We provide clinical services to families on a limited basis, normally through a one-time 2-hour consultation. We realize it's a bit impersonal, but in order to respond in a timely fashion to the large volume of requests for clinical services that we receive, we try to schedule appointments electronically.
If you are interested in scheduling an appointment for
a consultation, we recommend reading the information below where answers
are provided to many of the common questions people have about our services.
Then complete the form at the bottom of the page and click on the SUBMIT
tab. When you hear back from us (usually in a few days), we'll forward
an intake form for you to complete. Once the completed form is returned
to us, you will be contacted to set an appointment time. For Driving
Directions visit our Directions page. If it's not feasible for you
to be seen in our offices in Newton, Massachusetts, please email us
at cpstraining@gmail.com and we'll try to put you in touch with a clinician
in your area.
If you do not have email, you can call us at 617-965-3000.
Given the large number of requests we receive, please understand that
requests submitted through the website are usually responded to more rapidly
than phone calls. All correspondence will be treated confidentially. Thanks!
What is the fee for the consultation?
The fee for the consultation is $595, payable to the clinician you see at the time of service.
Will my insurance company cover the fee?
We do not submit claims to insurers. However, at the conclusion of the consultation, you will be given a receipt with all of the necessary information for you to submit to your insurance carrier to request reimbursement. You should check with your insurer (before your appointment) to make sure that out-of-network services are covered by your plan.
How old are the children who come to the office for consultations?
We see children between the ages of 3 and 17 years.
What is involved in the consultation? Who will I see? How
is the time spent?
Consultations are scheduled with either Dr.
Greene or Dr. Ablon, and consist
of a review of prior testing and history and meetings with adult caretakers
and the child, separately and (when possible) in combination. Drs. Greene
and Ablon provide their impressions of the factors contributing to the
child's difficulties and adult-child conflict. Flowing from these impressions,
Drs. Greene and Ablon provide recommendations for ongoing care. When applicable,
recommendations for school placement and intervention and neuropsychological
and pharmacologic follow-up are also provided. Referrals to educational
consultants, neuropsychologists, pediatric psychopharmacologists, and
other professionals are not made without first having met with a child
and his or her caretakers in order to understand the unique circumstances
of each child's situation.
Will I get a diagnosis for my child?
If you need a diagnosis, the doctors will provide you with their diagnostic
impressions. But they will primarily be focused on describing the specific
factors contributing to difficulties for the child in a manner that sets
the stage for effective intervention.
Do Drs. Greene and Ablon prescribe medication?
No, they do not. But they will provide impressions on whether medication
might be helpful and guidance on how to seek out appropriate prescribing
physicians if applicable.
What if my child struggles only at home (or only at school)?
Will the consultation be helpful for me?
The consultation will focus on the environments in which your child
is having difficulty, be it home or school or both.
Is childcare provided in the waiting area?
We do not have childcare staff available. The initial interview with
adult caretakers takes place without the child present, so if you think
your child may have difficulty staying in the waiting room without adult
supervision, it will be necessary to have a person whom your child knows
accompany you.
If I have more than one child with challenging behavior,
should I bring them both/all to the appointment?
The consultation appointment is most productive when focused on only
one child.
Will the clinicians look at evaluations and reports from
other clinicians before the consultation?
Yes. When you request an appointment, intake forms will be emailed
to you to complete and email back. At this time, you will also be given
a mailing address and fax number to send copies of any prior evaluations
and reports.
Will I receive a written report?
In order to keep the costs of the consultation to a minimum and provide
services to the largest possible number of families, we do not provide
written reports.
May I take notes or record the appointment for later reference?
You should feel free to record the appointment or take notes.
How can I explain the appointment to my child?
It depends on the age of the child, but, in general, you want the
child or adolescent to know that the appointment is with a talking doctor
who does not give shots or medication and will help family members learn
to get along with each other better.
What if my child refuses to come? Can parents have a consultation
without the child present?
It is very difficult for the doctors to form impressions of and provide
recommendations for a child they have not met. You will get much more
out of the appointment if you are able to find a way for your child to
accompany you if at all possible.
How long is the wait for an appointment?
The wait varies from 3-8 months depending on the time of year.
What if I need help immediately and cannot wait for a consultation?
If you have a critical need for immediate care, you should seek assistance
at your local hospital emergency room. Occasionally, appointments become
available unexpectedly (for example, due to cancellations). So, especially
if you have a flexible schedule, you should let us know that you are
available to be seen on short notice. You may also want to email us at cpstraining@gmail.com
to see if there are clinicians in your area who
have attended one of our advanced trainings.
Are there opportunities for ongoing care?
Because Drs. Greene and Ablon have very busy existing caseloads, they
are usually unable to provide ongoing care themselves. When indicated,
they make referrals to other providers familiar with the CPS model.
Where is the Center for Collaborative Problem Solving located?
Directions are provided on this website (click on the Directions tab).
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