The Problem
College planning has become one of the most common and overwhelming sources of stress for families—especially those in the middle-income bracket. The process is confusing, the stakes are high, and many parents feel like they’re already behind. For families earning $100,000–$200,000, the shock is even greater when they realize that they may not qualify for meaningful financial aid despite rising costs.
For many clients, this stress doesn’t show up as “college anxiety”—it shows up as irritability, avoidance, procrastination, marital conflict, or sleepless nights. What they’re really struggling with is uncertainty—and we know that uncertainty is a core driver of anxiety.
Unfortunately, most financial advisors don’t address the emotional and relational toll of this stress, and most therapists avoid the numbers entirely. That leaves a major gap—and families stuck in the middle.
The Solution
We offer a hybrid solution-based counseling package designed to address both the emotional and practical aspects of college planning stress.
Clients can access this service in two ways:
Track 1: Therapy-Based Family Counseling
Who it’s for: Families who present with adjustment disorders, generalized anxiety, family communication issues, or situational stress related to upcoming college transitions.
How it works:
- Delivered under a psychotherapeutic framework (billed via insurance or private pay)
- Services include:
- An assessment of family dynamics and presenting concerns
- Psychoeducation around stress, uncertainty, and planning avoidance
- Guided exploration of values and goals related to education, finances, and identity
- A clear, collaborative overview of the financial aid system (FAFSA, CSS Profile, merit-based aid)
- Space for processing fears, regrets, and decision paralysis
- Tools for communication and follow-through
- Planning check-ins as part of regular therapy (e.g., annual family review sessions)
Therapeutic Focus:
- Reducing anxiety through increasing clarity and structure
- Addressing couple or parent-child tension related to college choices
- Building a “shared roadmap” for the family
Track 2: Flat-Fee Educational Planning (Offered via maguire taxes)
Who it’s for: Families who do not present with mental health concerns but are overwhelmed by the complexity of college financial planning.
Flat Fee Service Includes:
- Personalized overview of FAFSA/CSS Profile process
- Family-specific aid eligibility review
- Income and asset positioning advice
- Tips on how AGI, home equity, and business ownership affect aid
- College list strategy based on financial fit
- Optional follow-up check-ins annually
Price Point: $500 for initial review and strategy session; follow-ups available à la carte or on retainer.
Why This Works
This integrated model allows us to:
- Offer therapeutic relief to families experiencing emotional strain
- Provide practical guidance on college funding options
- Bridge the gap between emotional avoidance and confident action
- Create ongoing opportunities for therapy through annual life transitions (college, finances, identity, empty-nesting)
Summary
This program isn’t just about helping families fill out forms—it’s about giving them tools to face uncertainty with confidence. Whether through a therapeutic lens or a financial one, we help families move from anxiety to action, together.