Tips To Consider When Choosing A Child Psychologist

By Robert Reynolds


Today, there are as many therapists as you can find in the market. However, most of them are not qualified for the job. They are in it for the money, taking advantage of your vulnerable circumstances. If you need a child psychologist, you cannot afford to pick one hurriedly. You must be patient enough to research on their competence before you start using their services. The following tips will get you started.

Before you go to great lengths to find a competent therapist, begin at your local school that your kid attends. They must have a school counselor. Talk to the counselor about the condition of your kid and ask if they have any professional they can recommend. You will be surprised at how helpful they can be. In most cases, these counselors have lists of competent and qualified therapists at their disposal.

Besides seeking referrals from your school counselor, you should be ready to free parenting workshops. There are many therapy institutes, schools and parenting organizations that offer such workshops for free. This will be a great way to introduce yourself to the world of therapy. You will be in a position to understand how therapeutic process works without paying a dime. You will also benefit from the questions that other parents will be asking.

Getting referrals is a good way of finding competent therapists. Those referrals on the other hand, cannot just be from anyone. You need to get them from trusted friends. In addition, you have to be certain that both your kids have similar symptoms. Thereafter, ask the friend to describe their experience with the therapist whether it was positive or not. This will point you towards the right direction in finding the professional you seek.

Then determine whether the therapist schedules sessions for parents. Therapy cannot be successful if the parents do not play a major role in it. The professional will be there to guide you on how you are supposed to handle your child and probably give a better diagnosis for their condition. At the same time, parents have a critical role in ensuring that the advice given by the professional is adhered to.

You can never choose a therapist for your kid without meeting them. You want to be certain that the person truly exists and that they offer the services you are seeking. Before such a meeting, take time to call all the referrals you have been given and ask questions to help you evaluate their capacity. In the beginning, find out about their training and background if they are in line with children.

The other important question to ask is how often they meet the parent of the child they are working. Any therapeutic process for kids cannot be successful without actively involving the parents and teachers. They spend most of the time with the kid and will help to reinforce the lessons being given by the therapist.

When you meet the therapist, see if your child will be comfortable with them. Ask them what their charges are and their payment options. It is best to work with someone who accepts insurance.




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