Frequently Asked Questions
Services & Approach
What does “neurodiversity-affirming care” mean?
We celebrate neurological differences as part of human diversity. Neurodiversity-affirming care means we focus on understanding and supporting each person’s unique strengths and challenges—without trying to “fix” or change who they are. We aim to reduce distress, build skills, and create environments that help neurodivergent individuals thrive while honoring their identity and autonomy.
What kinds of therapy do you offer?
We offer individual therapy for children, teens, and adults, as well as parent coaching and support for families. Our therapy services are personalized and grounded in evidence-based practices, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), behavioral interventions, and affirming approaches tailored to neurodivergent needs. While we support parents and caregivers through coaching, we do not currently offer couples or family therapy that focuses on the dynamics of the entire family system.
Do you provide ongoing therapy after an assessment?
Yes. Many clients choose to continue working with us for therapy after an assessment, especially if they are looking for support with emotional well-being, coping strategies, or parenting guidance. We’re happy to discuss your goals and create a plan that works for you.
What makes your approach different from other psychologists?
Our team has advanced, specialized training from world-class autism research and clinical institutions, with years of focused experience in neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism, ADHD, and intellectual disabilities. We are experts in the assessment and support of neurodivergent individuals across the lifespan. This depth of experience makes us especially well suited for complex assessments—including cases involving multiple diagnoses, overlapping concerns, or co-occurring medical conditions—where thoughtful, nuanced evaluation is essential.
In therapy, we are skilled at adapting evidence-based mental health strategies originally developed for the general population to meet the unique needs of neurodivergent individuals. We understand how to modify approaches to support emotional regulation, anxiety, and daily functioning in a way that is accessible, affirming, and practical.
Can you help with behavior concerns at school or home?
Yes. We often work with families navigating behavioral challenges, whether related to emotional regulation, attention, transitions, or routines. Through assessment, therapy, or parent coaching, we can help identify what’s driving a behavior and offer supportive strategies that promote lasting change.
Do you provide custody evaluations?
No, we do not provide custody evaluations or make recommendations related to parenting time or legal custody. If you are seeking a court-ordered custody evaluation, the Hawaiʻi State Judiciary maintains a registry of approved child custody evaluators. You can view the list here:
Hawaiʻi Child Custody Evaluators Registry
Do you offer couples therapy?
No, we do not currently offer couples therapy. Our focus is on individual therapy, parent coaching, and psychological assessment. If you’re looking for couples counseling, we’re happy to provide referrals to trusted providers in the community.
Practical Details
How do I get started with services?
The first step is to complete our online consultation form or reach out via email. From there, our Client Care Coordinator will follow up to help you determine whether our services are a good fit and guide you through the next steps. We’re here to answer your questions and make the process as smooth as possible.
Is parking available at your office?
Limited paid parking is available in our building (Financial Factors) at a rate of $3.50 per 30 minutes. For more affordable options, we recommend parking at one of the nearby municipal garages:
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Kukui Plaza Garage (entrance on South Kukui St.)
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Ali‘i Place Garage (entrance on Alakea St.)
Both offer parking at a rate of $1.50 per hour. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions about parking or accessibility.
What are your rates and payment options?
Our rates vary depending on the type of service (e.g., therapy, assessment, consultation). We are happy to provide a detailed fee schedule upon request. Payment is typically due at the time of service, and we accept all major credit cards, HSA/FSA cards, and personal checks. For assessment services, we may be able to arrange a payment plan—please don’t hesitate to ask if that would be helpful. More information about our service fees can be found [->here].
Do you offer superbills or documentation for insurance reimbursement?
Yes. While we do not bill insurance directly, we can provide a detailed superbill (itemized receipt) that you may submit to your insurance provider for potential out-of-network reimbursement. We recommend checking with your insurance company in advance to understand your specific benefits.
What is your cancellation policy?
We ask that you provide at least 24 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment. Late cancellations or no-shows may be subject to a cancellation fee. We understand that unexpected things happen and do our best to be flexible when possible.
Telehealth
Do you offer telehealth services?
Yes! We offer telehealth appointments for clients located anywhere in Hawaiʻi. This includes therapy, parent coaching, and many types of psychological assessments, depending on the individual’s needs.
What kind of services can be done over telehealth?
We provide a wide range of services via telehealth, including individual therapy, parent coaching, intake interviews, feedback sessions, and portions of psychological assessments. For evaluations, we will let you know which components can be completed remotely and when an in-person session may be needed.
Is telehealth appropriate for children?
In many cases, yes. For young children, we typically work directly with caregivers through parent coaching. For older children and teens, we assess comfort and engagement with telehealth on a case-by-case basis. We also offer flexible session formats, including shorter sessions or breaks, to help kids stay engaged in a remote setting.
Is telehealth as effective as in-person services?
Research shows that many mental health and assessment services can be just as effective when delivered via telehealth, especially when care is tailored to the client’s needs. We use interactive tools, visual supports, and caregiver collaboration to make remote sessions engaging and effective.
What platform do you use for telehealth?
We use a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform through SimplePractice. You’ll receive a link before each appointment.
What do I need for a telehealth session?
You’ll need a stable internet connection, a quiet private space, and a device with a camera and microphone (such as a computer, tablet, or smartphone). For younger children or assessments, we may also ask you to prepare a few household items (like crayons or toys), and we’ll let you know in advance.
Assessments
How do I know if an assessment is right for me or my child?
