Your Guide to Safe Space Center
We want you to feel informed and confident as you begin services with us. Here is what to expect when working with us.
Why choose us?
At Safe Space Center we combine clinical expertise with understanding of your personal context. Whether the focus is family, school, performance, or personal growth, strategies are evidence-based and practical, creating progress that is purposeful, sustainable, and relevant to your life.
Free Consultations
What is a free consultation?
It is a free 15-minute phone conversation to see if we are the right fit for your needs. You can ask us questions about how we work, and we will learn a bit about what you are looking for. You decide if you would like to move forward.
How do I book my free 15-minute consultation?
The quickest way is through our booking link, where you can choose a day and time that works for you. You can also call, text, WhatsApp, email, or fill out our contact form to request a consultation. Please note that responses to requests made outside the booking link may take up to 48 hours. If you do not hear back, reach out again because your message may not have reached us.
What should I bring up during the free consultation?
Your consultation is a great time to share what brought you to therapy, the challenges you are facing, and what you hope to gain from counseling. You can also ask any questions about how we work, our approaches, or what to expect from sessions. This helps us understand your goals and ensures you feel confident about your next steps.
What happens after my free consultation?
If you decide to continue with us, we will gather your information, review payment options, and schedule your first session so you can begin receiving support right away. If you decide not to continue, we can provide two referrals to other trusted providers who may be a better fit.
How soon can I start after my free consultation?
If you are ready to begin, we can schedule your first session right after your consultation. In most cases, you can get started within less than a week, depending on your and your therapist’s availability.
Finding the Right Fit
How do I know if Safe Space Center is the right fit?
Your consultation is an opportunity for us to understand your needs, preferences, and goals and for you to get a sense of how we work. We draw from a variety of approaches, such as structured methods like cognitive behavioral therapy and open-ended styles like humanistic therapy, or a blend of both, depending on what best suits you.
What if I don’t connect with my therapist?
It happens, and that is okay. If you feel we are not the right fit, we can provide up to two trusted referrals to help you continue your search.
Admission
What paperwork do I need to complete before starting therapy?
Before your first session, you must complete our admission package, which includes consent for therapy, your rights under HIPAA, company policies, and questionnaires. These forms allow us to prepare a plan tailored to your needs. Incomplete paperwork will result in your appointment being rescheduled or canceled.
Can I start therapy while my paperwork is still incomplete?
No. All admission paperwork must be completed before your first session to ensure your therapist has the information needed to provide safe and effective care.
What if I need help filling out the paperwork?
We are happy to guide you through the process. If you have questions about any forms, reach out before your first session so we can assist you.
Do you require parental consent for minors?
Yes. If the client is under 18 years old, a parent or legal guardian must provide consent before therapy can begin.
What happens if I miss my first appointment?
If you miss your first scheduled appointment without notice, your slot will be released, and you will need to rebook based on availability. Please note that repeatedly missing your first appointment may lead us to limit or decline future bookings, as we want to keep our schedule open for clients who are ready to begin their therapeutic work. We appreciate your understanding, as this helps us provide high-quality, dedicated care to all of our clients.
Sessions
How should I prepare for my first session?
Take some time to reflect on your goals for therapy and what feels most important to share. Make sure you are in a quiet, private space where you can focus and feel comfortable.
What can I expect in my first session?
Your first session typically lasts 50 to 90 minutes, depending on the type of session. It is a time for you to share your background, concerns, and goals so we can develop an effective plan to guide the work we will do together.
What about follow-up sessions?
Follow-up sessions are typically 45 minutes. These sessions focus on addressing current challenges, building new skills, and continuing progress toward your goals.
How often will I meet with my therapist?
Weekly sessions are recommended, especially at the beginning, as they help build consistency and a strong connection. Over time, we can adjust the frequency based on your goals and progress.
Do you offer evening or weekend appointments?
Yes. Evening appointments may be available depending on your therapist’s schedule and current openings. Saturday sessions are limited, and we are closed on Sundays.
Can I reserve a recurring time slot?
Yes. In fact, we encourage it. Consistency is an important part of therapy, and having a set time each week helps you and your therapist maintain steady progress and predictability.
How do Telehealth sessions work?
All sessions take place on our secure HIPAA-compliant platform, Telehealth by SimplePractice. Before each session, you will receive a unique link. Please keep this link private unless you have discussed otherwise with your therapist.
What technology do I need for Telehealth sessions?
You can join sessions using a computer with a webcam or a smartphone or tablet by downloading the Telehealth by SimplePractice app for iOS or Android. Make sure you have a stable internet connection and a private space for your session.
Therapy Expectations
How long does therapy usually last?
