Learn how to offer support and understanding and how to help your loved one get mental health resources for teens and children.
Questions to Ask Your Child’s Provider
You’ve found a professional to help. Now what?
A good mental health provider will guide you through the process with compassion, but there are questions you can ask to ensure you’ve found a good fit. It’s also helpful for you to have all the information you need to supplement your child’s care.
Here are some thoughts to get you started:
- What experience do you have treating children and adolescents with this condition?
- What is your typical approach to treatment with this condition?
- What do these approaches involve?
- How long do you expect treatment to last?
- How frequently will we be meeting?
- Will you be meeting with just my child or with multiple members of the family?
- How can I be appropriately involved?
- Will there be homework or activities for us to complete outside of sessions?
- Do you accept my insurance?
- What are your fees?
- How do you track progress?
- How will I be informed about my child’s progress?
- How soon can I expect to see changes?
Guide to mental health specialists
Primary Care Provider (PCP)
Your Primary Care Provider can help identify if you’ll benefit from treatment in primary care or a referral to a specialty mental health provider.
Psychotherapist
A provider who specializes in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health conditions, most often focusing on psychotherapy or counseling and promoting health behavior change.
Psychiatrist
A provider who manages assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health conditions, most often specializing in medication-related treatment.
Choosing the right words can be tough
Choosing the right words can be tough
Learn how to offer support and understanding and how to help your loved one get mental health resources for teens and children.
