Teen Mental Health Part 3: Depression & Suicidal Thoughts | with Heather Whitis, LMFT

Can My Child with Autism Do Virtual Therapy?

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2471393/fan_mail/new] If you’ve ever wondered, "Can my child with autism actually do virtual therapy?" you are not alone. It’s one of the biggest questions parents ask when considering telehealth. In this episode of Help! I Have Kids, guest host and speech-language pathologist Beth Blankenship teams up with special guest Liz, a mom to two sons with autism, to look at virtual therapy from both sides of the screen. Liz shares her honest journey from being a total telehealth skeptic to watching virtual sessions become a major contributing factor to her son's progress. Together, they dive into why telehealth at Marshall Pediatric Therapy is a total game-changer. Beth breaks down how virtual therapy allows families to completely skip long clinic waitlists, avoid the stress of missed appointments, and use the comfort of home to unlock big breakthroughs. Tune in to find out how virtual therapy can deliver the exact same high-quality care as an in-person clinic, right from your living room! Join Our Community! You don’t have to figure this out alone! Join our Help I Have Kids Facebook Community to connect with other moms, ask questions, and get expert insights in a supportive space. Subscribe to the podcast, follow us on YouTube at @HelpIHaveKidsPodcast, and share this episode with a friend who needs a little less stress in her life. We’re all in this together! Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2471393/support]

Navigating Your Child’s Health Insurance: Tips for All Parents

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2471393/fan_mail/new] Does opening a medical bill give you an immediate pit in your stomach? 💸 It shouldn’t have to. For many parents, navigating health insurance feels like a second full-time job—one that's confusing, stressful, and full of hidden rules. But here is the secret: Knowledge is your best defense. When you understand how your plan works, you can stop worrying about "surprise bills" and start focusing on your child’s progress. In this episode, host Pam Marshall sits down with Kathleen, a Patient Account Specialist at Marshall Pediatric Therapy, to demystify the world of healthcare billing. Whether you are wondering why your bill changed in January or what to do when a claim gets denied, Kathleen is here to give you the "detective tools" every mom needs. In this episode, we’re breaking down: - The January Shift: Why your benefits might change even if your ID card stays the same. - The "Receipt" for Your Calls: Why you must ask for a Reference Number every time you call insurance (and how it holds them accountable!). - Diagnosis Pointers: The technical reason your claim might be stuck and how specificity saves you money. - The 3-Step Plan for Bills: What to do when a confusing bill arrives at your door. - Provider vs. Payer: Understanding the partnership between your therapist and your insurance company. Don't let "insurance exhaustion" stand in the way of your child’s care. You are the leader of your child’s team, and today, we’re helping you lead with confidence! Join Our Community! You don’t have to figure this out alone! Join our Help I Have Kids Facebook Community to connect with other moms, ask questions, and get expert insights in a supportive space. Subscribe to the podcast, follow us on YouTube at @HelpIHaveKidsPodcast, and share this episode with a friend who needs a little less stress in her life. We’re all in this together! Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2471393/support]

Bumblebees in My Head: Navigating ADHD/Autism as a Neurodivergent Mom

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2471393/fan_mail/new] “Mommy, it feels like I have bumblebees in my head.” 🐝 In this powerful and moving episode, host Pam Marshall (Pediatric OT) sits down with Sarah and Carolyn, two moms who are navigating the beautiful, "spicy," and often complex world of parenting neurodivergent children while being neurodivergent themselves. We’re diving deep into the advocacy it takes to trust your "mom gut" when professionals say "she’ll grow out of it," the relief of finally finding a name for why your child feels different, and how to find grace for yourself when the household motor just won't stop running. As a special tribute for Mother’s Day, Sarah and Carolyn also share heartwarming stories of their own mothers. This episode is a masterclass in parenting with empathy, setting boundaries for self-care (like the "20-minute rule"), and learning to dance through the meltdowns. Whether you are navigating a new autism diagnosis, struggling with emotional regulation at home, or realizing your own neurodiversity as an adult, this conversation will equip you to be the confident leader of your child’s medical team. Join Our Community! Don't navigate this journey alone! We want to hear your "Help!" moments and your wins. Subscribe to the podcast, join our community of Courageous Mommas on social media at @HelpIHaveKidsPodcast, and visit our website for practical freebies and therapist-approved resources. You’re doing a great job, Mom—let’s do this together! Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2471393/support]

Teen Mental Health Part 3: Depression & Suicidal Thoughts | with Heather Whitis, LMFT

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2471393/fan_mail/new] In this important episode, licensed therapist Heather Whitis returns to help us navigate one of the most difficult topics a parent can face—teen depression and suicidal thoughts. If your teen seems withdrawn, hopeless, unusually quiet, or like they've just lost interest in things they used to love, this episode will help you recognize and respond appropriately.  Heather brings her expertise as both a therapist and a mom to offer honest, grounded guidance on how depression differs from typical teenage moodiness, how to recognize warning signs of suicidal thinking, and how to respond in a way that keeps the door open instead of pushing your teen further away. She also walks through how to have the hard conversations—calmly, clearly, and with compassion—even when you're scared. This episode will remind you that asking the hard questions doesn't plant dangerous ideas—it shows your teen they're not alone, and that you're a safe place to land. This is part 3 of our teen mental health series: Part 1: How to Know When Your Teen is Struggling   Part 2: Understanding Anxiety in Teens   Part 3: Recognizing and Responding to Depression & Suicidal Thoughts ✨ Follow us on all socials and join your mom community!  https://linktr.ee/helpihavekidspodcast Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2471393/support]

Teen Mental Health Part 2: Understanding Anxiety in Teens | with Heather Whitis, LMFT

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2471393/fan_mail/new] In this encouraging episode, licensed therapist Heather Whitis joins us to talk about teen anxiety and what it can really look like in everyday life. If your teen seems overwhelmed, easily frustrated, avoidant, or constantly worried, this episode will help you better understand what may be going on beneath the surface. Heather shares her perspective as both a therapist and a mom, offering practical insight into how anxiety shows up in teens, how to support your child through it, and how to respond in a way that builds trust instead of pressure. She also walks through ways to create safe, supportive conversations—especially when your child has a hard time opening up. This episode will remind you that anxiety is common, support is available, and you don’t have to navigate it alone. This is part 2 of our teen mental health series. Stay tuned for the final episode: Part 1: How to Know When Your Teen is Struggling  Part 2: Understanding Anxiety in Teens  Part 3: Recognizing and Responding to Depression & Suicidal Thoughts ✨ Follow us on all socials and join your mom community!  https://linktr.ee/helpihavekidspodcast [https://linktr.ee/helpihavekidspodcast] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2471393/support]