How to Pick a Therapist for Your Child: A Comprehensive Guide

1. Understand Your Child’s Needs

Before you start looking for a therapist, it’s important to understand the specific needs of your child. Are they dealing with anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, or trauma? Understanding these needs will help you find a therapist who specializes in those areas.

Children under 2 should be seen in conjunction with their parent or caregiver for Parent Child Interaction Therapy, Child-Parent Relationship Therapy/Filial Therapy, TheraPlay or a similar specialization of play therapy.

Children ages 3-9 should be seen specifically by someone with some form of Play Therapy training.

Children 10-18 should be seen by someone with significant training in childhood and adolescent development.

2. Check Qualifications and Experience

There are various types of therapists who work with children, including:

• Licensed Professional Counselors (LCPC/LPC): Specializes in mental health and behavior; provides counseling and support.
• Marriage and Family Therapists (MFT): Focuses on family dynamics and relationships; provides family therapy.
• Child Psychiatrists: Can prescribe medication.

Ensure that the therapist you choose is licensed and has experience working with children. Look for credentials such as:

• Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor/ Licensed Professional Counselor (LCPC/LPC)
• Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker

3. Look for Specialized Training

Some therapists have additional training in specific therapeutic techniques such as:

• Play Therapy: Play therapists have specialized training on diagnosing children, childhood development, and interventions for children.  Play therapists near you can be found here.
• Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT): This is a specialized training for treating children who have experienced trauma.
• Art Therapy: Art therapy is an excellent way to explore and process feelings.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This is a form of therapy that helps clients understand the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.  For children, this is delivered through Play Therapy.

4. Read Reviews and Ask for Recommendations

Online reviews and recommendations from other parents can provide valuable insights into the therapist’s approach and effectiveness. Check your local Facebook groups or see what Google has to say about the therapist you're considering.

5. Check Availability and Location

Consider practical aspects such as the therapist’s availability and the location of their practice. Ensure that the appointments can fit into your schedule and that the location is convenient.  Consistency is important for your child's success in therapy, and so making sure you're able to make and keep appointments is crucial.

6. Assess Comfort Level

Your child should feel comfortable and safe with the therapist. The first meeting between child and therapist can help determine if there is a good rapport between them.  Initially, some kids may feel unsure about fit due to anxiety, and you can gently encourage your child to try one more time before deciding to discontinue and try again with a different therapist.  However, it's important to let your child be able to choose who they see, because the relationship between the therapist and child is the catalyst for change.

7. Monitor Progress

Once therapy begins, regularly assess your child’s progress. Open communication with the therapist will help you understand how your child is responding to the therapy and if any adjustments are needed.  It is the parent's responsibility to schedule these follow up appointments for progress checks.  The more open you can be to therapist feedback about changes you can make at home, the better and faster your child will progress in therapy.

Finding the right therapist for your child is a process that requires careful consideration and research. By understanding your child’s needs, checking qualifications, and ensuring a good fit, you can provide your child with the support they need to thrive.

For more information on child therapy and resources, reach out to us today!