The length of therapy varies depending on your needs and goals. Some clients work with us for a few months to address specific concerns, while others prefer longer-term support. We will review your goals together regularly to ensure therapy continues to meet your needs.
Can I choose my therapist?
We will match you with the therapist whose experience, approach, and schedule best fit your needs and goals, while also considering your preferences.
Can I involve my family in my sessions?
Yes. If it supports your progress, family members can be invited to participate in certain sessions, or we can schedule dedicated family therapy sessions when appropriate. We will guide you in choosing the most effective approach for your situation.
What if I need a break from therapy?
You are welcome to pause therapy if needed. Please note that your spot and schedule cannot be held during breaks, but you can return when ready, and we will work with you to find the next available appointment.
Do you provide documentation for school or work?
Yes. Upon request, we can provide letters for school or work confirming attendance or participation, within ethical and legal limits. Please note there is a fee for these letters, as they require your therapist’s time to prepare them.
School Consultations
Do you attend school meetings with me?
Yes. Daniela attends school meetings virtually, including IEPs, 504 plan discussions, or other important school conferences, providing support and recommendations during these meetings.
Can you help even if my child does not have a diagnosis?
Absolutely. A diagnosis is not required. Consultations are designed to understand your child’s challenges and create a plan that helps them thrive in school.
Will you coordinate with my child’s therapist or doctor?
Yes. When it benefits your child’s plan, Daniela works with therapists, doctors, or other specialists to ensure a unified approach across home, school, and care providers.
How do you prepare me for IEP or 504 meetings?
Daniela reviews your child’s school history, current challenges, and any steps the school has already taken. Together, you will identify strengths, areas of need, and key points to discuss so you can enter the meeting confident and prepared.
Can these consultations help if my child is not receiving special education services?
Absolutely. Many children who do not qualify for special education still need support. Daniela helps you explore accommodations, behavioral strategies, and school-based interventions to make sure your child’s needs are addressed.
Can you help with behavior issues at school?
Yes. Whether your child is experiencing emotional outbursts, difficulty adjusting to classroom expectations, or other challenges, Daniela works with you and the school team to uncover underlying causes and create strategies that support your child’s growth. This may include recommending individual or family therapy, which Safe Space Center can also provide, ensuring comprehensive support for your child.
What is the process and how long does it take?
Every family’s needs and experiences are unique. The outline below gives a general sense of the steps and timeline.
- Initial parent consultation: A 50 to 90-minute virtual session with Daniela to gain a full understanding of your child’s experiences, challenges, strengths, and needs in the school setting.
- Collaboration with key people: With your permission, Daniela communicates with teachers, school staff, and other professionals involved in your child’s care to gather additional insights and context. Scheduling the meeting and the length of the conversation depends on the professionals’ availability.
- Review and planning: After gathering all information, Daniela meets with you for an additional 30 to 60-minute session to review her findings, provide recommendations, and outline possible next steps.
- Ongoing involvement (optional): Once the initial steps of meeting with the parent, gathering information from the school, and providing feedback with solutions are completed, Daniela can remain engaged in three ways:
- Continuous support: Staying involved until strategies are fully in place and the child has had enough time to benefit from them.
- After implementation: Others implement the strategies, and Daniela reviews results and suggests refinements based on the timeframe she recommended for expected progress.
- Future involvement: Provide support if new challenges appear.
- A flexible, personalized process: The overall timeline and number of sessions are tailored to your child’s needs and the level of collaboration required to create meaningful, lasting support for progress.
Comprehensive Support for Exam Accommodations
What is a high-stakes exam?
A high-stakes exam is a test where the results carry significant consequences for your education or career. Examples include college entrance exams such as the SAT and ACT; graduate admissions tests like the GRE, GMAT, and LSAT; and professional licensing exams including the NCLEX for nursing, the USMLE for medicine, or the Bar Exam for law. Because these exams often determine access to higher education or professional advancement, the pressure is much greater than with regular classroom or practice tests.
Why are accommodation letters used for these exams?
Accommodation letters ensure that students and professionals with documented challenges can demonstrate their true abilities in testing environments that account for their needs. Beyond extended time and additional breaks, accommodations may also include reduced-distraction testing rooms, the use of assistive technology, or stop-the-clock breaks for medical conditions. These letters connect your history and reported challenges to the specific accommodations being requested, and they are strengthened by the inclusion of clinical assessments, examples from your lived experience, and supporting research literature. Together, this provides the testing board with clear and evidence-based justification for why accommodations are necessary.
What does the process involve?
