How to Hire a Child Therapist

You know it's not just a phase that your child is going to grow out of. However, you don't have to go it alone: Seek the professional assistance of a therapist. You'll need to devote a great deal of time and care to finding the right person. It's important that you and your child hit it off with the therapist; otherwise, little will be accomplished.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Recommendations
• List of concerns

1. Identify your child's needs. Really listen to your child's teachers and understand that he or she may behave differently at home. Try to grasp the full dimension of what's going on.
2. Get personal referrals from people you trust. Check with your pediatrician, family doctor, school teachers and counselors, and other parents who've undertaken a similar search.
3. Contact your pediatrician and school psychologist if you suspect your child has special needs that should be addressed. For example, regional centers should be contacted for mental retardation or autism. For attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, contact the Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder organization (chadd.org). If learning disabilities are suspected, talk to your child's principal and request a learning assessment.
4. Contact several therapists to ask about their approach. Ask about their qualifications. The therapist must have a master's degree in psychology, counseling or social work, or a doctorate in psychology (see How to Hire a Mental Health Professional).
5. Find out about fees and office hours. Check with your insurance company; many insurers offer limited coverage for therapy.
6. Discuss your child's issues with the therapist and find out what experience he or she has in dealing with similar problems. Discuss the treatment plan. Find out how the therapist establishes trust with a potentially defiant patient--will he or she take the child for a walk? Play ball? Talk sports or Britney Spears for a while? Play therapy and art therapy are common modalities used with children. A therapist's approach is key to the success of the relationship and will vary with the age of the child.
7. Learn what happens in a typical session. Some therapists offer a trial session for a reduced fee or allow parents to sit in on one session. Whether this is advisable depends on the child's age.
8. Use your intuition above all. You are your child's best advocate and should feel confident and supported throughout treatment.

What to Look For:

• Your child's needs
• Referrals
• Professional qualifications
• Insurance coverage
• Appropriate experience and approach

Tips & Warnings

• Most counties offer a referral line to help you find a therapist-- a good place to begin your search if you can't get personal referrals.
• If your child needs medication, ask the therapist or your pediatrician to refer you to a child psychiatrist.