The Secure Attachment Initiative

Mental Health Counseling & Teen IOP

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

General Services

Q: What types of counseling services do you offer?
We provide individual counseling for. We also offer family counseling, play therapy, group therapy, and we also offer an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for teens needing structured support.

We provide trauma-informed, attachment-based mental health counseling for individuals, children (ages 4+), adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Our team specializes in helping clients heal from trauma, improve relationships, and build emotional resilience using body-based and experiential approaches.

Children and Adolescent Counseling

Q: How do you work with children in therapy?
We use age-appropriate techniques such as play therapy, art therapy, and cognitive-behavioral interventions to help children express their feelings, develop coping skills, and build healthy relationships.

Q: Can I be involved in my child’s sessions?
Yes. Parent/caregiver involvement is an important part of the process, especially for younger children. Your therapist will discuss how and when to include you in sessions to best support your child’s progress.

Q: How do I know if counseling is right for me or my child?
If you or your child are experiencing difficulties with emotions, behavior, relationships, or life transitions, counseling can help. Our team will complete an initial intake to determine the best course of care.

Q: What is the Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)?
IOP is a structured program for individuals who need more support than weekly therapy but do not require inpatient care. It typically includes group therapy sessions several times per week, along with individual counseling and case management.

Q: What types of therapy approaches do you use?

Our clinicians integrate neuroscience, somatic (body-based) modalities, and trauma-informed care. We emphasize nervous system regulation, healthy attachment, and experiential processes that engage the body and emotions—not just talk therapy.

Q: Do you offer in-person or virtual therapy?

We provide both in-person and telehealth (online) therapy options to accommodate different preferences and needs.

Q: Who can benefit from your counseling services?

We work with adults, adolescents, couples, and families who may be dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, parenting struggles, or emotional dysregulation. Our clinicians are trained in developmental and complex trauma, attachment repair, and nervous system regulation.

Teen IOP

Q: What is the Teen IOP at Secure Attachment?

Our Teen IOP is a 10-week, experiential group therapy program for adolescents struggling with emotional regulation, trauma, anxiety, depression, or family conflict. It includes body-based mindfulness, creative expression (like art and movement), and relational therapy to support emotional growth and connection.

Q: Who is the Teen IOP for?

Teens (ages typically 13–17) who may benefit from deeper emotional support than weekly therapy can provide. This includes teens with trauma histories, difficulty regulating emotions, or interpersonal challenges at school or home.

Q: What makes your Teen IOP unique?

We focus on experiential, trauma-informed healing. Teens engage in group-based creative expression, nervous system education, mindfulness, and body-based regulation—all supported by skilled therapists who create a safe, connected environment.

Q: How many days per week is the program?

The IOP meets multiple times per week (typically 3 days), but exact schedules can vary by season and group. Please contact us for current offerings and times.

Q: Do you involve families in the process?

Yes. Family involvement is an important part of the healing process. We offer parent education and support components to help caregivers understand their teen’s needs and learn how to provide attuned, consistent support.

Q: How do I get started with therapy or the Teen IOP?

You can start by completing the Contact Form on our website or reaching out directly by phone. Our team will follow up to understand your needs and match you with a therapist or program that fits.

Insurance and Payment

Q: Do you accept insurance?
Yes, we accept a variety of insurance plans, including Medicaid, CHP+, and several commercial insurance providers. We are happy to verify your benefits before your first appointment.

Q: What if I’m not sure whether you accept my insurance?
Please provide your insurance information when scheduling. We’ll verify your benefits and let you know about any co-pays, deductibles, or out-of-pocket costs.

Q: What happens if my insurance is still pending verification when my session is scheduled?
If insurance verification is pending, you may attend your scheduled session, but please be aware that you are financially responsible for the cost if insurance does not cover it. We will notify you as soon as we receive confirmation from your insurance provider.

Q: What if my insurance denies coverage after my sessions have started?
If coverage is denied or your plan does not include behavioral health benefits, you will be responsible for any unpaid balances. We will work with you to arrange a payment plan or discuss sliding scale options if available.

 Insurance and the IOP

Q: Is IOP covered by insurance?
Many insurance plans cover IOP, but most require pre-authorization before you can begin the program. We will help you initiate the authorization process and advocate for approval.

Q: What does “pending pre-authorization” mean? Can I start the IOP?
“Pending pre-authorization” means that we have submitted a formal request to your insurance company asking for approval for your teen to begin the Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). This is a requirement for many insurance plans, especially for higher levels of care like IOP.

Your teen cannot begin the IOP until we receive approval from your insurance provider. While we will submit all required clinical information and advocate for coverage, we have no authority or influence over whether or when your insurance approves treatment. Each plan has its own criteria for what is considered “medically necessary,” and insurance companies can—and sometimes do—deny pre-authorization, even when a provider strongly recommends treatment.

In addition, many insurance plans do not authorize the full 10-week program all at once. Instead, they may approve only a portion (e.g., 2–3 weeks at a time) and require ongoing reviews or multiple re-authorizations to continue coverage. There is no guarantee that they will approve the entire course of treatment, and some clients may receive partial approval or be denied further coverage after initial sessions.

We understand this process can be stressful, and we are committed to keeping you informed and supported throughout. If your insurance denies or only partially approves IOP coverage, we will discuss next steps with you, which may include:

·       Appealing the denial

·       Submitting additional documentation

·       Transitioning to individual therapy or other care options

·       Exploring private pay or sliding scale alternatives, if available

Our goal is to ensure you receive the care you need while being fully informed of your options and potential financial responsibilities.

Q: What if I want to start the IOP immediately?
If you wish to begin the IOP before insurance authorization is complete, you may choose to pay privately. However, if the authorization is later denied, you may be responsible for the full cost of services.

Appointments and Process

Q: How do I schedule an appointment?
You can call our office or submit an inquiry through our website. Our intake coordinator will guide you through the next steps.

Q: What should I expect at the first appointment?
The first appointment is typically an intake session. We’ll gather information about your history, concerns, and goals for therapy, and begin developing a personalized treatment plan.

Q: What if I need to cancel or reschedule an appointment?
Please notify us at least 24 hours in advance if you need to cancel or reschedule. Late cancellations or no-shows may result in a fee, depending on your insurance policy and our practice guidelines.

Q: Where are you located?

Our office is located in Lakewood, Colorado, serving the Denver metro area and beyond via telehealth.

Q: Is the environment LGBTQ+ affirming and inclusive?

Yes. We are committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and affirming space for people of all identities, including LGBTQ+ youth and families.