Sofia Miranda-Pasqualini

Our first session is a welcoming, collaborative conversation focused on understanding you or your child/teen as a whole person. We will review emotional, behavioral, medical, developmental, nutritional, and family history to gain a comprehensive picture of current concerns and goals. I provide a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where patients and families feel heard and understood. Together, we will discuss personalized treatment options and create a plan that supports long-term emotional and overall wellness.

That is very common, and there is no pressure for a child or teen to open up right away. I use a patient, compassionate, and developmentally appropriate approach to build trust at their pace. Sometimes we start by talking about neutral topics, interests, or family dynamics, and I may include parents to gather helpful context. As a bilingual (English/Spanish) PMHNP with a holistic, child-focused approach, my goal is to create a safe space where your child gradually feels comfortable expressing themselves.

The length of treatment varies based on each child or teen’s needs, goals, and diagnosis. Some patients may notice improvement within a few sessions after starting medication management and supportive strategies, while others with more complex or long-standing concerns may benefit from longer-term care. My approach as a bilingual, dual board-certified PMHNP is individualized, holistic, and collaborative, focusing on steady progress, skill-building, and sustainable emotional and functional improvement over time.

Communication is a key part of treatment, especially when working with children and adolescents. I keep parents closely involved while also respecting your child’s privacy and developmental stage. We typically connect during appointments, and I provide updates on progress, treatment plans, and medication management as needed. Between visits, I am available through secure messaging for clinical concerns. My goal is to maintain open, collaborative communication so you feel informed, supported, and actively involved in your child’s care.

You will know therapy is working through gradual, meaningful changes in mood, behavior, functioning, and daily life. This may include improved emotional regulation, better focus, sleep, relationships, or school performance. I use a holistic, evidence-based approach and regularly track progress together with you and your child or teen. As a bilingual PMHNP, I also ensure clear communication so families understand what improvements to expect and when adjustments are needed, helping guide steady, measurable progress over time.

We decide together that therapy is complete when your child or teen has met their treatment goals and is functioning more confidently at home, school, and in relationships. I take a collaborative, family-centered approach, reviewing progress over time using both clinical improvement and real-life changes such as mood stability, focus, coping skills, and reduced symptoms. As a PMHNP, I also ensure there is a clear plan for maintaining progress, including follow-up care or step-down support if needed.

Confidentiality is an important part of building trust with teens. I clearly explain what privacy means at the start of care, including what is kept private and the limited situations where I must involve a parent for safety concerns. I aim to balance adolescent autonomy with appropriate family involvement, encouraging open communication while respecting developmental needs. I create a safe, nonjudgmental space where teens feel comfortable sharing, while keeping parents appropriately informed and involved in their care.

Yes, when appropriate I may recommend simple, practical “between-session” exercises to support progress. These can include coping skills practice, mood tracking, sleep or routine adjustments, communication strategies, or small behavioral goals tailored to your child or teen’s needs. I focus on realistic, developmentally appropriate steps that fit into daily life for both the child and family. These activities are always collaborative, never overwhelming, and designed to reinforce what we work on in sessions.