Murray · Telehealth across Kentucky
Child and teen counseling in Murray and across Kentucky
Support for kids, teens and the grown-ups who love them.
When a child or teen is struggling, the whole family feels it. Acadia Counseling has three counselors taking new young clients right now. Megan Higashimura, LPCC, sees children ages 5 and up at our Murray office and by telehealth. Sarah Smith, a supervised counseling intern, sees teens 14 and up in Murray and online. Melissa Rueff, LPCA, sees clients 12 and up at our Louisville office and by telehealth. Megan and Sarah also work with families.
Not sure who to see? Call and we’ll help you choose.
Good to know
- Ages
- Children 5 and up with Megan Higashimura. Ages 12 and up with Melissa Rueff in Louisville. Teens 14 and up with Sarah Smith.
- Where
- Murray office at 308 S 12th Street, Louisville office at 4010 Dupont Circle, or telehealth anywhere in Kentucky
- Cost and insurance
- Megan takes Kentucky Medicaid and several commercial plans. Sarah’s sessions are $25. See plans and fees
- Sessions
- About 50 to 55 minutes, with parents involved
Signs your child might benefit from counseling
Every child has hard days. It may be time to talk with a counselor if you notice:
- Big changes in mood, sleep, eating or behavior that last for weeks
- Worry, fear or sadness that gets in the way of school or friends
- Frequent meltdowns, defiance or anger that’s hard to manage at home
- Pulling away from family, friends or activities they used to enjoy
- A hard time after a frightening event, a loss, a move or a divorce
- Questions about identity, belonging or how they fit in
You know your child best. If something feels off, a conversation with a counselor can help you sort out next steps.
Counseling for children ages 5 and up
Megan Higashimura works with children, teens and adults. Her focus includes trauma and PTSD, ADHD, autism (level 1), attachment, oppositional and defiant behavior, and LGBTQ+ affirming care. With children, counseling usually involves parents too. Megan can meet with your child, with you, or with the family together, depending on what helps most.
Counseling is different from an evaluation. If you’re looking for ADHD or autism testing, ask your child’s pediatrician where to start. Counseling can still help your child and family with everyday skills while you wait.
Counseling for teens
Teens often want a space that feels like their own. Sarah Smith sees teens 14 and up for anxiety, depression, mood and life transitions. She uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), which teach practical skills for stress and strong emotions. Sarah works under the supervision of licensed counselors, and her sessions are $25, self-pay.
Megan Higashimura also sees teens, including teens working through trauma, ADHD, autism or questions about identity.
In Louisville, Melissa Rueff, LPCA, sees clients 12 and up, with a focus on neurodivergence (including autism and ADHD), LGBTQ+ affirming care, anxiety and depression. Melissa sees individuals at our Louisville office and by telehealth.
How parents are involved
For younger children, a parent or caregiver usually joins the first session to share history and goals. As counseling goes on, your child’s counselor will talk with you about ways to support the work at home.
With teens, counselors balance a teen’s privacy with keeping parents informed. Your counselor will explain how that works at the start, so everyone knows what to expect.
Counselors taking new young clients
Megan, Sarah and Melissa are taking new clients now. Four other counselors who see children and teens are currently full.
Megan Higashimura
PTSD, ADHD, LGBTQ+ affirming care, autism (level 1), attachment and oppositional behavior.
Taking new clients
Melissa Rueff
Neurodivergence (including autism and ADHD), LGBTQ+ affirming care, anxiety and depression.
Taking new clients
Currently full
Family counseling
Sometimes the best help involves everyone. Megan and Sarah both see families together to work on communication, conflict, big changes and getting routines back on track. Family sessions are available in Murray and by telehealth. Couples can read about couples and marriage counseling.
Cost, insurance and telehealth
Megan Higashimura takes Kentucky Medicaid plans from UnitedHealthcare, Wellcare, Passport by Molina, Aetna Better Health and Humana. She also takes Anthem, Cigna, Aetna, MedBen, Wellcare Ambetter and ESI EAP, and her self-pay rate is $75. Sarah Smith’s sessions are $25, self-pay only. See insurance and payments for details.
Both offer telehealth to families anywhere in Kentucky. Ask whether video sessions suit your child’s age and attention span. Learn how online counseling works.
Questions from parents
What’s the youngest age you see?
Megan Higashimura sees children as young as 5. Melissa Rueff sees clients 12 and up in Louisville. Sarah Smith sees teens 14 and up.
Do you offer ADHD or autism testing?
This page covers counseling, which is different from testing. For an evaluation, start with your child’s pediatrician. You’re also welcome to call us and talk about your situation.
Will I know what my teen talks about?
Your counselor will explain privacy in the first session. In general, counselors keep a teen’s conversations private, with exceptions for safety, and look for ways to keep parents involved.
Can my child have sessions by telehealth?
Yes, if you live in Kentucky and your child can join from a private, stationary place. Some kids do well on video, and others focus better in the office. Megan and Sarah can help you decide.
Does Medicaid cover counseling for my child?
Megan Higashimura takes all five Kentucky Medicaid plans we accept. Check with your plan about any limits. Read about counseling with Kentucky Medicaid.
More answers are on our FAQ page.
Related support
Get support for your child or teen
Request an appointment online, or call the Murray office at (270) 339-4201 to talk about fit first.
Email us at info@acadiacounseling.com.
If you are in crisis, call or text 988. In an emergency, call 911.