When it comes to our children, we want only the best for them. We want them to be happy, and healthy and have the tools they need to succeed in life. If you are concerned about your child’s mental health, you may be considering therapy. But how do you know if therapy is right for your child? And how do you know if the therapist you are considering is the right fit?
31 Questions to ask a child therapist:
- Why did you become a therapist?
- What do you enjoy most about working with children in therapy?
- What is your experience with treating children?
- What is your experience with treating children with my child’s particular issue?
- What are your treatment methods?
- Do you use play therapy? If so, can you tell me more about it?
- What is your success rate in treating children with my child’s particular issue?
- What are your qualifications?
- Are you licensed in my state?
- Are you a member of a professional organization?
- Have you ever been disciplined by your state licensing board or other professional organization? If yes, why?
- What are the most common issues children face in therapy?
- How can you help children feel comfortable in therapy?
- When do you think it is appropriate to discharge a child from therapy?
- Do you have experience with art or music therapy?
- What are your thoughts on using art in therapy?
- Do you offer other forms of therapy besides individual therapy, such as family or group therapy?
- How do you handle disruptive behavior in a child therapy session?
- How do you approach working with a child who has experienced trauma?
- What are your thoughts on discipline?
- What are your thoughts on spanking?
- What are your thoughts on time-outs?
- What are your thoughts on parental involvement in a child’s therapy?
- How do you deal with confidentiality issues when working with minors?
- Do you make any accommodations for special needs children in your practice?
- Are there certain groups of children you do not work with? If so, why?
- How do you deal with regression?
- How do you deal with non-verbal children?
- What do you think about the use of technology in therapy?
- Do you offer free counseling sessions?
- How often should children see a therapist?
29 Questions to ask a child therapist about the treatment:
- What can I expect during our first sessions?
- What can I expect during a typical session?
- Will you involve me in my child’s treatment?
- How will the therapy benefit my child?
- How long will the treatment last?
- How often will we need to meet?
- What are the costs associated with the treatment?
- Do you take insurance?
- Will the insurance cover your services?
- Do you offer sliding scale fees?
- What are your office hours?
- What is your cancellation policy?
- How do you handle confidentiality?
- Will I be able to speak to my child during treatment sessions?
- Can I call or email you between appointments if I have concerns or questions?
- What should I do if my child refuses to attend therapy sessions?
- What is your policy on missed appointments?
- Are you available for emergency appointments?
- Do you offer teletherapy or online counseling?
- What can I do at home to support my child’s progress in therapy?
- What are the signs that my child is making progress in therapy?
- Are there signs that my child may not be ready for therapy or may not be benefiting from therapy?
- What are some common challenges parents face when their children are in therapy?
- Can you provide me with some resources (books, articles, websites) that might be helpful to me and my family?
- What should I do if I feel overwhelmed or have questions outside of scheduled appointments?
- What are the risks and benefits of medication management services?
- Can you provide referrals for other services, such as tutoring or psychiatric evaluations?
- How can I contact you if I have questions or concerns outside of our appointment times?
- Do you have any other advice for me regarding my child’s mental health?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of a child therapist?
A child therapist is responsible for helping children overcome issues that are causing them difficulty in their lives. They work with the child to identify and understand the cause of their problems, and then help them find ways to cope and improve their situation. Child therapists can be helpful with both short-term and long-term issues, offering support to the child and their family.
What makes a good child therapist?
A good child therapist is someone patient, loving, and understanding. They have to be able to build a trusting relationship with the child to help them open up and share their feelings. The therapist must also be able to guide and support the child and help them work through their problems.
How do you know when it is time to find a therapist for your child?
There is no single answer to this question, as every child is different. However, there are some general signs that it may be time to seek professional help for your child. If your child is suffering from significant emotional distress, is having difficulty in school or social settings, or is exhibiting serious behavioral problems, it may be time to see a therapist.
Also, if you feel overwhelmed or unsupported in your role as a parent, the help of a therapist can be very helpful. Ultimately, the decision to seek therapy for your child is a personal one, and you should trust your instincts in making that decision.
How do you prepare your child for therapy?
Some parents are unsure how to prepare their children for therapy. It is important to explain to your child what therapy is and why they are going to it. Try to make it a positive experience and emphasize that the therapist is there to help the child feel better. Some parents find it helpful to practice relaxation exercises or breathing techniques with their child before the first session. It is also important to be supportive and positive during and after therapy sessions.
Conclusion
Therapy can be an extremely helpful tool for children struggling with mental health issues. It is important to do your research and find a therapist who is a good fit for your child and family before deciding whether or not to pursue therapy.
The questions above are designed to help you start this process so you can make the best possible decision for your child’s mental health and well-being.
