| If you have determined that your child's behavior | | | | feel free to ask about the benefits and risks of any |
| issues must be called to the attention of a professional, | | | | treatment program the psychiatrist puts before you. |
| i.e., you think that your child needs "help", you should act | | | | When you return home after your child's initial session, |
| quickly to make that first appointment. | | | | ask your son or daughter what they thought about the |
| At your child's first visit with the psychiatrist or other | | | | therapist. You're not asking whether or not your child |
| mental health professional, you and your child will | | | | thinks he or she needs counseling, but whether they |
| probably be feeling anxious. That's normal. You may | | | | think they could work with this particular professional. |
| have also already heard from your child that he or she | | | | Think about how you both felt about the doctor. What |
| doesn't need to go, doesn't need help, and that this is | | | | was it like to talk to someone you've never met |
| stupid (or something similar in stronger words). Again, | | | | before about personal and intimate problems? Did the |
| this is to be expected, even if your child really thinks or | | | | therapist listen and seem to have a sense for your |
| hopes on the inside that therapy might help. | | | | feelings? Is this a person you could trust? Did you like |
| While there are many types of mental health | | | | the office location and setting? Remember, your |
| professionals, in order to avoid excessive wordiness, I | | | | comfort and your child's comfort, both with the |
| will, from here forward, refer to the mental health | | | | therapist and with the surroundings, are important |
| professional as the "therapist" unless referring to | | | | considerations. |
| something that only one professional, i.e., a psychiatrist, | | | | If you don't feel comfortable with the therapist and feel |
| can do or provide. I'm also going to use the pronoun | | | | this is not a good "fit", you should pay for the visit and |
| "he" instead of having to use "he or she" or the | | | | move on to the next therapist on your list. When the |
| awkward "they". Please bear with me here. | | | | chemistry does feel right, you will have taken the first |
| The therapist will probably ask questions about your | | | | step toward helping your child overcome his problems. |
| family's background, habits, your child's general health, | | | | Many parents are unaware of, and surprised by, the |
| and why you think your child needs treatment. He will | | | | fact that information about their child's mental health |
| want to know when your child last had a complete | | | | and substance use is protected under confidentially |
| physical examination and may ask your permission to | | | | laws. Parental access to records is limited, especially in |
| consult with your child's personal physician. He will also | | | | the case of older adolescents. This means that you |
| ask about any history of mental illness on either side of | | | | may not have access to privileged information unless |
| your child's family. | | | | your child gives permission for that access. Ask the |
| Be honest about your child's problems as you see | | | | therapist about your and your child's status with regard |
| them and cite any specific instances of emotional or | | | | to confidentiality. |
| behavioral difficulties that you are able to recall. The | | | | At your child's first appointment, you should do the |
| therapist will probably see you and your child | | | | following.o If you have not already asked about the |
| separately at the first visit in order to obtain the most | | | | therapist's credentials, do so now. Is he a psychiatrist |
| information, as well as to learn about the problem as | | | | (i.e., a medical doctor or a doctor of osteopathy), a |
| seen from both perspectives. | | | | psychologist, a social worker, or a master's level |
| These days, you cannot make any assumptions about | | | | professional counselor? Is he licensed in the state |
| anything. Ask if the practitioner is licensed by your | | | | where you live?o If he is a psychiatrist, ask if he is an |
| state, and ask their level of education. (Remember all | | | | adolescent psychiatrist and whether or not he is |
| those letters?) You should also feel free to ask | | | | board-certified in adolescent psychiatry?o What is my |
| questions about fees, appointment flexibility, cancellation | | | | child's diagnosis, and how did you come to make that |
| policy, and insurance form processing. Ask whom you | | | | diagnosis? (If you're not exactly sure what the doctor's |
| should call if you are unable to contact the doctor, | | | | words mean, ask for an explanation.)o How often will |
| especially on weekends, holidays, after hours, or in an | | | | you see my child?o What is your hourly fee? Is this for |
| emergency and also ask how long you might have to | | | | a fifty-minute hour?o Do you take (whatever type of |
| wait for a return call if you call in with a concern | | | | insurance you have) insurance?o What is your |
| between appointments. | | | | cancellation policy?o What should do if my child |
| Good practitioners select from among many forms of | | | | refuses to come to see you?o Who should I call if I |
| psychotherapy and other treatments, depending upon | | | | cannot you (the therapist), especially on weekends, |
| your child's needs. There are psychotherapies that help | | | | holidays, after hours, or in an emergency?o Do you |
| patients to change behaviors or thought patterns, | | | | have, or could you suggest, any reading material to |
| psychotherapies that help patients explore the effect | | | | help me understand my child's illness? |
| of past relationships and experiences on present | | | | Now that you have taken the first step toward |
| behaviors, psychotherapies that treat family members | | | | ensuring your child's improved mental health, be sure to |
| together, and other psychotherapies tailored to help | | | | follow through. Don't be talked into missing your child's |
| solve other problems in specific ways. Ask what type | | | | next visit. Do what you need to do. Remember: you're |
| of therapy the therapist will practice with your child and | | | | the parent and it's your responsibility. |