Frequently Asked Questions About Child Psychology & Parenting Support
Finding the right support for your family brings up questions. From my services to my approach, fees, and what to expect, find helpful answers and insights into some of the most common questions about how things work here at Nesting Cups.
About Dr. Lindsay Huffhines, PhD, IECMH-E® and her approach
Who is Dr. Lindsay?
I’m a licensed clinical child psychologist specializing in infant and early childhood mental health. Specifically, my expertise focuses on early childhood development for children ages 0-7. With years of experience providing therapy and consultation in outpatient programs, hospitals, and early learning centers, I am well-suited to help parents of children ages 0-7 better understand their child, navigate parenting challenges, and build stronger, more connected relationships.
What makes Dr. Lindsay’s approach different?
I understand the complexities, nuances, and cognitive realities of childhood development and look beyond behaviors to understanding the child, the parent, and the relationships between them. This holistic POV allows me to see the relational, environmental, and cognitive factors that may be influencing the current symptoms or behaviors. My approach combines developmental science, evidence-based parenting strategies, and individualized support to help parents understand not just what to do, but how to respond, and why it helps.
What ages does Lindsay work with?
I specialize in children ages 0-7, but I do not see or treat children in isolation. I help children by supporting the parents and caregivers who support them. That said, I’m well-experienced in family therapy, and sometimes, if appropriate, your child(ren) may attend your session with you.
About our services and how to get started
What services does Lindsay offer?
Through Nesting Cups, my private therapy practice in Rhode Island, I am pleased to offer:
- Parenting education packages
- One-time consultation and assessment sessions
- Parenting workshops
- Reflective supervision and professional consultation
Parenting groups will be launching soon.
How do I know which service is right for my family?
- Family-based psychotherapy: Offers ongoing support for emotional, behavioral, developmental, or relationship challenges.
- Parenting education: Helps caregivers build knowledge and skills and is ideal for new parents, soon-to-be parents, or parents who want to reset or improve their parenting approach.
- Consultation and assessment: Provides parents with a one-time, one-off session to explore options, receive help for understanding specific concerns, and get professional insight into what type of support may be the next best step. Whether you need an outside evaluation or diagnosis, family-based therapy, or additional time to wait and see, I help parents by explaining their options and helping them make an informed decision.
Do I need a diagnosis, or do I need to know what’s wrong before reaching out?
Not at all. You can start with questions or concerns. If you feel something is ‘off’ – that’s good enough. You do not need to arrive with a diagnosis or a complete understanding of what’s happening. Simply show up, and we’ll figure it out together.
What happens during the initial appointment?
During the intake session, we’ll take a deeper dive into your situation and begin exploring what might be going on. My goal for every session is to ensure you leave with a helpful next step or strategy.
How should I prepare for my first appointment?
If you would like to think about what has been challenging, what you’ve already tried, and what you hope will change, that can be helpful. However, you don’t need to prepare anything special. If you’re not sure where to begin, just bring your questions, and I’ll help guide you through the rest.
Appointments & Participation
Can I bring my spouse, co-parent, or another caregiver?
Yes, please! Depending on your family’s needs, sessions may include one or more parents, a grandparent, a stepparent, or another important caregiver. I’m very comfortable working with blended families, adoptive families, as well as traditional and non-traditional families. However your family is structured, I’ll work closely with you to understand your family system and provide personalized support.
Can my child or other children attend sessions?
Children may participate when appropriate, and siblings may also be included when their involvement supports the work. However, my approach is parent-focused; meaning, I do not provide individual therapy to a young child in isolation. The parent(s) will always be in the room.
How often will we meet, and how long does parent education last?
Parenting education services are sold in packages of 6 or 12 sessions. Cadence can be weekly or bi-weekly, whichever you prefer.
How often will we meet, and how long does family therapy last?
Frequency and duration depend on your family’s needs, goals, and progress; and since every family is different, every family requires a different cadence and schedule. I’ll work collaboratively with you to determine an approach and rhythm that is sustainable and makes sense for your family.
How long is a clinical hour?
The initial evaluation and ongoing family therapy sessions are structured around a 50-minute clinical-hour format.
How soon can we get an appointment?
Availability varies by season. Please contact me directly to ask about current openings, availability, and the next best step for your family.
Fees, insurance, and logistics
How much do sessions cost? What is the payment process?
- Initial intake evaluation: $330 – Required to begin family therapy with me.
- Family therapy session: $280 per session
- Consultation & assessment: $330 for a one-time clinical session
- Reflective consultation: Please inquire
- Parenting education packages: $1,680 for the 6-session package and $3,360 for the 12-session package
- Workshop pricing: Varies by event
Does Nesting Cups Psychotherapy accept insurance?
No, I’m an out-of-network clinician and services are self-pay, however you may use HSA and/or FSA funds to pay for services. Payment is due at the time of your appointment, and a payment method is required to be held on file.
If you plan to seek out-of-network reimbursement through your insurance (if applicable), please let me know, and I can provide you with a superbill and applicable available documentation before scheduling. Please note that out-of-network reimbursement depends entirely on your individual insurance plan. Please contact your insurance provider with questions regarding your plan benefits.
Do you offer virtual and in-person therapy appointments?
Yes. I am licensed to provide virtual therapy services in the eligible PSYPACT-participating U.S. states. I also offer in-person therapy sessions at my therapy office in Rhode Island. Please contact me to confirm availability for your location.
What is PSYPACT?
PSYPACT is an interstate agreement that allows appropriately credentialed psychologists to provide certain telepsychology services across participating states. As I do hold the relevant credentials and have completed the requirements, I’m eligible and licensed to provide virtual therapy services in these participating U.S. states.
How do I book a therapy session with you?
If you’re interested in working with me, the first step is to schedule a complimentary discovery consultation. This 15-minute phone call allows us the opportunity to discuss your concerns, answer initial questions, and explore whether working together may be a good fit. If appropriate, you can then proceed to schedule an official intake session. To book a free 15-minute discovery phone call, please contact me here, or else you may book directly here.
What is your cancellation/rescheduling policy?
I understand that family life with young children can be unpredictable, and there may be times when you are unable to attend a scheduled session. You may cancel up to four sessions per year (calculated from the date of your first session) without being charged the session fee, provided that you give at least 1 hour’s notice. After those four cancellations, or if less than 1 hour’s notice is provided, you will be responsible for the full session fee for the missed appointment.
Is family-focused therapy right for me?
You don’t need to have everything figured out before reaching out. If you’re not sure what kind of support your family needs, please feel free to just give me a call. My free 15-minute phone consultation is an excellent place to start. I’ll be happy to help you explore your concerns, answer questions, and assist you in identifying a potential next step.