FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Evidence-based treatment is therapy that has been shown to be effective through clinical trials and research studies. There are many types of therapies out there, but evidence-based treatment means the approach is backed by science. At the COAST Center, we use evidence-based approaches for OCD and anxiety disorders. See the About page for more details about the therapeutic approaches we use. 

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If you would like to learn more about child therapies that are considered evidence-based by the American Psychological Association's Division 53, the Society of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, please visit: https://effectivechildtherapy.org/

Dr. Evans has a doctoral degree (PhD) in psychology, which is the highest degree available in Clinical Psychology. 

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To obtain a doctoral degree, clinicians have spent 5-7+ years after receiving their undergraduate degrees closely studying research on evidence-based therapies — often contributing to this body of research by conducting research studies — and delivering therapy to individuals and groups in outpatient, inpatient, school, medical hospital, correctional, and other settings. 

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During this time, clinicians’ therapy is supervised (and often audiotapes and videotapes of therapy sessions are reviewed) by faculty who are foremost experts in the field of Clinical Psychology. 

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In order to complete their degree program, clinicians also complete a one-year, American Psychological Association-accredited doctoral internship at a site other than their university, where they provide therapy full-time. 

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Many clinicians also complete post-doctoral fellowships for one or more years after obtaining their doctoral degree to acquire additional advanced training in delivering evidence-based therapy, and then continue to practice as licensed psychologists. 

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This extensive training ensures that doctoral-level psychologists have considerable expertise and skill in delivering evidence-based therapies.

If you are interested in moving forward, use our form to reach out to schedule a free, 15-minute initial consultation call to learn more about whether the COAST Center is the right fit for you and your child. Next, you and your child would participate in an intake appointment with Dr. Evans, where she would learn more about your presenting concerns and formulate an initial diagnosis and treatment plan. From there, you and Dr. Evans would communicate directly about scheduling regular therapy appointments.

We are currently accepting new clients over telehealth, with plans to open our in-person office location in Yarmouth, ME in January 2026. 

We do not accept insurance, which allows for greater flexibility in how we structure sessions and approach your care. This model allows for greater focus and energy spent on clients rather than insurance requirements. Many families are able to use out-of-network benefits to receive partial reimbursement from their insurance provider. I provide superbills after each visit that can be submitted for potential reimbursement. Check with your insurance provider to understand your out-of-network benefits. 

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More details about superbills and recommended questions to ask when speaking with your insurance provider may be found in this resource.

Parents and caregivers are often an important part of the treatment team. While your provider is an expert on psychology, you are the expert on your child. Parent/caregiver involvement can look different for each family, and we will discuss what makes sense for you and your child. In general, parents/caregivers are involved in treatment goals and supporting their child in practicing goals and strategies outside of session. Depending on your child's treatment plan, goals, and developmental level, you may be more or less involved in sessions. 

The length of treatment will vary depending on presenting concerns, treatment goals, frequency of sessions, and active engagement in the treatment process. Studies researching evidence-based treatment approaches for anxiety have shown significant gains for treatments approximately 12-16 weeks; however, this will look different for each child and family.