The process begins with sessions to review your background and history, along with reported difficulties in testing situations. Your clinician will administer clinical assessments and gather examples of how testing demands affect your performance. This information is then integrated into a structured letter that addresses testing agency requirements and is supported by research literature. In addition, your clinician will complete any forms required by the testing board to accompany the letter.
Do you provide recommendations as part of the process?
Based on the information gathered, your clinician may suggest additional steps to help you manage challenges such as anxiety, focus, or stamina during test preparation. Recommendations may include psychotherapy, coaching for performance under pressure, academic support services, or guidance in study organization and scheduling to balance preparation with other responsibilities while also maintaining personal well-being. These services can be provided at Safe Space Center or through referrals to trusted providers. Following these recommendations is always the client’s choice.
Building Strong Parenting Foundations
What is parenting skills training?
Parenting skills training gives you practical tools for addressing the everyday situations that can create tension at home. Sessions may focus on challenges such as setting limits around screen time, creating smoother morning and bedtime routines, encouraging follow-through with homework, responding to frequent arguments and outbursts, and more. Your clinician helps you recognize patterns in your child’s behavior and introduces consistent approaches that reduce conflict, strengthen cooperation, and nurture a more positive parent-child relationship.
What is co-parenting dynamics?
Co-parenting dynamics focus on helping parents work together even when they are no longer in the same household. Sessions may address recurring conflicts such as disagreements about school schedules, differences in discipline, difficulties during transitions between homes, and more. Your clinician also supports parents in developing positive communication strategies that keep discussions respectful and centered on the child’s needs. The goal is not for parents to rebuild a personal relationship with each other but to come together around a shared commitment to their children’s stability, growth, and well-being.
Do both parents need to attend parenting or co-parenting sessions?
It is encouraged for both parents to participate, as this allows the strategies to be applied more consistently. However, sessions can also be held with one parent if the other is unavailable or unwilling. In those cases, approaches are tailored to help you support your child effectively within your role and home.
How is this different from family therapy?
Family therapy involves multiple family members participating in sessions at the same time to address shared concerns or conflicts together. Parenting and co-parenting work focus specifically on the role of the parents. The emphasis is on giving parents the skills, communication tools, and strategies they need to create a healthier environment in which their children can thrive.
When are parenting or co-parenting sessions most helpful?
These sessions are especially valuable during times of change or stress. For example, when parents are separating or adjusting after divorce, when children are struggling with school-related demands at home, when behavioral challenges begin to interfere with daily life, or when family routines are shifting. Support in these moments reduces stress for parents and provides children with greater consistency and security.
Coaching for Growth and Success
What is life coaching?
Life coaching is about exploring what matters most to you and turning that into action. Sessions may focus on recognizing what you enjoy, letting go of what no longer fits, and choosing steps that move you closer to the kind of life you want to live based on your values. The aim is clarity and direction, so your everyday actions build toward a life that feels more fulfilling.
What is high-achiever coaching?
High-achiever coaching is for students and professionals who want to perform at a high level without burning out. Sessions may focus on preparing for major exams, balancing demanding coursework with personal commitments, managing the pressures of leadership roles, or recovering after periods of intense deadlines. Coaching provides strategies to keep your performance consistent while also creating space for rest, personal development, and the parts of life that keep you grounded. Success is lasting because it comes from the balance between achievement and well-being.
How do I know whether life coaching or high-achiever coaching is right for me?
Life coaching is best suited if you want to explore purpose, identify what brings you joy, and take steps toward a life that feels more fulfilling. High-achiever coaching is the better fit if you are a student or professional working in high-pressure environments and want strategies to maintain strong performance while protecting your well-being. Some clients benefit from combining both, reflecting on what feels meaningful while also building the structure to sustain success.
Payment and Costs
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept major credit and debit cards, including American Express, Visa, and MasterCard. An additional 4% processing fee is applied to card payments. This fee is charged by the card processor, not Safe Space Center. Zelle payments are also accepted and do not have any additional fees. Zelle transfers must be made to info@safespacecenter.com.
When is payment due?
- Session to session (no package): Individual, family, parenting, co-parenting, and coaching sessions must be paid before or at the time of each session.
- Session packages: Must be paid in full upfront before any services are provided.
- School consultation: The initial parent meeting must be paid before or at the time of the appointment. The chosen package must be paid in full before Daniela begins outreach to school staff.
- Letters: Any type of letter (accommodation letters, treatment summaries, etc.) must be paid in full before work begins.
- Payment methods: Payments may be made by debit or credit card, or through a Zelle transaction to info@safespacecenter.com.
What are your rates for services?
We do not list our rates online, as fees vary depending on the service provided. Please contact us directly to discuss current rates and explore the options that best meet your needs.
Do you offer sliding scale or reduced rates?
