Finding
Help for Your Child
Taking
your child to the doctor for a mental health problem is as important
as visiting the doctor for an ear infection or broken arm. But
knowing when and where to seek mental health care can be difficult.
Here are some these tips for parents to make the process easier.
When
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:
| • |
Eating habits or appetite |
| • |
Sleeping |
| • |
Schoolwork |
| • |
Activity level |
| • |
Mood |
| • |
Relationships
with family or friends |
| • |
Aggressive
behavior |
| • |
Behavior typical of a younger child |
| • |
Speech and language and other development milestones |
Finding treatment
Parents should consider the following checklist of questions
to ask and issues to consider when deciding on a mental health professional
and type of treatment.
- Professional
credentials and training: Consider the training of the
professional and inquire about 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 treating children and expertise
with the particular problem.
- Involvement: What role will you play 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? How long is treatment?
Parents and children should understand the scope of the
treatment, the procedures, and the frequency and duration
of the sessions.
- Cost and
insurance: Know your health insurance coverage
for mental health. Ask if your insurance is accepted. Your responsibility
is to know you financial resources and any insurance
requirements and limitations.
- Location, availability: Treatment must balance convenience
with availability of the professional.
Choosing an appropriate professional
It is important to feel comfortable with a mental health professional.
Having confidence in the person is essential for establishing
a positive working relationship. However, if the parents or
children feel uncomfortable after a few sessions, discuss to find the source of the problem. Is the
difficulty from embarrassment about discussing the problem?
Is the child resistant and angry with his or her parents for
advocating treatment? Or is it incompatible styles between the
professional and the patient?
A parent's role in treatment
The first few sessions are usually used to evaluate the problem.
A parent may be asked to provide information about family medical
history, home environment, and a child's physical and emotional
development, including friendships. You should expect to discuss the
assessment and outline a plan of treatment.
Parents
should be informed about the treatment plan, which should
include the following elements:
-
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 the child participate in treatment
- Alternative
treatments, risks, and goals
Successful
therapy requires an investment of time and energy. The professional
may act as a guide, instructor, and confidante. The parents
and child also participate and must take responsibility for
putting learning into practice. Everyone
involved must monitor change and progress.
Adapted from "Choosing
a Mental Health Professional for Your Child: Who, What, When,
Where, Why, How," by Robin F. Goodman, PhD, New
York University Child Study Center.