If you’re wondering about autism, ADHD, learning differences, or other developmental concerns, an assessment can provide clarity and guidance. We welcome clients of all ages who are seeking answers—whether for diagnostic clarification, school or workplace accommodations, access to support services, or simply to better understand themselves or their child. A diagnosis can be an empowering tool that helps individuals and families advocate for the resources they need to thrive.
What is involved in a comprehensive autism evaluation?
Our comprehensive evaluations begin with a detailed intake interview to understand the individual’s history, strengths, and current concerns. We use gold-standard tools—such as the ADOS-2, cognitive and adaptive assessments, and caregiver interviews—to assess multiple domains including social communication, executive functioning, sensory processing, and co-occurring mental health concerns. For children, we include behavioral observations and input from teachers or other providers. Every evaluation is personalized to ensure we capture an accurate and meaningful picture of the individual. More information about comprehensive autism evaluations can be found [-> here].
How long does the assessment process take?
Assessment timelines vary depending on the individual’s needs, but most evaluations take place over several sessions across 2–4 weeks. This may include in-person testing, caregiver interviews, observations, and time for scoring and report writing. We also schedule a feedback session to go over results, recommendations, and next steps.
Will I receive a written report with a diagnosis?
Yes. Every comprehensive evaluation includes a written report that summarizes your history, testing results, and clinical impressions. If a diagnosis is appropriate, it will be clearly explained along with tailored recommendations for home, school, work, or community settings.
Can your evaluation be used to request school accommodations or an IEP?
Yes. Our reports can be used to support requests for academic accommodations (such as a 504 Plan), special education services (such as an IEP), or testing accommodations. Diagnostic reports with clear recommendations can be especially helpful when advocating for eligibility for special education services or requesting changes to an existing IEP. We can also provide documentation for workplace accommodations or other supports, depending on the individual’s needs.
For Caregivers and Parents
What is the role of caregivers or parents in therapy?
For young children, parent involvement is essential—therapy always includes a focus on parent coaching to help you support your child’s growth outside of sessions. We provide guidance on strategies for emotional regulation, behavior, and communication, and work closely with caregivers as active partners in the process.
For tweens and teens, we collaborate with families to find the right balance between privacy and caregiver involvement. We respect the developing autonomy of adolescents while also ensuring parents are included in meaningful ways, especially when it comes to safety, progress, and support at home.
What is the difference between parent coaching and individual therapy for my child?
Individual therapy involves working directly with your child to support their emotional and behavioral needs. This may include developing coping skills, processing feelings, or building specific abilities like emotional regulation or social interaction.
Parent coaching, on the other hand, focuses on equipping you—the caregiver—with tools and strategies to support your child outside of sessions. This can be especially effective for younger children, children who are not ready to engage in therapy themselves, or when challenges are primarily happening at home or school.
In many cases, we combine both approaches, involving caregivers regularly even when individual therapy is the main focus, to ensure consistency and progress across settings.
What if my child doesn’t want to participate in therapy or assessment?
It’s not uncommon for children—especially those with anxiety, trauma histories, or communication challenges—to feel hesitant about therapy or testing. We take a gentle, flexible approach to building rapport, and we never force participation. In some cases, we may start with parent sessions or observations to gather information and build trust gradually. Your child’s comfort and emotional safety are always our top priority.
Do you offer support for parents of newly diagnosed children?
Yes. Receiving a new diagnosis can bring up many emotions and questions. We offer parent support and psychoeducation to help you understand what the diagnosis means, how to talk with your child about it, and what next steps might be helpful. Whether you’re looking for resources, emotional support, or practical guidance, we’re here to help you feel informed and empowered.
Values & Access
Do you work with LGBTQ+ individuals and families?
Yes. We are proud to support individuals and families of all gender identities and sexual orientations. We affirm LGBTQ+ clients in all aspects of care and strive to create a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for everyone.
How do you ensure your services are culturally responsive?
We recognize that culture, identity, and lived experience shape how people view mental health, neurodiversity, and support. As a multicultural team based in Hawaiʻi, we are committed to providing care that is respectful, culturally grounded, and aligned with each client’s values and community. We listen, ask thoughtful questions, and adapt our approach to honor your unique background.
What if I’m not sure how to explain my concerns or needs?
That’s completely okay. Many people come to us feeling unsure about what they need or how to describe what’s going on. Part of our role is to help you sort through those questions in a supportive, nonjudgmental space. You don’t have to have the “right words” to get started—we’ll figure it out together.
Is it okay if I or my child have had a hard time with therapy before?
Yes. We understand that not every therapy experience feels helpful or safe, especially for neurodivergent individuals. If you or your child have struggled to connect with providers in the past, we’ll take time to build trust and find an approach that works for you. We welcome your feedback and aim to co-create a space where you feel heard and respected.
Do you offer pro bono or reduced-fee services?
We offer a limited number of pro bono or reduced-fee slots based on financial need and clinician availability. If cost is a barrier, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re happy to discuss options or provide referrals to other providers and organizations that may better fit your needs.
Why don’t you take insurance?
We are a private-pay practice, which means we do not bill insurance directly. This allows us to provide individualized, high-quality care without the limitations often imposed by insurance companies—such as session caps, required diagnoses, or restrictions on services. By operating outside of insurance networks, we can spend more time focusing on what matters most: building strong relationships, tailoring care to each client, and maintaining your privacy. Upon request, we can provide superbills for potential reimbursement through your insurance provider.

