Curious Minds, Creative Answers!
Wondering how art therapy works or what to expect?
We’ve got you covered! Explore our FAQs to learn more about our process, services, and how art can unlock healing and growth.
General Questions
At Art It Out, we use art as a vehicle for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This presents a tangible and memorable way to teach children and teens how to recognize how our thoughts, emotions and behaviors are all interconnected and influence each other. CBT is very helpful in aiding individuals to learn to recognize and change any distorted or negative thinking patterns. Children may often illustrate thoughts, feelings, or events that are difficult to verbalize. This presents insight into the child’s inner world, which allows negative or harmful thoughts to be challenged.
Combining art and CBT improves the child’s overall engagement in therapy and presents the following opportunities:
- Creative activities provide a great way to break the ice! Children might not feel comfortable participating in talk therapy, but it’s much easier to express themselves in a drawing or hands-on activity.
- Understanding the relationship between your thoughts, emotions, and consequent behaviors is often easier once explained through art and play. Through writing and illustrations, children can process and practice relevant CBT tools and techniques.
- Art activities help improve children’s comfort level and understanding of facial expressions, moods, and emotions.
Art paired with CBT techniques presents further opportunity to:
- Challenge Cognitive Distortions
- Increase Positive Thoughts
- Improve Self-Talk
- Recognize Core Beliefs
- Improve Mood
- Increase Flexibility
- Improve Self-Esteem & Resiliency
- Manage Anxiety or Depression
- Learn to See a New Perspective
- Challenge Fears
- Manage Stress & Worries
- Practice Solution-Based Thinking
We use art techniques to create tangible reminders of coping skills. Looking at these reminders outside of our therapy sessions will encourage the child to implement the new skills, thus helping the skills and strategies generalize into everyday life.
At Art It Out, we utilize a variety of therapeutic approaches to address the unique needs of our clients, including children, teens, adults, and parents. Our primary methods include Art Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Play Therapy, Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP) Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).
Clients that we find best benefit from our services typically struggle with social skills, managing anxiety, regulating emotions, flexible thinking, negative thinking patterns, feeling identification and expression, processing family changes, healthy anger expression, confidence, self-esteem, body image, impulse control, relationship difficulty, navigating peer pressure, stress management, managing life changes, coping with grief or loss, setting boundaries, etc.
We offer an array of group opportunities to support our clients’ goals in a peer setting. A client is a good fit for groups if they are working towards: social skills, self-esteem, confidence, emotional regulation, impulse control, listening skills, peer pressure, good sportsmanship, coping strategies, flexible thinking – going with the flow, managing anxiety, or managing frustration.
At times, we find it helpful for clients to meet with a therapist individually prior to being in a group to establish foundational support and skills in order to help client benefit from a peer setting. We require all group members to conduct themselves in a safe manner.
In order to help best determine group placement, Art It Out provides a Behavioral Observation, an opportunity to get to know your child, share about Art It Out, and engage at their level. This typically occurs during the intake time.
All sessions are 50 minutes long.
Group sessions often include a parent summary for the last few minutes.
In individual sessions, the therapist may ask the parent(s) to join for the beginning or final few minutes.
At Art It Out, we believe children make the most progress when both parents are involved in their care. For this reason, we require consent from both parents before beginning treatment. Our therapists work to include and communicate with each parent so that everyone stays informed and on the same page about their child’s therapeutic goals and progress. This approach ensures the best support for your child, while also respecting both parents’ roles.
It is in the best interest of your child for their therapist to stay out of legal matters. Your child’s confidentiality, privacy, and clinical treatment is the priority of your therapist.
We do not specialize in forensic therapy.
- Initial Intake Session: $220
- Individual Therapy: $175-$190 (depending on provider)
- Family Therapy: $210
- Group Therapy: $90
- Summer Camp: $950
- Individual Therapy with a Graduate Intern: $90 (if clinically appropriate)
- At times, to best assist with treatment goals, group clients may benefit from add-on individual services with a graduate intern at a reduced rate.
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New Clients
To begin your therapeutic journey at Art It Out, we ask that you submit an intake request
CLICK HERE
to submit an intake request to get started.
- Once you submit your intake request, you will quickly be prompted to schedule a phone intake call at either our Alpharetta, Atlanta, East Cobb, or North Druid Hills location. You will also receive an email if you miss the prompt!
- One of our Client Care Coordinators will call you at the time you selected. During the call, the Client Care Coordinator will learn more about the support desired and what services may be most beneficial. We will also use this time to answer any questions you may have and book your intake appointment.
- Following your phone intake, you will receive intake confirmation and paperwork that will need to be completed prior to your intake. If you have questions, please contact our Client Care Coordinators.
