Calling a therapist’s office for your child can feel like a big step. At Aspire, the first call is a short, friendly conversation. You don’t need a referral, a diagnosis, or the “right” words. Our team will listen, answer your questions about cost and scheduling, and can set up a free 10-minute call with our psychologist to make sure we’re the right fit, with no pressure to commit.
Most parents tell us the hardest part was picking up the phone. You may have been noticing changes in your child for weeks or months. You may have put the call off because you weren’t sure it was “bad enough,” or because you didn’t know what you’d say once someone answered.
That’s completely normal. So here’s exactly what happens when you reach out to our office, step by step, so there are no surprises.
Step 1: Reaching our team
You can reach us whichever way is easiest for you:
- Call 201.639.4669
- Email office@weallaspire.com
- Send a message through the contact form on our website
If we can’t pick up when you call, leave a voicemail and our team will get back to you within 24 hours. It helps to include your name, the best number to reach you, and a good time to call back. You don’t need to explain everything in the message. A sentence or two is plenty.
Step 2: The first conversation
The first call usually takes just a few minutes. It’s a conversation, not an interview, and there’s nothing you need to prepare. Our team will typically ask:
- What’s been going on, in your own words
- How long you’ve been noticing it, and whether it’s showing up at home, at school, or both
- What days and times generally work for your family
Then it’s your turn. This is a good time to ask anything that’s on your mind, like how sessions work, how parents are involved, or whether our practice is the right fit for what your child is going through.
Step 3: A free 10-minute call to see if we’re a good fit
Before you commit to anything, you can set up a free 10-minute phone call with our psychologist. It’s a chance to share what’s been going on, ask your questions directly, and get a feel for how we work with children, teens, and their parents.
There’s no cost and no obligation. The goal is simply to make sure our practice is the right fit for your child. If it is, we’ll help you schedule a first visit. If we don’t think we’re the best fit, we’ll tell you honestly and help point you in a better direction.
Just ask for the free 10-minute call when you reach out, and our team will find a time that works for you.
Step 4: Talking about cost, up front
We’d rather talk about cost on the first call than have it be a surprise later. Aspire is a private-pay practice, which means we’re out-of-network with insurance. Many families with PPO plans have out-of-network benefits that pay back a portion of each session.
On that first call, our team will:
- Tell you our session fees
- Explain how out-of-network reimbursement works
- Let you know how we use Thrizer to make the reimbursement paperwork easier
Before your first visit, you’ll also receive a written Good Faith Estimate of your expected costs, so you have everything in writing before you decide. If you’d like to read up beforehand, our article on how out-of-network therapy works walks through it in plain language.
Step 5: Scheduling your first visit
There’s no waitlist. If you decide to move forward, our team will find a first appointment time that works for your family. You’ll get access to our secure patient portal to fill out intake forms ahead of time, so your first visit can focus on your child instead of paperwork.
Step 6: Coming in
All of our sessions happen in person at our office in Upper Saddle River, NJ. We know that coming somewhere new can make kids nervous too, so our team works to make that first visit feel calm and low-key for both of you.
If it would help, we can also coordinate with your child’s school. You decide what’s shared and with whom.
Questions parents ask before calling
Do I need a referral from my pediatrician?
No. You can call us directly.
Do I need to know what’s wrong before I call?
No. Many parents call because something just feels off. Describing what you’re seeing at home or school is enough to start.
Is there a cost to talk with the psychologist before starting?
No. The 10-minute fit call is free, and there’s no obligation to schedule.
Can I call just to ask questions?
Yes. Calling doesn’t commit you to anything. Plenty of parents call first to learn how things work before talking with their child about it.
Do I need to check my insurance benefits first?
No. Our team can walk you through what to ask your insurance company about out-of-network coverage.
What if I’m not sure my child needs therapy?
That’s one of the most common reasons parents call. Talking it through with our team can help you figure out whether now is the right time.
Ready when you are
If you’ve been thinking about calling, this is your sign that it can be a simple, friendly conversation. Call 201.639.4669 or email office@weallaspire.com, and our team will take it from there.
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