Doctors and Counselors, Which one do I need?

When a parent understands their child may need psychiatric help, it is a crisis. Then the realization that you may not know what kind of help your child would do best with becomes reality. Do you need a psychiatrist, or maybe a Phd? How about a counselor or a therapist? Is there any difference? There are vast differences between the different types of help in the world of psychiatry, and I'll try to explain them simply here.
A psychiatrist is the medical doctor of the group. This professional has completed medical school, residency, internships and specialty rotations in a chosen field like psychiatry. They may be " boarded" by passing a rigorous exam in a practice area of expertise, like child psychiatry. These doctors can prescribe medications and have all the privileges ad responsibilities of a medical doctors, just like a pediatrician.
The next type is a PhD. These are academic doctors and have an extended education in a chosen area as well. Psychology is one area. The expertise can go farther into testing and family therapy. Some PhD's specialize in analysis which is a very long process of therapy. Some are especially trained in developmental psychology which focuses on the various stages a child goes through and what can cause them problems along the way.
The next possible level is either a LMSW (liscensed medical social worker, a Marriage and family therapist or an LPC. Liscensed Professional Counselor. These all require varying degrees of formal education at post graduate level plus a huge number of hours in internships working with the population they choose to specialize in. The latter 3 credentials usually charge less per hour, but if you pick the right one, they can give you just as much value and progress for your time and money. Unless you need testing, an expert in family dynamics or a doctor to use medications, the best place to start with is an LPC or LMSW. These professionals are very talented therapists,and can tell you after a couple of sessions if they can handle the situation and what the plan will be. They can let you know what they expect from you and your child and can enlist your help in creating a plan of care that will work well for you. They are also very good at letting you know if it is time to pull in a higher level of therapy for a consultation. A consultation generally is a short term visit with long term effects. A referral to another mental health provider simply means the therapist wishes to go to their strongest player on the team for a clear picture of the issue. The use of medication is probably the ultimate " go to the bench" play when there seems to be no other way to effectively and quickly interrupt symptoms that are are causing extreme disruption of the child's life. Your therapy experience may include one or all of these providers but rarely all at one time. Therapy is a process and in children, just like with their clothing, the kind, style and size needs to change as the child grows. It is not a quick fix and requires a commmitment on your part to follow the plan. It can be very beneficial and very helpful to you and your child. Wishing you all great mental health!

Finding a Therapist that Fits

When you have decided therapy may be needed for you and your child, how do you choose who to see? Your insurance carrier will give you suggestions and your friends will suggest people they know or have heard good things about. The school counselors may be able to help with a suggestion or two. But ultimately, the decision is yours.
Since this can be an overwhelming task by itself I offer a few pointers. Here are a some steps you can use to help make the choice easier. First, use a reputable source. Friends may be able to give you some names, but using an insurance carrier or a local mental health authority will cut the process time appreciably. Also you can be sure the person they are suggesting stands up to some sort of quality standards.
Next, be sure to verify the therapist you are considering is a child specialist. You can find this out by calling the office and asking a few direct questions. Make sure the therapist is skilled at therapy that is age appropriate for your child. Some therapists are not comfortable with play therapy and can only work well with a very verbal child. Also, check with the office on available times. If you are time stressed, perhaps a therapist who offers weekend or late evening appointments will work best. Find out how they handle after hours calls. At 10:30 in the middle of a crisis is the wrong time to discover your therapist uses a service that instructs callers to go to the emergency room. Additionally, you need to pick a gender. Some children do better with men, others with women. Generally, the person who is less threatening to the child will work the best, since therapy depends upon a trusting and honest relationship.
Be prepared to have sessions you are not included in. Children tend to talk more freely if the parents are not present. All therapists who work with children are duty bound to inform you of anything that is a danger to your child's health and well being. Most make it very clear from the beginning when they will break a child's confidence and why.
Don't expect rapid results. It takes time to form a relationship and this is what it is all about. Give the process time to have an impact. Encourage your child to feel free enough to call their therapist when they feel they need to. Let them know they have control over when and how much they talk to their therapist. Asks the therapist if they work well with other health professionals, like your family doctor, and especially teachers. Your child is provided care by a multitude of people throughout their day. They all have a perspective on what your child is going through that is different from any other. Use them all. They are all useful.
Finally, make sure your child is involved in the interview appointment with the therapist. The first meeting should be an informal one where you all can ask questions, and set some ground rules for the sessions. If your child feels they are given a say, the process can proceed much more smoothly. Don't be afraid to ask questions especially if you don't understand what the therapist is telling you. Information is only useful if it is understandable. Look at the therapy room. Is it child friendly? Is there child sized furniture, toys, a play area, maybe a sand box? What kind of art is on the wall? It should be something that appeals to a child.
With all this in mind, you are well prepared to find that special person who can work with you and your family to help provide the support your child needs through way may be a difficult period. Take great pride in pursuing help for you and your child. It takes a great deal of courage and compassion to help someone face their fears, because there are usually a few of you own that pop up along the way. Here's to starting the road to growing a strong, mentally healthy children. It is the best gift you can ever give. It can be one of the most enriching experiences for a parent and child to journey on this path together. One of lasting memories and exceptional insight into just who your child is becoming. Here is to good mental health.