- East Cobb: [email protected]or 770.726.9589 x1
- Alpharetta: [email protected]
or 770.726.9589 x2 - Atlanta: [email protected]
or 770.726.9589 x3 - North Druid Hills: [email protected]
or 770.726.9589 x4
During the phone intake, our Client Care Coordinator will discuss with you if your child will need to attend the intake. Typically when your child is beginning individual therapy, your child will NOT attend the intake session, providing an opportunity for parents to discuss their concerns and goals with the therapist without the child present.
If your child is beginning group therapy, we typically ask for the child to join for a behavioral observation with one of our graduate interns while the therapist meets with the parents for an intake.
If you are unsure if your child should attend the intake session, feel free to reference your confirmation email or contact the Client Care Coordinator.
- East Cobb: [email protected]
or 770.726.9589 x1 - Alpharetta: [email protected]
or 770.726.9589 x2 - Atlanta: [email protected]
or 770.726.9589 x3 - North Druid Hills: [email protected]
or 770.726.9589 x4
A Behavioral Observation is part of our Group Therapy Intake where one of our graduate interns will meet with your child while you meet with a therapist. We use our behavioral observation as an opportunity for us to learn more about the child so we can place them in a group accordingly and for children to be introduced to Art It Out, answer any questions they may have, and become more comfortable at Art It Out.
Our therapists are not able to perform a psychoeducational evaluation. During our intake, we evaluate goals and concerns to form a diagnostic impression for the client’s treatment plan. If a therapist believes a formal evaluation would benefit the child, they will provide the family with referrals for a specialist with this capability.
The intake session provides an opportunity for both the therapist and the client to determine whether Art It Out is the right fit and how we can best support the client’s goals. While the intake helps us gather important background information and recommendations, it does not guarantee ongoing services or placement with a therapist. Instead, it serves as a collaborative first step to ensure that Art It Out can meet the family’s needs and that we are the best match for the client’s therapeutic goals.
Current Clients
To update your payment information, you can visit our front desk or our website through the client portal by signing in > select billing and payments tab > select + New Card
Payment is due at the time of service. Your card on file will be automatically charged at midnight. We accept card, HSA and FSA. We are unable to split payments.
A Superbill is a list of all the services received and includes all the information needed to receive reimbursement from insurance. It is provided to you, the client.
Superbills are automatically provided on the 5th of the following month and can be found in the client portal. Insurance may reimburse you directly depending on your plan. It is recommended you discuss your insurance benefits and codes to learn your specific deductible and reimbursement rates.
Email you therapist or your child’s therapist directly.
Group or summer camp may be a wonderful opportunity for your child to continue building skills and practice in a peer setting. To determine if your child would benefit, discuss with your child’s treatment plan with their therapist and define which may be appropriate. You can also check out our group page or summer camp page for additional information.
If your child is currently in group or camp and interested in receiving one-on-one support, discuss with your child’s therapist.
Consistent therapy provides a stable environment where they can build trust and feel secure in exploring and expressing their emotions. Regular sessions help reinforce learning & behavioral strategies, promoting steady progress towards therapeutic goals.
Your appointment time is reserved exclusively for you. If you are unable to attend your appointment please notify your therapist by email. We require a 48 hour notice for any canceled appointment. Failure to follow cancellation policy will result in being billed the full session amount for the time that was reserved for you.
GROUP CANCELATION POLICY
If group members need to miss more than 2 groups in a semester, there will be a $50 fee for each missed group, provided we receive 48-hour notice.
Cancelations towards sicknesses will count towards the allotted number of cancellations.
If 48-hour notice is not provided, the full $85 fee will be charged for the missed group.
Define Your Role
- Have a Supportive Presence
- Provide Encouragement
- Maintain Patience & Understanding
- Respect Confidentiality & Privacy
- Be Consistent & Reliable
- Communicate with Therapist
- Implement Strategies
- Role Model
- Normalize Therapy
- Consider Your Child Specific Desires & Needs
Supportive Conversations
Questions and conversations should be open-ended and supportive, allowing your child to share as much or as little as they are comfortable with. It’s important to create a safe space where they feel heard and understood. Be mindful, they may prefer not to share and that is okay.
Questions to Ask & Phrases to Use
- Is there anything from today that you want to share with me?
- How can I support you best before or after your therapy sessions?
- I am proud of you.
- I respect your time and space during therapy.
- Is there anything you need from me?
Billing & Insurance
We are out-of-network for all insurance. This means that payment is due at the time of session and you are given a monthly statement (superbill) that you can submit to your insurance provider and they may reimburse you directly.
Many clients have 60-80% of their therapy cost reimbursed to them after reaching their deductible, based on their out-of-network benefits. We recommend calling your specific insurance provider, before therapy services, to learn more details about your specific deductible and determine reimbursement rates.
You may want to ask your insurance provider:
- What have I paid towards my out-of-network deductible
- Do I have mental health benefits?
- What will I be reimbursed for counseling sessions?
- How do I submit my superbills for reimbursement?
