Frequently Asked Questions
Is this therapy?
No. Paáyo is not therapy and is not clinical mental health treatment. We do not diagnose, create treatment plans, prescribe, or provide documentation for insurance, school, or medical use. Our work uses some of the same practices people look for in mental health spaces, such as meaning making, nervous system awareness, emotional education, and behavior change, but we use them in a non-clinical way. Sessions focus on your everyday life, your stress response, and your relationships, with an emphasis on understanding and skills you can carry into your week.
Who are your services for?
We work with youth, young adults, and caregivers who want support that is structured, honest, and closely tied to real life. Many of the people who land well here feel overwhelmed, shut down, on edge, or stuck in the same conflicts at home or in relationships. We center the experiences of BIPOC and LGBTQIA + communities and welcome anyone who resonates with our approach and values.
What happens during a session?
Sessions are 45 minutes and structured. We start with what your week has actually looked like and choose one or two real situations to focus on. Together we map what your body did, what you told yourself, and what happened in the relationship. We add just enough education so your reaction makes sense, then we build something to take with you. That might be a grounding routine, different language to try in a hard moment, or a small plan for a recurring time of day that keeps blowing up. You leave with meaning and a plan, not just one or the other.
How often are sessions?
There is no one right schedule. Some people come weekly for a period of time because they are in a heavy season or building new skills. Others come every other week or check in as needed during transitions. In our consultation we talk honestly about what you are carrying, what you are hoping for, and what pace feels realistic. We adjust as we go rather than locking you into a fixed commitment.
Can I come to one session?
You can absolutely come once. Some people schedule a single session to work through a specific situation, decision, or conversation. Others use the first few sessions to get a feel for the work and then decide whether they want ongoing support. We will never pressure you to commit to a certain number of sessions. Our role is to be clear about what the work looks like and how much time it is likely to need, so you can decide what fits.
Do you offer sliding scale or reduced rates?
Yes. We offer a limited number of reduced rate and sliding scale spots for people who need support and are not able to pay the full fee. We do not bill insurance, so sessions are paid out of pocket. If cost is a concern, we talk about it together. In that conversation we look at your situation, what kind of support you are hoping for, and whether a reduced rate, a sliding scale option, a different pace of sessions, or a community resource would make the most sense. The goal is to be honest and collaborative about money, not to leave you guessing.
Can Paáyo work alongside therapy?
Yes. Many people work with Paáyo while they are also in therapy. When that is the case, the two types of support usually have different functions. Therapy may hold deeper history, trauma processing, or formal treatment for conditions like anxiety or depression. Paáyo often holds the very practical work of what you say and do in the hardest five minutes of your day. We remain within our non-clinical lane and are respectful of the existing relationship with your therapist.
Do you offer crisis support?
No. Paáyo does not provide crisis or emergency support. If you or someone you care about is in immediate danger, unable to stay safe, or experiencing a mental health emergency, you need urgent care from a licensed provider, crisis line, or emergency services. During our work together, if it becomes clear that you or your child need a higher level of care, we will name that directly and talk through possible next steps.
How do I know if this is the right fit?
The best way to get a feel for fit is to have a conversation. During a consultation, you share what your days look like, what you are worried about, and what you hope will feel different. We explain how we work and how that would look with your situation. If it seems like a match, we suggest where to start. If not, we say that clearly and help you think about other forms of support that might serve you better.
Scope Reminder
Paáyo is a non-clinical service. We do not provide diagnosis, therapy, or crisis care. Our role is to offer emotional support, clear understanding, and practical skills you can use in the situations that matter most in your day.