Finding Help for Your Child

When Is It Time To Seek Help?

Many physical and emotional signs suggest a possible mental health problem. Any problem that is personally bothersome warrants evaluation. Further investigation may be necessary when a child seems out of step with peers or exhibits changes or problems in any of the following areas:

How Do I Find Treatment?

Parents should consider the following checklist of questions to ask and issues to consider when deciding on a professional and a type of treatment.

• Professional's credentials and training: Consider the training of the professional and inquire as to his/her experience or expertise with the problem. If the professional is licensed in your state, make sure the professional has the appropriate credentials.
• Experience: Select professionals with experience with children and expertise with the particular problem of concern.
• Involvement: What role will you, the parent, have in your child's treatment? Make sure you are comfortable and understand how parents are involved.
• Type and format of treatment: How often will your child need to see a professional? What is the length of treatment? Parents and children should understand the scope of the treatment, the procedures used and the frequency and duration of the sessions.
• Cost, insurance policy: Know your health insurance coverage for mental health. Ask about acceptance of insurance when you talk to professionals. It is the parents' responsibility to know their own financial resources and any insurance requirements and limitations.
• Location, ease of accessibility: Treatment must balance convenience with availability of the professional.

How Do You Choose the Right Professional?

It is important to feel comfortable with the treating professional. Having confidence in the person is essential for establishing a positive working relationship. However, if the parents or child feel uncomfortable after a few sessions, this should be discussed in order to assess the source of the problem. Is the difficulty due to embarrassment about discussing the problem? Is the child resistant due to being angry with the parents for suggesting treatment? Or is it incompatible styles between the professional and the client?

What Is the Parent's Role in Treatment?

The initial session or two is usually used to evaluate the problem. You may be asked to provide information about family medical history, home environment, the child's physical and emotional development, and friendships. You should expect to discuss the assessment and outline a plan of treatment.

Parents should be informed about the treatment plan. Elements should include:

• Their role in treatment;
• The preferred method of communication with the professional;
• A schedule for feedback and updates;
• Coordination with outside resources or professionals;
• Strategies for helping their child participate in treatment; and
• Alternative treatments, risks and goals.

Successful therapy requires an investment of time and energy. The therapist may act as a guide, instructor, and confidante. The parents and child must also participate and take responsibility for putting the learning into practice. It is important for everyone involved to monitor change and progress.

This information has been adapted from the article "Choosing a Mental Health Professional for Your Child: Who, What, When, Where, Why, How" by Robin F. Goodman, Ph.D., from the New York University Child Study Center. The article can be read online at www.AboutOurKids.org.