just know that something feels different and you're not sure why. Both are good reasons to reach out.

Parents are an important part of my work, whether your child is receiving therapy or we're working together through parent consultation.

When a child is in therapy, I typically meet with parents regularly to share observations, discuss progress, answer questions, and think through ways to support their child at home. Depending on the child's age and needs, the frequency and format of these meetings may vary.

Parent consultation can also stand on its own. You don't need to start your child in therapy to work with me. We can meet to talk through concerns, develop strategies, or think through what might be helpful at home or at school.

My goal is for parents to feel informed, supported, and confident about how they can help their child.

Parent consultation is a space to talk through what's happening with your child without your child needing to be in the room.

You might come to consultation because you're noticing changes in your child's emotions or behavior, struggling with something at home, trying to understand a school concern, or simply wondering, Is this typical? What should I do?

Together, we'll make sense of what you're seeing, consider what may be contributing, and develop practical strategies or next steps that fit your child and your family.

Parent consultation can be a one-time conversation or ongoing support, depending on what you need.

Yes. Parent consultation can often be done virtually, which can make it easier to fit into a busy family schedule.

When possible, I prefer to have our first meeting in person. I find that meeting face-to-face gives us a chance to get to know one another, talk through your concerns, and get a fuller picture of what is going on.

After that, parent consultation can be in person or by telehealth, depending on what works best for your family and the type of support we're discussing.

Individual therapy with children and adolescents is provided in person.

Yes, when it would be helpful and with your written permission.

School is a big part of a child's life, and sometimes understanding what's happening at school is an important part of understanding what's happening for your child.

I can collaborate with teachers, counselors, learning specialists, administrators, and other school professionals to help connect the dots between what's happening at home and at school.

This might include communicating about concerns, preparing for a school meeting, helping you think through appropriate supports, or collaborating on strategies that can help your child succeed.

Because I continue to work full time as a school counselor, I understand the perspective of both families and schools. My goal is to help create a collaborative relationship that supports your child, while keeping you at the center of the process.

It depends on what brings you to my practice.

For parent consultation, our first meeting is a chance for us to get to know one another and talk through what you're noticing, what's concerning you, and what you'd like help with. We'll look at the bigger picture, including what's happening at home, at school, and in other areas of your child's life. From there, we'll talk about possible next steps.

If you're coming for individual therapy, the first appointment is primarily an opportunity for me to get to know your child and begin building a relationship. I'll also spend time with you as the parent to gather background information and understand what you're hoping therapy will address.

You don't need to come in with everything figured out. The first appointment is about listening, understanding, and figuring out what makes sense from there.

Parent consultation sessions are typically 60 minutes. These sessions may be held in person or by telehealth.

Individual therapy sessions for children and adolescents are 45 minutes and are held in person.

The frequency of meetings will depend on the type of support you're looking for and what makes sense for your child and family.

Yes. Parents or caregivers are expected to remain onsite for the duration of their child’s session. Children and adolescents cannot be dropped off and left unattended.

I have a comfortable waiting area just outside my office, and Wi-Fi is available, so you’re welcome to work, read, or take care of other things while your child is in session.

Staying onsite also allows me to reach you if needed during the session and ensures that you’re available at the end of the appointment.

My standard individual therapy session is $220 for 45 minutes.

Parent consultation is $275 for 60 minutes.

Rachel Helming Counseling,LLC is a private-pay practice and does not participate with insurance plans.

Rachel Helming Counseling, LLC is a private-pay practice and does not participate with insurance plans.

If your insurance plan offers out-of-network mental health benefits, I can provide a superbill for you to submit directly to your insurance company. Any reimbursement is determined by your individual insurance plan.

At this time, individual therapy for children and adolescents is provided in person.

Secure telehealth is available for parent consultation and parent meetings when appropriate.

I believe children and adolescents often benefit from the connection, interaction, and environment that in-person therapy provides, while parent consultation can be very effective and convenient through telehealth.

You're not alone. Many parents reach out because something doesn't quite feel right, but they're unsure whether therapy is the answer.

You don't need to have everything figured out before contacting me.

Sometimes a parent consultation is the right place to start. Sometimes a conversation provides reassurance that what you're seeing is within the range of typical development. And sometimes it helps clarify that additional support would be helpful.

My goal is never to pressure a family into therapy. It's to help you better understand what you're seeing and determine what makes the most sense for your child and family.

In the Friendship Heights area in Bethesda, MD. There is free street parking available out front.

The first step is simply to reach out.

We'll start with a conversation about your child, what you're noticing, and what you're hoping for. From there, we can talk about whether parent consultation, school collaboration, individual therapy, or another approach makes the most sense for your family.

You don't have to know exactly what you need before you contact me. Sometimes the first conversation is simply a chance to make sense of what's going on and figure out where to go from there.

We'll take it one step at a time.