How to reach the practice
The phone number and email address for Rydz Behavioral Health appear automatically on this page, in the header and in the footer of the site. You can use whichever feels more comfortable. Some parents prefer to talk with a person, while others like to write a message late in the evening after the children are asleep.
Either route reaches the same practice. Dr. Thalia Rydz leads the work, and a first message is simply an invitation to start a conversation. You do not need special words, a diagnosis, a referral or a finished plan to get in touch.
Who is welcome to contact us
The practice serves children and their families, schools, and professionals in Broward County, Florida. Anyone connected to those groups can reach out, and you do not need to be sure which service fits. Choosing a starting point is part of the first conversation.
- Parents and caregivers who want to understand a child's behavior and build calmer routines at home.
- Teachers, counselors and school teams who want a second perspective on a classroom situation.
- Other professionals who would like to discuss behavior support plans or reflective practice.
- Relatives and guardians who share the care of a child and want to be involved.
What to include in a first message
A short message is enough. Think of it as an introduction, not a report. The goal is to help the practice understand who you are and what kind of conversation would be useful.
If you can, mention who you are in relation to the child or the team, which setting matters most right now (home, school, telehealth or the office), and the language you prefer. Dr. Rydz speaks English and Spanish, so say which you would like to use.
Helpful details
A few plain sentences about what has been happening can be helpful. For example, a parent might write that bedtime has become a long struggle for their daughter, or that mornings before school feel tense for their son. A teacher might describe a transition in the day that is hard for a student. You do not need to describe everything.
Optional details
If you are interested in a payment route, you can mention whether you are thinking about insurance, Medicaid or private pay. That helps the practice explain next steps, but it is never required in a first message. Coverage and eligibility are discussed and verified before services begin.
What to leave out of a first message
Email and web forms are not always private, so it is wise to keep the first message light. You can share the full story when you speak with the practice directly, in a setting where you can ask how information is handled.
Please do not send the following in a first message:
- Insurance member numbers, Medicaid identification numbers or other account numbers.
- Government identification numbers, financial details or passwords.
- Detailed medical or school records, reports or photographs of a child.
- Anything that describes an emergency or a crisis.
What happens after you contact the practice
After your message or call, someone from the practice will reply as soon as they are able. Replies are handled with care, and the practice does not promise a specific response time, because each family deserves a thoughtful answer rather than a rushed one.
The reply usually does three things. It thanks you for reaching out, it suggests a time and way to talk, and it explains what to expect from that first conversation. If you have not heard back after a reasonable time, it is fine to try again by the other route.
The first conversation
The first conversation is a chance to listen and be heard. It can happen by phone, by video or at the office. You are not signing up for anything by having it, and you can ask as many questions as you like.
Dr. Rydz will ask what you hope to understand, what a typical day looks like, and what feels hardest. You will also learn about the five areas of support: assessment and care planning, parent and caregiver training, school and educator consultation, professional consultation and supervision, and child and family behavior support. Together you decide whether a next step makes sense.
How intake works, step by step
Intake is the short, organized process that turns a first conversation into a plan. Every family and every school team is different, so the steps below describe the general shape rather than a fixed schedule.
- Step one: you make contact and share a few basic details.
- Step two: a first conversation to understand the situation and answer questions.
- Step three: a conversation about setting, scheduling and payment route.
- Step four: verification of coverage or eligibility when insurance or Medicaid is involved.
- Step five: any needed forms and consent, reviewed with you.
- Step six: the start of assessment or the service you chose together.
Documents that may be requested
Depending on the service, the practice may ask for a small number of documents. Nothing here should be sent until you have spoken with the practice and know how to send it safely. If a document is hard to find, say so. The practice can often begin without it.
Examples of items that may be requested, only when relevant, include paperwork about your insurance or Medicaid coverage, a school plan or report that you choose to share, and signed consent forms. For private pay families, there may be an agreement to review together. For professionals, there may be a short description of the consultation you are seeking.
Choosing a setting and a time
Support can happen in the home, at school, by phone or video, or at the office. Many families begin by telehealth because it is easy to fit around work and school. Others prefer to meet in person from the start. You can read more on the page about home, school, telehealth and office visits.
If you plan to use video, find a spot where you can speak openly. Children often do better when the first call happens at a calm time, and some families like to talk with the adults first before involving the child.
Payment questions at intake
The practice works with three payment routes: insurance, Medicaid, and private pay. During intake you will talk through which one applies to you. No plan is named on this site, no price is listed here, and nothing about coverage is promised.
Your plan decides what it covers, so it helps to ask them directly. The page on paying for services suggests questions to bring. The practice will confirm what it can before any services begin so you are not surprised later.
Privacy and respect
What you share is treated respectfully, and you are welcome to ask how information is stored and used before you share anything beyond the basics. Families sometimes worry about how a child will feel hearing about the meeting, so you can ask for guidance on how to talk with your child in a calm, honest way.
This website offers general education only. It is not individual medical, clinical or legal advice, and contacting the practice does not by itself create a professional relationship. That relationship begins only when you and the practice agree on services.
If this is urgent
This practice is not an emergency service. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. If you or someone you know is in a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Please do not wait for a reply to a message when safety is at risk.
Ready when you are
If you are unsure, it is fine to start small. Read the guide on preparing for a first visit, jot down a few notes, and then reach out when you feel ready. You can also learn more about the practice on the about Dr. Rydz page or see the overview of frequently asked questions.
Common questions
Do I need a referral or a diagnosis to contact the practice?
No. You can reach out with a question or a concern even if you do not have a referral, a report or a clear idea of what is happening. The first conversation is for understanding your situation. If a particular payment route has its own requirements, the practice will explain them clearly before any services begin, and you will have time to decide.
Can I contact the practice in Spanish?
Yes. Dr. Rydz speaks English and Spanish. You can say in your first message which language you prefer, and the practice will make every effort to continue the conversation in that language. If other family members are involved, mention that too, so the plan can be explained in a way that works for everyone.
Should a child be part of the first conversation?
It depends on the child and the situation. Many families talk with the adults first so they can speak openly, and then decide together how and when to involve the child. The practice can suggest gentle ways to explain the meeting to a boy or a girl, in words that fit the family's values.
How quickly will someone reply?
The practice cares about replying thoughtfully, but it does not promise a particular response time. If you need help right away, this is not the right route. For immediate danger call 911, and for a mental health crisis call or text 988. For everything else, you are welcome to try the other contact method if you have not heard back.
Can a school or another professional make the first contact?
Yes. Teachers, school teams and other professionals can reach out about consultation. Because a family's privacy matters, the practice will talk with you about what can be shared and who needs to agree before a specific child is discussed. Eligibility and any supervision arrangements for professionals are confirmed with the practice directly.
What if I am not sure which service I need?
That is very common. Most people begin with a conversation, and the practice helps you choose a starting point from the five areas of support. Often that is an assessment, since it gathers the information needed for a plan. You can change course later, and nothing about a first conversation commits you to a long process.