Frequently Asked Questions About Child, Teen, and Family Therapy in Oregon and Washington
How do I get started and access the Client Portal?
To request an appointment, please complete the contact form on the website. If it appears that my services may be a good fit, I will follow up with next steps. New clients receive access to the secure client portal, where they can complete paperwork, schedule appointments, review information, and communicate through HIPAA-compliant messaging.
What ages do you work with?
I work with children, teens, young adults, and parents. Services are tailored to the developmental needs of each client and may include individual therapy, parent support, family-focused work, psychological testing, or consultation. Treatment is adjusted to fit the client’s age, presenting concerns, goals, and level of support needed at home, school, or in other areas of life.
Do you provide psychological testing for ADHD, Specific Learning Disorders, and Diagnosis?
Do you offer therapy for young athletes and sports performance concerns?
Yes. I work with youth athletes on mental skills that support both well-being and performance. Common areas of focus include confidence, motivation, focus, stress management, emotional regulation, resilience, and coping with pressure.
Sports performance work may also help athletes manage anxiety, perfectionism, self-doubt, frustration, setbacks, and the mental side of competition while supporting healthy overall development.
Do you provide telehealth video sessions for clients living in Oregon or Washington?
Yes. Telehealth video sessions are available for clients residing in Oregon or Washington, consistent with applicable licensure and practice requirements. Telehealth can be a convenient option for children, teens, young adults, parents, and families who prefer online therapy or need greater scheduling flexibility; proof of residency may be required as part of standard clinical and legal documentation.
Do you help with school problems, learning concerns, IEPs, and 504 plans?
Yes. I help families address school-related concerns such as attention problems, learning difficulties, academic underperformance, emotional regulation challenges, school stress, and behavior concerns.
I also provide consultation related to school supports, including IEPs, 504 plans, and communication with teachers or other school professionals when appropriate. The goal is to help families better understand a student’s needs and support success at school.
Do you work with parents as part of treatment?
Yes. Parent involvement is often an important part of effective treatment for children and teens. Depending on the child’s age and needs, treatment may include parent consultation, coaching, or family sessions.
Parent support can help improve consistency, strengthen communication, reduce conflict, and build practical strategies for supporting a child’s emotional, behavioral, academic, and social development.
Do you coordinate care with pediatricians, psychiatrists, schools, and other providers?
Yes. With appropriate consent, I coordinate care with pediatricians, psychiatrists, naturopathic physicians, therapists, teachers, school staff, and other healthcare or educational professionals involved in a client’s care. Collaboration can be helpful in supporting treatment planning, school accommodations, learning needs, and continuity of care across home, school, and healthcare settings.
How much do sessions cost and do you take insurance?
Dr. Bush is in-network as a Preferred Provider with Aetna, Lyra Health, Regence BlueCross BlueShield, First Health, and Reliant. Out-of-network families pay at the time of service and receive a superbill for reimbursement, and FSA, HSA, and HRA funds can be used. Current self-pay rates are listed on the rates and insurance page.
How long does therapy usually last?
It depends on the goals. Some families come for a focused piece of work over a few months; others stay longer when there is more to address. Goals are set early and reviewed regularly, so you always know what you are working toward and whether it is happening — rather than being in therapy indefinitely without a target.
Does telehealth actually work for younger children?
Yes, with some setup. Younger children do best with a parent nearby at the start of a session, a private room, and a device on a stable surface rather than held in a lap. Many children are more open on video than across a desk from an unfamiliar adult. Teens generally take to it immediately.
What is an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE), and do you conduct them?
An IEE is an evaluation conducted by a qualified professional outside the school district, which parents may request when they disagree with the district’s evaluation. Dr. Bush conducts IEEs by telehealth for families in Oregon and Washington, including reading and dyslexia evaluations. See psychological testing and evaluation.
Do you offer parent-only sessions without my child attending?
Yes. Parent consultation and positive parenting skills coaching is designed to work with parents alone, for children and teens ages 5 through 23. For many families it produces change faster than child-only therapy, because parents are with the child every day.
What should I do in a mental health emergency?
This practice is not an emergency service and messages are not monitored around the clock. If you or your child are in crisis or at risk of harm, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), call 911, or go to the nearest emergency department.
Are you licensed in both Oregon and Washington?
Yes. Dr. Bush holds an active psychologist license in Oregon (License 2154) and in Washington (License PY61540899), so families in either state can be seen by telehealth. He earned his PhD in Educational and School Psychology from the University of Washington.
How do I request records or a letter for school?
Send a secure message through the Client Portal or use the contact form. Records requests require a signed release. School letters and documentation for IEP or 504 teams are discussed as part of school support.