Does my child need a diagnosis before starting counseling?
No. Your child does not need a diagnosis before starting. The first meeting is an assessment to determine whether a diagnosis is present and whether counseling is the right fit.
I feel like getting help means I failed as a parent. Is counseling really the right step?
Seeking help for your child is not presented here as failure. Paragon’s service materials directly address this concern by recognizing that many parents feel overwhelmed, lost, or guilty when their child is struggling, and by framing support as a structured first step that helps both the parent and child move forward. The practice’s stated position is that getting your child what they need is part of being a good parent, not something to avoid.
I do not have time for this. How would counseling fit into our schedule?
Paragon addresses scheduling as a practical concern by offering several locations, telehealth options, and day, night, and some weekend availability. The process starts by matching your family with an available time, location, or telehealth option, which is meant to make the first step more workable.
How do I know whether my child or teen needs counseling?
Child or teen counseling may be worth considering when your child is pulling away, struggling in school, having trouble with friendships, not wanting to go to school, feeling left out, or dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, self-regulation struggles, or behavior problems at home. The first step at Paragon is an assessment to look at what is going on and whether counseling fits.
What happens in the first appointment?
The first appointment is an assessment. It is designed to look at what is going on, determine whether counseling fits, and assess whether a diagnosis may be present.
What does child and teen counseling work on?
Child and teen counseling at Paragon focuses on practical skill-building. Counseling may include tools, coping skills, self-monitoring, executive functioning support, and social skills support so your child can work on clear next steps over time.