Not All Therapists Are Created Alike: Part Eight The Top 10 Things I Wish I’d Known On My Child’s Mental Health Journey
From a mother who never imagined her once squirrely and sweet six-year-old would face such tribulations as an adolescent, I wish to share the lessons I’ve learned, the opportunities I wish had been presented to me, and the essential navigation tips that might not have prevented our situation but would have undoubtedly eased our journey.
If you suspect even a mild concern about your child’s mental health, please hold onto this list. You might not be ready to tackle it just yet, but if you’re reading this, it means you’re aware, and awareness is the first step. As a mother who was once not ready to face these realities, I implore you to save this list.
During Covid, people started to pay attention to mental health more, though, mental health has been an ignored epidemic long before the pandemic began. While it’s encouraging to see a movement to increase mental health professionals, we have to be cautious in remembering quality > quantity.
Simply having more therapists available isn’t the solution to the intricate challenges many families face. The heart of effective therapy lies in a therapist’s skills, training, and the breadth and depth of their experience with specific diagnoses and behaviors.
As parents and caregivers, our aim shouldn’t just be to find “a therapist,” but to find “the right therapist” for our child and family.
Choosing a therapist or medication provider is not a unilateral decision but a collaborative one. This choice should be made in tandem with your child, for they are the ones who need to develop a strong connection with the professional.
Their comfort, trust, and willingness to engage are paramount. This journey, while daunting, can be approached systematically in three thoughtful steps:
1.Research Ahead of Time: Websites like Psychology Today offer a treasure trove of information about potential therapists, from their credentials and areas of expertise to their personal philosophies and approaches. Moreover, this platform usually showcases a photograph of the therapist, giving you and your child a first glimpse into the face behind the name. It also provides links to their personal websites and contact details, serving as a comprehensive starting point in your search.
2. Scrutinize Reviews with a Discerning Eye: Once you have a shortlist, Google their names. Dive into reviews, not just skimming the surface but critically analyzing feedback. Remember, a perfect score isn’t necessarily what you’re after.
Therapeutic relationships are deeply personal, and what works for one individual might not work for another. However, consistent negative feedback or alarming patterns in reviews — especially pertaining to working with children and families with complex needs — should serve as red flags.
3. The ‘Meet and Greet’ Interview: This step is essential. Before diving into therapy, request a preliminary meeting with the therapist, where both you and your child can discuss your needs, concerns, and expectations. This is an invaluable opportunity to gauge the compatibility between the therapist and your child, and for the therapist to evaluate if they are equipped to support your unique needs. It’s absolutely acceptable to conclude that a therapist might not be the right fit. A genuine professional will appreciate the upfront approach, understanding that the ultimate goal is the well-being of the child.
Here are some questions to consider researching and asking as you make your decisions:
Background and Expertise
- What are your credentials and licenses?
- How many years have you been practicing?
- What specific training or expertise in child and adolescent mental health?
- What types of mental health issues do you typically treat in children?
- How comfortable do you feel with families and children having complex mental health needs?
Approach and Treatment Modalities
- How do you assess & determine which treatment is most appropriate?
- How do you approach treatment for children?
- What evidence-based practices do you use?
- How do you stay updated with the latest research and methodologies in child mental health?
Engaging the Child and Family
- How do you build trust and rapport with children?
- How do you involve parents and caregivers in the treatment process?
- How often do you recommend family sessions?
Logistics and Practicalities
- How frequently are sessions typically scheduled?
- What is the expected duration of treatment?
- How do you handle cancellations or rescheduling?
- What are your fees, & do you accept insurance or offer a sliding scale?
Measuring Progress
- How do you evaluate a child’s progress and how often is it evaluated?
- How often do you reassess treatment goals?
- How do you communicate progress to parents?
Collaboration and Integration
- Are you open to working collaboratively with other professionals involved in my child’s care, like teachers, pediatricians, or other therapists?
- How do you approach multi-disciplinary treatments, if required?
- Are you able to provide us with other community resources as needed to help supplement treatment goals such as therapeutic or skill building programs?
Over the next few weeks join me in this series where I share each of the things I wish I would have known to hopefully help someone else along their journey.