We use the following Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes:
- Initial Intake Session: 90791 $220
- Individual Therapy: 90837 & 90834 $175-$190
- Family Therapy: 90847 $210
- Group Therapy: 90853 $90
With the current insurance industry standard of care, many clients choose not to involve insurance companies in seeking a provider for their mental health care. Thus, their therapy is not determined by session limitations, diagnosis, and insurance companies’ review of their entire mental health record. Additionally, many insurance companies do not pay for other therapies outside of individual therapy, thus limiting the client’s ability to choose the best type of therapy for themselves, their child, and/or their family.
As Art It Out Therapists, we truly believe in client-centered treatment and strive to provide the therapy that is clinically best for our clients. Instead of adhering to insurance limitations, we offer our clients the flexibility to set their own goals and be an active participant in their treatment plan. We allow our clients the privacy they deserve by not allying with any insurance providers; thus, our therapy records are not subject to Georgia compliance audits. It is at the client’s discretion to submit their Superbill to their insurance for reimbursement, in turn releasing confidential information to their insurance company.
As part of being out-of-network, we will not communicate at all with your insurance company and will not allow single-case agreements.
No. We are unable to split payments. Parents are encouraged to log into the client portal to make a payment, or consider other payment arrangements between yourselves.
Group Therapy
Group is a great opportunity to develop skills in a peer setting. Check out our group page to learn.
If you are a new client, submit an intake request form and our Client Care Coordinator will call you to schedule an initial client intake.
If you are a current client, connect with your child’s therapist or our office to discuss group options.
Our groups at Art It Out open each semester until they fill to 6 members (or the specific maximum limit for that group). We ask for each group member to commit to the semester as we have reserved the spot for each member.
Each group is 50 minutes long and meets weekly for the entire school semester.
With our elementary-age groups, for the last few minutes of each group, our therapists conduct a summary for parents. This summary includes: skills covered, tangible reminders created of therapy skills, as well as, what you can do at home to help reinforce the skills.
For our adolescents, this summary is often emailed.
If group members need to miss more than 2 groups in a semester, there will be a $50 fee for each missed group, provided we receive 48-hour notice.
Cancelations towards sicknesses will count towards the allotted number of cancellations.
If 48-hour notice is not provided, the full $85 fee will be charged for the missed group.
Art It Out believes that keeping the group small gives each group the focus that is needed to achieve individual goals & group cohesion. When you join a group at Art It Out, you are committing to a slot in that group. Sporadic attendance, late cancelations, & no-shows negative affect your child as well as other group members’ experience. Should you need to cancel your appointment, please email your therapist. You must give a 48-hour notice to avoid being charged for your missed group session.
Summer Camp
A $300 non-refundable deposit is due at registration to hold your child’s spot. At this time, you may also pay your camp fee in full. If you choose to only pay the deposit at the time of registration, then your remaining balance will be due on the 1st day of camp.
Full-day camps cost $950. A $300 is due to hold your child’s spot. Then the remaining $650 is due on the 1st day of camp.
Half-day camps cost $500. The $300 deposit is due to hold your child’s spot. Then the remaining $200 is due on the 1st day of camp.
Refunds & Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations before March 1st: full refund (including deposit) will be provided.
Cancellations after March 2nd: full refund excluding deposit will be provided.
Please send your child with a water bottle, peanut-free lunch, and a snack.
Please arrive 10 minutes before dismissal to hear a summary from the therapist. For full-day camps, this takes place at 2:50pm.
On the last day of camp, your child will bring home a binder that contains: art activities as tangible reminders of therapeutic skills and lessons learned throughout camp. Descriptions of the activities are included to encourage ongoing conversations and incorporation of learned skills at home!
This binder will also contain a letter specific to your child. This personalized letter includes: therapist feedback, observed challenges, areas of growth, and recommendations for how to continue building upon your child’s progress.
No, we do not. Please pick your child up on time.
You will receive it on the 5th of the month following your child’s camp (ie. June camp superbills go out on July 5th).
Our superbills list camp as therapy because it is! However, if you need a separate invoice that lists the verbiage “camp,” please contact our office.
We try to keep a low therapist to client ratio in camp. Most camps have 6 children total and have one master’s level therapist and a graduate intern.
Our superbills list camp as therapy because it is! However, if you need a separate invoice that lists the verbiage “camp,” please contact our office.
Intern Services
All of our interns are masters-level students from clinical counseling.
Initial Intake Session: 90791 $125
Individual Therapy: 90837 & 90834 $90
If you’re looking to add individualized support for your child in addition to group therapy, please connect with your group therapist to discuss this further.
Every intern with AIO receives weekly individual supervision with one of our licensed therapists. Additionally, interns receive weekly supervision through their school programs.
Most insurances do not typically reimburse for intern services. However, some insurances may reimburse. We encourage you to call your insurance company to determine reimbursement options.
Interns are capable of seeing most clients that our therapists also work with. Our Client Care Coordinator will help in determining if your child is best fit for working with an intern.