Coping With Needles Group
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Many people struggle with getting their blood drawn or an injection because of pain or anxiety. In this program, we help children and teens learn how to face their fear of needles. We also teach parents and caregivers how to best support their child during needle procedures. |
Who should attend?Our Coping With Needles Group is for youth ages 6 to 17 and their parents or caregivers. Children and their parents or caregivers attend the group sessions together. |
What is covered?Our group is based on Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) interventions that have proven successful. In this type of therapy, we help your child gradually face the fears and worries they have been avoiding. These are called “exposures.” None of the exposures will involve poking through skin. You will also learn how to coach your child when they are anxious so they do not avoid their fears. We will provide materials to help you practice during the group sessions and between group sessions. |
When and where does the group take place?We offer some groups in person and some through telehealth (video visit). We will schedule a consultation visit with you to make sure the group is a good fit for your child and your family. We will then let you know the location, dates and times of the next group series. We offer multiple group sessions per year. If you are scheduled for a group by telehealth, you will need to be physically in the state of Washington at the time of each group session. Your child will also need to be with you during the visits. Please let our team know if you do not have access to technology for the telehealth visits. |
How many sessions do we attend?There are 6 total visits, including an initial individual consult, 4 group sessions and an individual follow-up appointment. You and your child must attend every visit. The initial consult visit will help determine if the group is the right kind of treatment for your child. Please join the group only when you can attend all the sessions to get the most benefit from the program. |
What happens after the group sessions?We will schedule a 1-on-1 appointment with you and your child after the 4 group sessions. We will discuss any recommendations for follow-up, which may include no additional care or a medicine evaluation. We may also recommend shortterm, 1-on-1 CBT treatment to manage anxiety and build on the skills learned in the program. These services may be offered in our clinic or in the community. |
How do we get a referral to participate in the group?Please contact your child’s medical or mental health provider for a referral. Ask them to send a referral to Seattle Children’s Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine Clinic for the “Coping With Needles Group.” If we receive a referral from your provider and we have an opening, we will call you to schedule a consultation. This visit will help you decide whether the group is a good fit for you and your child. If you are a current patient in Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine at Seattle Children’s, please talk to your child’s provider about attending this group. For more information about our services, visit seattlechildrens.org/getservices. |
Is the group covered by insurance?Your insurance will be billed for each session you attend. Check with your insurance company to see if the visits are covered. We are in network with most insurance plans, including Medicaid and the Medicaid Managed Care Organization (MCO) plans. These are the procedure codes for when you call your insurance provider:
Contact the Psychiatry Insurance Processing team at 206-987-2164, option 8, if you have questions. Learn more about mental health coverage at seattlechildrens.org/clinics/paying-for-care/insurance/mental-health-coverage. |
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