FAQ's
Dr. Lindsay Blass, PsyD | Clinical Psychologist | Westport, CT and Fairfield County
SERVICE FAQs:
Who do you work with?
I work with children, adolescents, and adults, from toddlers all the way through adulthood, in varying capacities. A large part of my practice is focused on kids and teens, and I also provide parent consultation for families navigating challenging behaviors at any stage of development.
What are your areas of focus?
My practice centers on three core areas: individual therapy, comprehensive psychoeducational evaluation, and parent consultation. The most common challenges faced by parents and children who connect with my practice include anxiety, school stress, ADHD, learning differences, social-emotional challenges, depression, and vulnerabilities with self-esteem. I also support adults dealing with life stressors, relationship issues, and women's health concerns including pregnancy and postpartum adjustment.
What is neuropsychological assessment, and do I/does my child need it?
Neuropsychological assessment is a comprehensive evaluation that helps identify why a person may be struggling in school or socially. It can clarify diagnoses like ADHD, learning disabilities, or developmental differences, and it provides concrete recommendations for academic intervention, accommodations, and supplemental support. If your child's teacher has raised concerns or you've noticed your child working harder than their peers with fewer results, an evaluation can help clarify where the challenges lie and provide real answers.
What does neuropsychological assessment entail?
A neuropsychological assessment involves evaluation of various types of cognitive functioning. A comprehensive battery typically consists of a one-hour intake session, two days of in-person testing (up to four hours each day), report generation, and a feedback session. Targeted evaluations are comprised of fewer hours of in-person testing that focuses on specific cognitive or social-emotional areas.
How do I know if my child needs therapy vs. an evaluation?
Therapy can be a good fit when a child is struggling emotionally or behaviorally with anxiety, mood changes, school avoidance, friendship difficulties. An evaluation is better suited when there are questions about why a child is struggling academically or developmentally, and what specifically is driving it. Sometimes families need both, and if you’re unsure, I am here to help you figure out which path makes the most sense.
What is your therapeutic philosophy?
My style is integrative and eclectic. I believe every child and family is unique, so I don't take a one-size-fits-all approach. My therapeutic approach is individualized based on the referral reason, age of the patient, and consideration of the patient’s strengths and current needs. I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), attachment-based approaches, play therapy, family systems work, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), depending on what I find could be most effective for the individual. You can be assured that the therapeutic care you or your child receive is curated to what will be the most effective approach for you.
What makes your practice a good fit for Westchester and Fairfield County families?
Kids in this area face a particular kind of pressure: high-achieving schools, busy schedules, social comparison, and the weight of expectation, all of which can take a toll. I understand this community and work with families navigating these dynamics. My practice is rooted in the belief that getting support early makes a meaningful difference, and that parents who feel equipped can make all the difference in a child's progress.
What is parent consultation, and how does it work?
Parent consultation is support for you as the parent of the child you have. Many parents connect with me seeking guidance on how to respond to challenging behaviors, improve communication with their kids, or better understand a diagnosis. These sessions are practical and collaborative, designed to help you feel more confident and connected at home. Sessions are typically provided on an as-needed basis, which can range from weekly to monthly to check-ins at random. Your child does not need to be in therapy with me for you to pursue parent consultation sessions.
How do I know if you’re a good fit?
A good therapeutic match is essential for effective treatment. As with any therapist, it’s important for a person to feel comfortable and “seen”. I strive to maintain a calm, supportive demeanor in my therapeutic work, even when I challenge my patients in ways that I feel will help promote their healing. But sometimes I’m not the best fit, and if this is the case, I encourage my patients to discuss it with me. If I feel a patient can be better served by a different clinician, I will also bring it up and may refer to others in this situation.
What if my child doesn’t get “better”?
Sometimes therapy can feel frustrating as a parent, because often the issues for which you’re seeking treatment for your child do not resolve quickly. Therapy is a process, and the course of therapeutic treatment may take longer than anticipated. If you have concerns that things are either staying the same or getting worse, I encourage you to discuss them with me. It may be necessary to change up my approach, consider an alternative form of treatment, or add another modality to the treatment. I consider myself part of a team of players whose collective goal is to support and encourage your child as effectively as possible.
Do you prescribe medication?
No. I am not a medical provider and therefore am not credentialed to prescribe medication in the states where I am licensed. If at any point the question of medication comes up, I can provide names of providers in the area who prescribe medication.
PRACTICE FAQs:
Where are you located, and do you offer virtual sessions?
My primary office is in Westport, CT. I also conduct testing in person in Larchmont, NY. I am licensed in Florida and a member of PSYPACT, which permits me to work with patients in all member-participating states. Therapy and consultation are available virtually. Testing is conducted in person in my Westport and Larchmont offices, while therapy and consultation are available in person in Westport and virtually elsewhere.
How much do you charge, and do you take insurance?
My current therapeutic session rate is $300 per 45-50-minute session. I believe access to quality mental health care shouldn't depend on your zip code or your income. A limited number of sliding scale spots are available for families who need flexibility, so please don't let cost stop you from reaching out. For testing, the rate for a full comprehensive evaluation is $7200. More targeted evaluations range from $800 for an IQ assessment to $3200 for a diagnostic assessment of ADHD or autism.
I am an out-of-network provider and do not bill insurance directly, but I'm happy to provide an itemized superbill that you can submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement, either monthly for therapy sessions or when full payment is received for evaluation services. I accept all major credit cards, HSA, Venmo, Zelle, check, and cash.
How do I get started?
Please reach out by phone or email with any questions you have. I'm happy to schedule a brief phone call to better understand what you're looking for and to help you determine whether my practice is the right fit. You can reach me at (914) 222-1275 or lindsay@lindsayblass.com
What is your cancellation policy?
I require 24 hours’ notice for any cancellations. No-shows and/or cancellations made after the 24-hour deadline will be billed the full session fee if the session is not rescheduled for the same week. Of course, I understand that things come up unexpectedly; for this reason, I offer one “pass” for situations when a last-minute cancellation is necessary. If you have questions or concerns about this policy, please reach out to me.