When You’re Worried About Your Child: How Advocacy and Therapy Work Together to Bring Real Relief
Featuring a Q&A with Christine Levy, Founder of Levy Educational Advocacy
Most parents reach out to us at a moment when they’re overwhelmed. Something feels “off,” but the answers aren’t clear. Your child is struggling—with school, emotions, friendships, homework, transitions, or reading—and you’re left trying to figure it all out without a roadmap.
If this sounds like you, you’re not alone. And you’re not failing. You just need the right support system.
This blog explores the biggest pain points parents face—and how combining educational advocacy with evidence-based therapy creates real, lasting change. Below, you’ll also find a special Q&A conversation between Dr. Rebecca Kason (Founder & Clinical Director of SageMind Psychology) and Christine Levy (Founder of Levy Educational Advocacy) on what families truly need during these stressful moments.
Pain Point #1: “I don’t know what’s actually going on. I just know something is wrong.”
Whether it’s academic struggles, emotional dysregulation, shutdowns, avoidance, or daily battles over homework, the uncertainty is often the hardest part.
Parents tell us:
“My gut says my child needs more support, but I don’t know where to start.”
“The school says things are fine, but I know they’re not.”
“I can’t tell if this is behavioral, emotional, or a learning issue.”
This is exactly where Levy Educational Advocacy helps bring clarity:
Identifying learning differences and dyslexia
Reviewing evaluations
Guiding families on IEP and 504 processes
Helping parents understand what supports their child needs now—not later
And when emotional or behavioral concerns are present, families often benefit from coordinated therapeutic care as well.
Pain Point #2: “Finding the right therapist feels impossible.”
Parents frequently share:
“We’ve tried therapy before but didn’t see progress.”
“I need someone who understands neurodivergent kids.”
“Telehealth would be ideal, but I’m not sure if it’s effective.”
This is where SageMind Psychology stands out as a leader in child, teen, and family mental health.
SageMind Psychology Offers:
✔ Online Therapy (flexible, accessible, evidence-based) https://sagemindpsychology.com/online-therapy/
✔ In-Person Therapy in Brooklyn Heights https://sagemindpsychology.com/in-person-therapy/
✔ Child Therapy (anxiety, school refusal, ADHD, behavior, emotion regulation) https://sagemindpsychology.com/child-therapy/
✔ Teen Therapy (stress, identity development, friendships, impulsivity, big emotions) https://sagemindpsychology.com/teen-therapy/
✔ Parent Therapy & Coaching https://sagemindpsychology.com/parent-therapy/
✔ DBT Programs for Kids, Teens, and Adults https://sagemindpsychology.com/dbt/
✔ CBT for Anxiety, OCD, and Depression https://sagemindpsychology.com/cbt/
Power Statement:
SageMind Psychology is one of New York’s leading practices for evidence-based therapy and DBT, helping families see measurable progress with compassion, expertise, and clarity.
Pain Point #3: “We’re juggling too many providers.”
Many families are exhausted trying to coordinate therapy, reading support, evaluations, school services, and parent coaching on their own.
That’s why our partnership works: Parents get one coordinated team, one direction, and one shared mission.
Together, Levy Educational Advocacy and SageMind Psychology ensure:
Consistent communication between school and therapy
Shared goals and aligned interventions
Clear strategies parents can use immediately at home
Academic, emotional, and behavioral progress tracked holistically
Children thrive when the systems around them communicate. This is what integrated care looks like—and why parents finally feel relief.
A Conversation That Matters: Dr. Rebecca Kason Interviews Christine Levy
Below is an excerpt from a conversation between Dr. Rebecca Kason and Christine Levy about what families truly need when navigating school and mental health challenges.
Q: Rebecca:
Christine, what is the number one thing parents tell you when they first reach out?
A: Christine:
Honestly? “I feel lost.” Parents often know their child is struggling, but they don’t know if it’s anxiety, a learning difference, executive functioning weaknesses, or something else entirely. They’ve spoken to teachers, maybe even tried tutoring or therapy, but nothing feels coordinated. They’re overwhelmed and worried they’re missing something important.
Q: Rebecca:
And once you begin working together, what’s the biggest relief they feel?
