Our Care Model

Who We Treat

At Handspring we believe that all children, adolescents, and young adults should have access to high-quality mental health care when they need it most. Families come to us describing a wide range of emotional and behavioral challenges and we provide the skills and tools to help them thrive.

What We Treat

Anxiety and worries

Withdrawal

Loneliness

Behavioral difficulties

Procrastination

Grief

Sadness

Difficulty coping

Perfectionism

Intrusive thoughts

Transition to camp

Achieving independence

Irritability

Trauma

Sleep issues

Bullying

Transition to school

Transition to college

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Our Clinical Approach

Our highly-trained therapists use evidence-based, leading edge treatments to make meaningful and enduring changes for our clients. Our clinical approach utilizes principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Behavioral Parent Training (BPT). These gold standard treatments are implemented using a strengths-based and child-centered approach, that builds on the unique strengths of each child and family. Our approach is focused, but we take the time to get to know you. Treatment is skills-based and focuses both on resolving real-world problems in the short term, as well as on providing life-long skills to help youth confidently navigate future challenges. Parents and caregivers are involved in every step of the process, and respected as critical partners in helping each child thrive.
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What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

CBT is an evidence-based treatment approach that has been consistently found to be one of the most effective, efficient, and enduring approaches to improving a wide range of symptoms in children and adolescents including anxiety, depression, impulsivity, habit disorders, social skills difficulties, and relationship difficulties. CBT is a focused, collaborative, solution oriented, treatment approach that teaches specific skills proven to reduce symptoms, improve coping, and increase quality of life. CBT has been shown to lead to meaningful, lasting changes that endure years later.

Initially developed in the 1960s, and adapted in recent decades to address the specific needs of children and adolescents, this treatment approach is based on the idea that thoughts, feelings, and behaviors influence each other and interact in patterns that can lead to a wide range of difficulties. As a result, CBT treatment helps youth undo unhelpful patterns by learning and practicing adaptive skills to understand and manage emotions, thoughts, and behavior.

What is Behavioral Parent Training?

Behavioral Parent Training is an evidence-based approach for managing disruptive behavior. In this approach, parents/caregivers are taught highly effective approaches to manage a range of difficult behaviors in their child or adolescent. Treatment is problem-focused and highly interactive, as skills are both taught and then modeled by the therapist, as well as role played with parents. This interactive approach promotes confidence and mastery so that parents can implement skills in real-world, high-stress moments. Therapists also often work with youth to develop an understanding of the specific factors that contribute to their behavioral difficulties and teach skills for managing emotions and behaviors.

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How It Works

Getting started with therapy can be an overwhelming process. At Handspring, we've worked hard to make it easy for you.

1. Sign-up and schedule a free intake call

Easy 2-minute process

2. Complete a 5-minute questionnaire

Help us understand what kind of help you're looking for

3. Attend the free initial call

Learn about how the Handspring Health team can offer support
Only a parent should attend this call
Based on this conversation, you will be matched with a therapist with the right expertise to help your family
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4. Initial Assessment Session

At Handspring we believe in investing the time to get to know your child and your family. Assessment sessions are 90 minutes to give your therapist the time to understand the specific nature of your child’s strengths and difficulties. This allows us to collaboratively create personalized plans to meet the needs of your child and family. The session should have at least one parent with the child in attendance.

5. Weekly Sessions

Weekly 45-minute sessions with experienced therapists focus on helping your child and family meet their personalized goals.
In-person* (coming soon) and virtual sessions to best meet your child’s needs and the reality of busy schedules
Evidence-based treatment, adapted to meet the specific needs and build on the unique strengths of your child
Learn life-long skills and practice them in real-life moments
Parents and caregivers are involved on an ongoing basis

Meet some of our clinicians

Our team of highly trained, compassionate clinicians are passionate about connecting with and helping your child and family. Click on their picture below to learn more!

Join Our Team

Morgan Johnson, LPC

Areas of expertise: Anxiety, Trauma, Family Systems

Morgan's goal as a clinician is to help every family thrive. Morgan has worked with teens and families for almost 10 years and enjoys helping them gain a better understanding of themselves and work towards their goals. She loves spending time with her own family, singing, and all things SEC football (War Eagle!).

Aliza Kaplan, LCSW

Areas of expertise: Depression, Adjustment Disorder, Childhood Trauma

Aliza is passionate about creating a safe and welcoming space for children, adolescents and parents. Aliza uses a blend of modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and trauma-focused techniques. In her spare time, you can find Aliza at the beach collecting shells and riding her bicycle on the boardwalk.

Megan Martino, LCSW

Areas of expertise: Anxiety Disorders, OCD, Parenting, Grief and Loss

Megan is passionate about evidence-based practice and uses cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based techniques, and parent training and education in her work. She recognizes the importance of flexibility and adapts her practice to meet the unique needs of each child and family. Outside of work, Megan loves spending time with her family and being outdoors in the sunshine.