The number one question parents ask is, “How do I find a therapist for my child?”
Here are some suggestions:
- Ask friends and family for a recommendation
- Talk to your physician (they may be able to do a basic screening for depression and/or suicide risk) as well as recommend someone for your child to see
- Ask your school counselors if they have a list of recommended therapists
What to look for in a therapist:
- Someone who is available in a reasonable time frame (you should not have to wait more than a few weeks for appointments)
- Someone who has experience working with teenagers
- Someone who will keep you, as the parent, ’in the loop’. Ultimately, you want someone who will not only help your child, but help build your relationship with your child. A good therapist will encourage you to meet with them and your child so you can discuss what is going on and how you can all work together and support each other to make things better. You need to be part of the solution.
- It is helpful to have the therapist’s office located conveniently to your child’s school or your work or home.
IMPORTANT! If a counselor cannot see you within a few weeks, ask for a referral. Do not wait to seek treatment.