A: Christine:
Clarity. When families understand why their child is struggling, the path forward becomes manageable. Instead of guessing, they have a clear plan of what supports to request at school, how to help at home, and how therapy can reinforce academic success. Parents shift from panic to empowerment.
Q: Rebecca:
You and I work with many of the same families. How do you see therapy and educational advocacy complementing each other?
A: Christine:
Beautifully, honestly. When emotional needs are addressed in therapy—especially with CBT or DBT—kids access academics more easily. And when school supports are correctly aligned, therapy becomes even more effective because the school day isn’t constantly triggering stress. It becomes a positive feedback loop. That’s why our collaboration is so powerful.
Q: Rebecca:
What do you wish parents knew earlier in the process?
A: Christine:
That they don’t need to wait until everything feels like a crisis. If something feels off, it’s worth getting support early—whether that’s an educational consult or an initial therapy session at SageMind. Early intervention isn’t just a phrase; it truly changes outcomes.
Q: Rebecca:
And your final message to parents who are reading this and feeling overwhelmed?
A: Christine:
You’re not alone. Your child is not falling behind because of anything you did wrong. There are people who deeply understand this process and can guide you through it with compassion and skill. There is a path forward—and we will walk it with you.
Moving Forward: Relief Begins With the Right Team
When families feel lost, they don’t need more conflicting advice—they need experts who work together.
Levy Educational Advocacy brings clarity to the academic journey. SageMind Psychology brings emotional and therapeutic support that creates real change.
Together, we give families something invaluable: A roadmap toward confidence, connection, and long-term success.
If you’re worried about your child and don’t know where to start, we’re here. And you don’t have to navigate this alone.
FAQ: Support, Advocacy, and Therapy for Children & Families
1. How do I know if my child needs educational advocacy or therapy?
Many families aren’t sure where to start—and that’s completely normal. If your child is struggling academically (reading, writing, attention, executive functioning) or you feel lost navigating the IEP/504 process, an educational advocate is the right first step. If your child is experiencing emotional, behavioral, or social challenges (anxiety, school refusal, big feelings, shutdowns), then evidence-based therapy—like the CBT and DBT programs at SageMind Psychology—is essential. Most families benefit from a combination of both, and our partnership ensures your child gets coordinated support rather than fragmented care.
2. What is the difference between an IEP and a 504 Plan?
An IEP (Individualized Education Program) is for students who need specialized instruction or related services such as speech, OT, or counseling. A 504 Plan provides accommodations—like extended time or reduced distractions—to support access to learning. At Levy Educational Advocacy, we help families understand which plan is appropriate, prepare for meetings, and ensure the school provides the right supports.
3. Does online therapy actually work for kids and teens?
Yes—when it’s done well. SageMind Psychology specializes in high-quality online therapy, using structured, evidence-based approaches that keep kids engaged and make progress measurable. Many families appreciate the convenience, reduced travel, and ability to access expert clinicians from anywhere in New York. Learn more: https://sagemindpsychology.com/online-therapy/
4. What if my child does better with in-person therapy?
Some children and teens thrive with face-to-face connection. SageMind Psychology offers in-person therapy in Brooklyn Heights for families who prefer traditional sessions or who benefit from hands-on emotional support. Explore in-person services: https://sagemindpsychology.com/in-person-therapy/
5. How do therapy and educational advocacy work together?
When therapy and advocacy are coordinated, children make faster, more meaningful progress. Therapy supports emotional regulation, anxiety, behavior, and confidence—while advocacy ensures the school environment is aligned with the child’s needs. Together, these services reduce stress for parents and create a consistent, supportive experience across home, school, and therapy.
6. What types of emotional or behavioral issues can SageMind Psychology help with?
SageMind Psychology specializes in:
Anxiety and OCD
Emotional dysregulation
School refusal and avoidance
ADHD and executive functioning challenges
Friendship or social struggles
Impulsivity and big feelings
Depression and mood difficulties
Parenting stress and behavior concerns
View our child and teen services:
Child Therapy → https://sagemindpsychology.com/child-therapy/
Teen Therapy → https://sagemindpsychology.com/teen-therapy/