Psychotherapy can take many forms, but generally involves use of language and behavior to identify areas of emotional wellbeing that an individual might want to change. Psychotherapy is provided by a mental health professional who has completed in-depth training in the field of mental healthcare. Psychotherapy has proven to be most effective when individuals are open, honest, and feel a good alliance with their therapist. For those reasons, we will use the initial visit to clarify areas of challenge, highlight strengths, and discuss recommended treatment options depending on what the person needs and is looking for. This may include initiating psychotherapy with one of our clinicians, or might include a referral to another provider in the community if it is felt that they may have better expertise, availability, or ability to bill insurance directly. Therefore, we do often see clients who benefit from a comprehensive initial assessment or consultation to help clarify what kind of treatment or services may be indicated, even if this ultimately may not be available in our practice. We do not provide traditional parent coaching, but we can provide referrals who do.

All three clinicians are in network with Medicaid/Dr. Dynosaur and Bluecross Blueshield as of late February 2025. We are considered out-of-network for other insurance carriers. See Services section for explanation of fee-for-service model, available sliding scale, and options for seeking reimbursement from your insurance company for having been seen by an out-of-network provider.

Yes and yes!

Dr. Legrand sees long-term therapy clients and keeps a wait list. Dr. Carpenter sees some longer-term therapy clients on a case by case basis but strives to provide consultation and short-term support to allow her to schedule clients immediately and not keep a wait list. This allows her to provide acute support for parents in need.

We plan to hold support groups as the need arises, so feel free to be in touch with us if you have an idea or a need for a group that is not yet available in Chittenden County to your knowledge. Please see our Events page for a list of current and upcoming groups and workshops.

Yes! Our physical location is at 53 Railroad St. in Richmond, part of the Richmond Wellness perinatal health community. Clients can choose in-person or virtual appointments depending on what works best for their schedule and location.

Each consultation is customized and includes required completion of online questionnaires ahead of your visit. Questionnaires screen for anxiety, depression, parenting stress, and ask a bit about your family, your strengths, your values, and your goals.

During the initial consultation we will go through the information you provided on the questionnaires and work together to identify a short list of action steps that seem indicated in helping you achieve your goals.

Often times parents know what they need to feel less overwhelmed, but the steps to getting there may feel impossible or completely daunting (e.g., more sleep, more reliable childcare, improved dynamics with co-parent or partner). We will work together to identify realistic goals, and strategies for coping with the areas of stress that may not have a quick fix.

This might result in a recommendation for participation in longer term services and supports (e.g., brief psychotherapy with us, long-term psychotherapy with colleagues in the area, talking to your PCP, consulting other providers and agencies providing alternative forms of wellness practices or financial support, consideration of local and online support groups to find communities for the niche areas you may be struggling with).

We will discuss verbal recommendations together, and provide you with written recommendations within 48 hours of our initial visit together.