My kiddo needed help and these folks seemed like the best option. Intake was easy and smooth. Treatments seemed to be going well with the kiddo, but there were signs we should have seen.
First, my child's therapist, Hailey Mercer, told them that their mom "did not want to be involved" in family sessions. Categorically and factually incorrect. I spoke with them about it and it was somewhat resolved and chalked up as a poor choice of words. Mom still was not happy. She was attuned to something I missed.
Next, was an email from Hailey that repeatedly misgendered our kiddo. Mom called her out on it. Then Hailey admitted to frequently doing so while disregarding the original concern.
Hailey quit out of the blue the day after leaving to go on vacation. I don't know why, but I wouldn't be surprised if the behind the scenes situation was more of an absolute mess than was visible to others.
The final straw was that during a group activity, Rebecca (who I don't think is a licensed therapist) scolded my child for not actively standing and chasing around balloons. Seemingly in an attempt to cause a sense of shame or humiliation and encourage participation. My child has EDS which causes their muscles, bones, and joints to ache after extended periods of standing and being active. As a degenerative disease, ignoring symptoms can lead to serious consequences. They knew this. It was included on the forms at the very beginning and had been topics of conversation.
I spoke with Jessica Lavender, administrator, about it and thought we had the situation resolved. A week later, it wasn't. All the kiddo wanted was an apology from Rebecca. But that was denied. They wanted my kiddo, who has anxiety amongst other things, to confront Rebecca about the situation. Essentially, re-opening the trauma and shame that they caused. Jessica also refused to apologize and said "I'm not apologizing for what other people say or do in this office." I asked and it was confirmed that she is the one in charge.
Take a moment and let that soak in. "I'm the one running things, but I'm not responsible for anything."
At that moment, we decided that the kiddo would not be returning. If mental health professionals, or just grown mature adults, cannot admit a mistake, accept responsibility for their error and attempt to make amends, how can we expect them to help our child even tie their shoes, much less help them in a time of crisis?
Now to add a little icing to that cake, on 10/31 I received an invoice that would be due on 11/14. I expected that. What I didn't expect was to be charged on the date the invoice was sent. Two weeks early, without me authorizing it. I called and got it refunded. Probably the hurdle that was the easiest to resolve. But then I did swear a lot during that call.
TL:DR: Immature, denies accountability, ableist, your child may not be working with licensed individuals, will play games with your money.
Shout out to Rachel and Mary Lauren. Y'all good. Y'all deserve better. read more
