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Tips on Child Therapists

If your child seems sad, withdrawn, angry, or has experienced a trauma, it is imperative that you make an appointment with a child psychologist or therapist. Choosing the right adult to talk to your child, especially alone, can be nerve-racking. It can be hard to put your trust in another person when it comes to your child. Your child may be able to talk to a therapist about things he may feel uncomfortable talking about with you alone.

  1. Who Should See a Child Therapist?

    • Children who have recently moved, had a death in the family, experienced or viewed some type of violent trauma, have divorced or separated parents, don't want to go to school, have behavioral problems, seem sad or depressed, are withdrawn and won't play with other children, or seem to have something bothering them that they won't talk about are good candidates for seeing a child therapist. Of course, there are many other reasons a parent would choose to take their child to a therapist. No reason is too small or too silly--if your child seems off to you for any reason, taking him to a child therapist is a good idea.

    How to Choose a Child Therapist

    • Call or visit your primary-care doctor for recommendations of a child therapist who lives near you and has credentials you trust. Ask to see a resume or references before you take your child to see him or her. Licensed psychologists are required in the United States to have Ph.D. or Psy.D doctoral degrees, so determine if your therapist has these credentials. Psychological social workers will have the suffix "LCSW" after their name, which requires the therapist to have a masters or doctoral degree in social work. Either is an acceptable degree for a child therapist--avoid counselors or therapists with no degree, or who call themselves a "life coach." Always visit the therapist yourself ahead of time to get a feel for the therapist, then bring your child in to see how he reacts. If your child seems shy around the therapist at first, that's OK. If he eventually warms up and is able to talk to the therapist, this may be a good person for your child to see. Trust your instincts--if your child appears unnecessarily shy or upset around the therapist, you should choose another therapist your child will mesh with.

    What to Tell a Child Therapist

    • Before your child meets with the therapist, explain any situations or events in your child's life that may be upsetting him. Tell the therapist why you are concerned about your child and explain what you hope to get out of the sessions. If the doctor seems withdrawn or defensive, you may want to choose another counselor to meet with your child. Although it can be scary, it is important that your child meets alone with the therapist. There are things your child may say in front of the therapist alone that he may be uncomfortable saying in front of you. It is important that your child has someone to talk about these matters with.

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