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.