FAQs

Q: Does Coastal Coping accept insurance?

A: Unfortunately child life services are not covered by insurance. However, we recognize this is a barrier to families. This is why our sessions are priced to cost about the average of an insurance co-pay for specialty services. Services average between $40-$100.

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Q: Are child life services the same thing as therapy?

A: No, child life services are not therapy. Child life specialists help children understand challenging concepts in child-friendly ways, prepare for the unknown, and use a variety of creative outlets and therapeutic interventions to help children process feelings to support optimal coping. A certified child life specialist will not diagnose or treat mental health disorders or provide therapy. Child life specialists may work with therapists and some areas may overlap. Certified child life specialists have expertise and specialization when it comes to integration of medical psychosocial care. A skilled CCLS know their scope of practice and will work alongside other professionals and refer out to others when the support needed is beyond their scope. 

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Q: What ages do child life specialists work with?

A:  At Coastal Coping we work with children ages birth-21 years and their families. 

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Q: Can I participate in my child's sessions?

A: Child life specialists practice family-centered care. We respect family involvement in children's care. During your initial session, your child life specialist will discuss your and your child's preferences for your participation in sessions and will make recommendations for how to structure sessions based on these preferences and the session goals.  

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Q: Do certified child life specialists work with children of adult patients?

A: Yes! When an adult has a medical condition or injury, children often have worries and questions about their loved one and what is happening. This is especially true if they witnessed a medical emergency, or if they will see obvious signs of illness (i.e. hair loss due to chemo). Child life specialists are able to support the entire family by helping parents learn techniques to answer questions and support their child's coping, educating children about what is happening, and utilizing therapeutic play to help children process big feelings.

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Q: What is legacy building?

A: Legacy building is an intervention utilized by certified child life specialists to support children and families throughout the loss and grief process. Child life specialists utilize therapeutic play, art, music and other modalities to facilitate positive memory making and to give children a sense of control during a difficult time. Legacy building may be utilized to help a terminally ill child feel empowered to leave behind the legacy they choose, or to help a family create final, positive memories for their child to have when a loved one is dying. ​

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Q: Can child life specialists do anything to help infants?

A: Yes! There is often a misconception that infants and babies don't need support because they're "too young to understand." While babies may not yet have words, they are aware of caregiver emotions, changes to routine, and other stressors. Child life specialists can teach parents/caregivers a variety of techniques to support infants. 

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Q: Won't telling my child about medical things make them more scared?

A: It is normal to worry that telling a child about medical/healthcare topics might be scary. However, research shows that children who are prepared cope better both short term and long term than children who are not prepared. Children have wonderful imaginations, sometimes these imaginations can be magical, but sometimes imaginations can make things even scarier than they are. Child life specialists are able to prepare children for difficult situations using honest, and age- appropriate information, while helping them develop tools and skills to cope with the challenges.

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Q: Do you work with siblings?

A: Yes! Brothers and sisters of sick/injured children need support too. Child life specialists are trained to understand the unique needs of siblings and how to support them by fostering their individual coping and facilitating supportive sibling relationships. 

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Q: Do you work with schools?

A: Yes! Whether you are a family wanting to support your child transitioning back to school after an extended absence due to illness or injury, or you're a teacher or school administrator seeking information on how to best support a child returning to school, or how to help a classroom learn how to be a good peer to their sick/injured classmate, child life specialists are qualified to help build a bridge between the medical world and the classroom.

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Q: Do you communicate with my child's pediatrician or health care team?

A: With your consent, we can collaborate with any other providers that you would like us to. Prior to your first session, you will receive a consent form that allows you to determine who we have permission to speak with. We will never share information with any provider without your written consent. 

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Q: What is Certified Pediatric Massage Therapy?

A: Your Certified Child Life Specialist is also a Certified Pediatric Massage Therapist (CPMT). She is able to teach parents/caregivers supportive massage and positive-touch techniques that can help children manage chronic pain. She has additional training for NICU massage therapy and massage for Autism. This certification is through the LiddleKidz Foundation.

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Q: What is Integrative Aromatherapy?

A: Your Certified Child Life Specialist has also obtained an Integrative Aromatherapy Certification (IAC) through The Institute of Integrative Aromatherapy. Your child life specialist may be able to educate parents/caregivers on safe aromatherapy techniques that can support symptom management (i.e. nausea, pain, anxiety etc.). For more information, email april@coastalcoping.com.

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