FAQ

What do mentors do with their clients?

Mentors at Expand Mentoring work closely with clients to build life skills, coping strategies, and confidence in real-world settings. Whether it’s helping with daily tasks like grocery shopping, teaching time management and organization, or practicing mindfulness techniques, our mentors provide practical, hands-on guidance. Through activities like hiking, coffee shop visits, and community engagement, clients learn to apply these skills in everyday situations, leading to meaningful, lasting changes in their lives.

How is Mentoring different than therapy?

Mentoring focuses on practical, real-time support and guidance in everyday situations, whereas therapy typically involves more structured sessions centered on discussing emotions and psychological challenges. Mentors at Expand work with clients in the community, helping them apply coping skills and strategies in real-world contexts.

How long is your program?

The length of the program at Expand Mentoring varies depending on the client’s needs and goals. Some clients may need support for a few months, while others might benefit from a longer engagement.

How often do you meet with clients?

The frequency of meetings at Expand Mentoring is customized to each client’s unique needs. Some clients meet with their mentor once per week, while others may have sessions three or four times a week, depending on the level of support required. Most sessions typically last about 1.5 hours, providing enough time to work on goals, practice skills, and address any immediate challenges. The flexibility in scheduling ensures that each client receives the appropriate amount of support to make meaningful progress.

Can I pick my mentor/how is the mentor picked?

Expand Mentoring carefully matches clients with mentors based on compatibility, client needs, and the mentor’s expertise. While clients may express preferences, the final match is made to ensure the best possible fit for effective support.

When can I expect my loved one to have made changes?

Change is a gradual process and varies greatly from one individual to another. Clients may begin to show small but positive changes within a few weeks, such as improved motivation or better coping skills. However, more significant and lasting changes, such as consistently applying new behaviors and achieving long-term goals, typically take more time and ongoing effort. Consistent mentoring and support play a crucial role in fostering these changes, as our mentors work closely with clients to reinforce progress, address setbacks, and help them integrate new skills into their daily lives. The pace of change depends on various factors, including the client's commitment, the challenges they face, and the level of support from both the mentor and their loved ones.

Do you offer any support for families?

Yes, Expand Mentoring offers support for families through meetings with our Family Support Specialist, and the first meeting is complimentary. Additionally, we offer a free live webinar for families on the fourth Wednesday of each month from 6pm-7pm MST, where we discuss various topics and share experiences.

Do parents have contact with the mentor? (What is shared with parents during that call/update)?

Yes, parents can have regular contact with the mentor. We offer an initial call with the mentor during the first week, followed by additional calls in weeks 3 and 7. After these initial check-ins, mentors provide written updates every two weeks for the next 8 weeks, and then monthly written updates. However, a call can be scheduled with the mentor at any time if needed. The level of detail shared during these updates is tailored to respect the client’s confidentiality while keeping parents informed about progress and any significant concerns.

How to contact the Mentor with inquiries/questions about my loved one?

We prefer to communicate by setting up a meeting, which can be scheduled using the mentor’s contact information provided at the start of the program. Email is used solely for scheduling purposes. Mentors are typically available for questions during working hours, and any urgent concerns should be communicated promptly. We respect our mentors' time after hours and on weekends, so meetings are scheduled to ensure dedicated time for discussing any concerns.

What happens if my loved one has an emergency/crisis? (How does Expand handle emergencies?)

Expand Mentoring is not a crisis service, but we can assist you or your loved one in contacting the appropriate authorities if needed. While we are available between sessions by phone and text for client check-ins, any emergency or crisis situation should be directed to the proper emergency services to ensure immediate attention and safety.

Confidentiality?

Confidentiality is a top priority at Expand Mentoring. All client information is kept private, and details are only shared with parents or guardians when necessary and with the client’s consent, unless there is a safety concern that requires disclosure. During parent meetings, we may share logistical information to keep everyone informed, but we strictly uphold confidentiality regarding sensitive client details.

What does your Client Care Coordinator do?

Our Client Care Coordinator ensures that clients and their loved ones are satisfied with our services. They conduct periodic check-ins with both clients and their families to monitor progress and address any concerns. Additionally, they manage any changes to the original service agreement, ensuring that all adjustments are smoothly implemented.

Will the mentor contact my loved ones therapist or other care providers?

Yes, we reach out to other care providers, including your loved one’s therapist, to ensure the best possible care and a cohesive approach to their well-being. By collaborating with therapists and other professionals, we can better align our mentoring strategies with the therapeutic goals already in place. This communication helps create a more integrated and supportive environment for your loved one’s growth and progress.

What is your rate?

The rate for services at Expand Mentoring will depend on the specific services and frequency of sessions. Please contact us directly for detailed pricing information.

Do you take insurance?

At this time, there is no insurance code for our services, so we operate on a private pay basis. However, we hope that insurance providers will soon recognize the value of these services and begin offering coverage.

Do you offer a sliding scale?

Yes, Expand Mentoring offers a sliding scale to help make services more affordable. We work with clients to find a payment plan that fits their financial situation.

How do activities get paid for when meeting with a mentor?

The costs for activities during mentoring sessions, such as coffee, admission fees, and similar expenses, cover both the client and the mentor. These expenses are billed back to the paying party as part of our regular billing cycle. We make every effort to keep expenses minimal, and any larger expenses are approved in advance.

What if I have a question about my bill?

If you have any questions about your bill, you can contact our billing department directly. We’re happy to clarify any charges or discuss payment options. They can be reached by emailing: accounting@expandmentoring.com

What is your cancellation policy?

Because our services are designed to provide stability and consistency, we require 48 hours notice for all cancellations. Meetings canceled with more than 48 hours' notice can be rescheduled. However, cancellations made with less notice incur the full fee for which the duration the meeting was scheduled.

What if I need to cancel a session?

If you need to cancel a session, please notify your mentor as soon as possible by call or text at least 48 hrs in advance to avoid any cancellation fees.

Do you meet clients in person or virtually?

Expand Mentoring offers both in-person meetings (within our service area) and virtual meetings for those who request it or are outside our service area. We also switch meetings to virtual upon request, or in cases of inclement weather, illness, or client vacations.

What areas do you serve?

We primarily serve clients in person within Boulder County but can arrange to meet in surrounding areas for a small travel fee. Our goal is to meet clients where they feel most comfortable, whether that’s in their home, within the community, or another suitable location.

Do you travel outside of Boulder?

Yes, Expand Mentoring does travel outside of Boulder, but additional travel fees may apply depending on the distance. Please contact us for more details.

What do you do during inclement weather?

During inclement weather, we move sessions to a virtual format instead of canceling. We follow the BVSD weather notice to guide our decisions and ensure the safety of our clients and staff.