Starting Child Counseling
A Guide for Parents on the First Steps Towards Support
Deciding to seek support for your child is a significant and brave step, reflecting your commitment to their well-being. For many parents, the idea of starting child counseling can feel overwhelming, with questions about where to begin and what to expect. This guide will walk you through the essential first steps, helping you find a child psychologist near you and navigate that all-important first therapy session.
Recognizing the Need for Support
Children, like adults, experience a wide range of emotions and challenges. Sometimes these challenges persist, impact daily functioning, or seem beyond typical developmental stages. Research consistently shows that early intervention in mental health concerns can lead to better long-term outcomes for children¹. Common reasons parents seek counseling include persistent behavioral issues, anxiety, depression, significant peer problems, trauma, or difficulties adjusting to major life changes like divorce or bereavement².
Finding the Right Child Psychologist Near You
The search for a mental health professional often begins with local resources. Here are some avenues to explore:
Pediatrician Referrals: Your child's pediatrician is an excellent first point of contact. They have a comprehensive understanding of your child's health history and can provide informed recommendations for specialists in pediatric psychology in your area.
School Counselors/Psychologists: These professionals can offer insights into your child’s functioning in an academic setting and often have referral networks for local practitioners.
Online Directories and Professional Organizations: Websites like the American Psychological Association (APA) and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) offer search tools to find licensed professionals by specialty and location³. Ensure you look for psychologists specializing in children and adolescents, as their training is specifically geared towards developmental appropriateness.
Word of Mouth: Friends, family, or other parents you trust might have positive experiences with local therapists. While personal recommendations can be helpful, always verify a therapist's credentials and ensure they are a good fit for your family's needs.
When inquiring, don't hesitate to ask about their experience with your child's specific concerns, their therapeutic approach, and logistics like insurance and scheduling.
Preparing for the First Therapy Session: Child and Parent Perspectives
The first therapy session experience can set the tone for future engagement. Here are some tips to prepare:
Talk to Your Child (Age-Appropriately): Explain what therapy is in simple terms. You might say, "We're going to talk to a kind helper who talks to kids about feelings and helps them with things that are tough"⁴. Emphasize that it's a safe space and not a punishment.
Manage Expectations: Understand that therapy is a process, not a quick fix. Progress takes time. The initial sessions often involve assessment, where the psychologist gathers information about your child’s history, development, and current challenges.
Parental Involvement: Many child therapy approaches recognize the critical role of parents. For younger children, play therapy is often utilized, which allows children to express themselves through play. For older children and adolescents, the therapist might meet with both the child and parents, or primarily the child, with check-ins with parents to discuss progress and strategies. A meta-analysis by Lund et al. (2018) highlighted the importance of parental involvement in improving treatment outcomes for children with mental health disorders⁵.
Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength. With the right support, your child can learn valuable coping skills and thrive.
References
¹ Merikangas, K. R., He, J. P., Burstein, M., Swanson, S. A., Avenevoli, S., Cui, L., ... & Swendsen, J. (2010). Lifetime prevalence of mental disorders in US adolescents: Results from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication–Adolescent Supplement (NCS-A). Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 49(10), 980-989. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaac.2010.05.011
² Kazdin, A. E. (2013). Annual research review: The mechanisms of change in psychotherapy for children and adolescents. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 54(4), 368-378. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-7610.2012.02611.x
³ American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Find a Psychologist. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/find-help
⁴ Cohen, J. A., Mannarino, A. P., & Deblinger, E. (2006). Treating trauma and traumatic grief in children and adolescents. Guilford Press.
⁵ Lund, M., Skovgaard, A. M., & Horte, J. (2018). Parental involvement in psychological treatment for children and adolescents: A meta-analysis. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health, 12(1), 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13034-018-0210-9