At this time, we do not offer sliding scale rates, as our services are designed to provide highly personalized, boutique-level care. We invite clients to explore session packages, which provide a reduced overall cost and continuity in the work we do together.
Do you offer packages for multiple sessions?
Yes. We offer packages for all our services: individual and family therapy, school consultations, parenting and co-parenting, and coaching. Packages are paid up front and include a discounted rate compared to paying session by session. Many clients choose this option to plan ahead and remain consistent in their progress.
Are packages transferable?
No. Packages are created for the client who purchased them and are intended to support their own progress. Sessions cannot be transferred to another person.
Do packages expire?
Yes. Each package has a defined time frame, for example four months. This is designed to support steady progress, since long gaps between sessions disrupt momentum and make it harder to see results. Sessions must be used within the time frame to remain valid. Expired sessions are not refundable.
Do you offer extended session lengths and how are they billed?
Yes. Extended sessions are available depending on your clinician’s availability, and the standard hourly rate applies or a package may be also purchased.
What is your refund and cancellation policy for packages?
If a package is started but later canceled, part of the fee is withheld and the rest is refunded. The amount depends on when the cancellation takes place. Refunds are considered on a case-by-case basis, ensuring the process is fair and respectful of both the client’s circumstances and the time reserved by the clinician.
Policies
What is your session cancellation policy?
Our policy is designed with both your time and your therapist’s time in mind. We understand that life happens, so if you ever need to change your appointment, we ask that you give us enough notice. When a cancellation is not within our required time frame, or when a client does not attend a scheduled session, the applicable fee will be charged out of pocket. This policy ensures that the time reserved for you is respected and allows us to compensate your therapist fairly.
What is considered a late cancellation?
A late cancellation is when a client changes or cancels a session with less than 24 hours’ notice to their therapist or Safe Space Center. Because the time was reserved for you and could not be offered to another client, a $75 out-of-pocket fee will be charged to compensate for the therapist’s time.
What is considered a no-show?
A no-show is when a client does not arrive within 15 minutes of the scheduled appointment and has not notified their therapist or Safe Space Center staff beforehand. Contacting after the appointment has already been missed does not change the no-show status. Since the time was reserved for you and another client could not be scheduled in your place, the full out-of-pocket session rate will be charged to compensate for the therapist’s time.
Do you offer refunds for late cancellations or no-shows?
Fees for late cancellations or no-shows are generally nonrefundable, as your therapist’s time is reserved specifically for you. In some cases, if the therapist has availability, a late cancellation or no-show may be rescheduled within the same week (Monday through Friday), and the fee can be credited to that new session. For example, if a session is canceled or missed on Tuesday and rescheduled for Thursday of the same week, the fee may be credited. If a session is canceled or missed on Thursday and moved to the following Monday, the credit does not apply because it is outside the same week. If a credit is applied but the client does not attend the rescheduled session, the credit is forfeited and the fee remains in effect.
Refunds are only considered in rare circumstances and must be supported by documentation. Acceptable documentation includes proof of hospitalization or a police report involving the client, the child client, or the parent or legal guardian of a child client. Safe Space Center reserves the right to determine what documentation will be accepted. Refunds are not granted if the emergency involves another person who is not the client, child client, or parent or legal guardian of a child client.
How do you handle confidentiality?
We prioritize your privacy and follow all legal and ethical guidelines to protect your information. To support this protection, sessions are held through Telehealth by SimplePractice, a secure HIPAA-compliant platform. While we do our part to keep your sessions private, it is also important that you join from a quiet and private space to help maintain your confidentiality.
What is your policy on respect toward clinicians and staff?
Safe Space Center will not accept mistreatment of our clinicians or staff under any circumstance. While we understand that frustration and difficult emotions may arise, we are committed to working through them together in a constructive way. Our role is to support your progress as mental health professionals, not to serve as outlets for hostility. The administration reserves the right to end services and deny future sessions without refund if a client engages in disrespectful or abusive behavior toward any member of our team.
What is your termination of services policy?
Safe Space Center reserves the right to end services if a client repeatedly violates policies, such as multiple no-shows, late or incomplete payments, or disrespect toward clinicians or staff. Termination may also occur if the client’s needs fall outside the scope of services provided. In such cases, appropriate referrals can be offered to support continuity of care.
Emergencies and Crisis
What should I do if I am in crisis?
If you are in crisis or experiencing an emergency, call 911 (emergency services) or 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline), or go to your nearest emergency room. Safe Space Center does not provide emergency services.
Can I request an extra session if something urgent comes up?
Yes. If you need additional support, you can request a second session within the same week with your therapist. They will do their best to accommodate you based on their schedule and availability.