Telehealth Counseling for Children & Families with Autism
Telehealth mental health counseling can be an important part of your family’s autism care journey. At Cortica, we support every family member and partner with you to strengthen emotional, relational, and internal well-being for your child and your family.
Telehealth Counseling for Children and Families
Through Cortica’s telehealth counseling, children and families receive neurodivergent-affirming care from experienced, licensed clinicians.
Our telehealth counseling may include:
Individual and family counseling with licensed mental health clinicians
Support for emotional and relational well-being across the family
Care coordination aligned with your child’s broader care plan
Connections to community providers, advocacy groups, and family supports
Cortica’s Approach to Telehealth Counseling
Cortica’s telehealth counseling helps children and families feel supported, prepared, and confident. Our counselors partner with families to promote growth, well-being, and future planning.
We focus on building skills and support that may include:
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Emotional and relational skill-building to support overall well-being for children and family members
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Family readiness and future planning to help families feel prepared for the journey ahead
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Empowerment through neurodiversity-affirming care, honoring each child’s and family’s strengths
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Support for self-confidence, self-reflection, and mindfulness across all ages
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Flexible session formats, including individual, family, or group counseling sessions, depending on each family’s needs
Who can participate in telehealth counseling at Cortica?
Any family member with a mental health concern may participate in telehealth counseling at Cortica. Services are available for children, parents, caregivers, and families. Examples include:
Children with neurodevelopmental differences experiencing school-related stress or challenges
Parents, caregivers, or caregiver pairs feeling overwhelmed or navigating stress related to a diagnosis
Siblings or family members who need a safe, supportive space to share thoughts and emotions
The Benefits of Telehealth Counseling
Families who receive support from licensed mental health professionals often experience reduced stress, improved harmony at home, and greater confidence in their ability to support their child’s growth.
FAQs
First Counseling Therapy Session: What to Expect as you begin
The first meeting with your counselor is an evaluation to better understand your goals and priorities, to co-develop goals, and to review guidelines and regulations. Your counselor will recommend the type of therapy needed after your initial evaluation. Generally, the first few sessions are focused on building a strong and trusting relationship. Depending on individual circumstances, counseling might take place for a shorter period (weeks to months) or a longer period (months to years). If your child is the one participating in the counseling, your counselor may also suggest other resources that may aid in your child’s development. Learn more about Cortica’s services and therapies.
Cortica offers the following counseling services as clinically indicated:
- Counseling for children with autism
- Counseling for siblings
- Counseling for caregivers
What happens in a counseling therapy session?
Counseling for autism and other developmental differences can unfold in a variety of ways that are dependent on a client’s age, interests, language level, and who is taking part, (for example, if parents or other family members take part). For example, counseling activities for autistic children and their family members can include:
- Play
- Art
- Talk/conversation
- Activities/games
Our counselors are trained in a variety of research-supported strategies and techniques to support engagement, even if there are language or attention challenges. At Cortica, counseling is delivered via telehealth. Telehealth counseling has many of the features (as well as its own benefits) of in-person counseling but happens remotely through a computer, tablet, or smartphone, and makes it more accessible for families in need. A general goal of counseling is to provide you with a safe space, free of judgment, to share your thoughts and feelings with a caring professional. In your counseling session, you can also feel comfortable sharing concerns, working through emotions, and asking questions.
How to prepare for a counseling appointment?
Before your first counseling session, it is important to speak with all participating family members to establish boundaries and set mutual goals. Of course, these conversations will depend on the age and skill level of each family member involved. Being as transparent as possible before your first counseling session will help set you, your partner, or your child on the right path.
Will my insurance cover counseling services?
At Cortica, we work with a wide range of health insurance plans. We can provide you with a benefits check and cost estimate before beginning services with Cortica. Please reach out to us for information about your specific insurance coverage. We also offer self-pay options for those who may not have an in-network insurance plan.
How can I get started with counseling services?
Contact us at scheduling@corticacare.com or call your local location to be scheduled with a mental health counselor. Our counseling sessions are 60 minutes via telehealth and are generally billed to the insurance plan of the person who is the focus of therapy (child, sibling, parent, etc.). The more flexible your schedule, the sooner sessions can begin.