Getting Started
How it works
Most of the families who find us have already been through something. They've been on waitlists, gotten referrals that didn't pan out, or been in services that weren't the right fit. We designed our intake process with that reality in mind - because getting connected to the right support matters more than getting connected fast.
Where We Start
Every new client at Dandelion Spirit begins with a two-session needs assessment with Dr. Kai Gunty, our clinical director. The first session is with caregivers only. The second includes the child. These aren't intake paperwork sessions — they're clinical conversations designed to understand what's actually going on, what's been tried, and what this particular child and family actually need.
From there, you'll receive a clear picture of our recommendations: which services are the right fit, which providers within our clinic are the best match, which waitlists to get on now, and what resources outside our clinic are worth pursuing.
Why This Matters
The children and families we work with tend to be genuinely complex. That complexity means the stakes of a bad match are high - and it means that some of the most important resources, both inside and outside our clinic, have long waitlists. The sooner we can identify what's needed, the sooner that clock starts.
We'd rather take two sessions to get the roadmap right than have a family spend months in the wrong service, unaware of supports that could supplement what we're providing, or trying to keep their heads above water when community resources could have helped from the start. We are an outpatient clinic. We know what we can and can't do - and part of our job is making sure families are connected to everything that fills the gaps we can't.
What to Expect
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Session one is a 45- to 50-minute clinical interview with caregivers. We'll ask about history, previous services, what's working, and what isn't.
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Session two includes the child and is typically 40-55 minutes depending on age and presentation.
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Both sessions are billed through insurance as standard mental health services.
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Following the assessment, you'll receive a summary of recommendations and next steps.