How to Choose a Counselor for Teen Issues in Boise

Teens deal with a variety of mental health issues, ranging from mild depression to substance abuse or even suicidal tendencies. Adolescence marks a unique period in the emotional and psychological development of your child, which means it's important to choose a therapist who has experience with teens. Fortunately, Boise, Idaho, offers numerous mental health professionals specializing in teen issues.

Instructions

• 1

  Ask friends and family for recommendations. When people you trust have dealt with similar issues, they can provide unique insight into the kind of therapist who might be the best fit for your teen.

• 2

  Read reviews of therapists. Whether you're choosing a mental health professional based on a recommendation or on your own searching, it's important to see what other people have to say about this person. Try searching for the therapist name followed by the word "reviews" on the Internet. Click on the first few links that come up. If you see a stream of negative reviews, this could be a red flag. Also check out the therapist out on the Better Business Bureau website. If the therapist has a history of complaints from clients, the BBB may have a report on it.

• 3

  Check on the potential therapist's license. Look at the website for the Idaho Licensing Board of Professional Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists, which is in charge of accrediting family counselors. Look up the status of your therapist's license online. This board can also provide the number of years the therapist has been practicing as well as areas of expertise.

• 4

  Schedule an interview with the therapist to determine compatibility with your teen. Ask the therapist about years of experience in treating teenagers. Teens have unique needs; it's important that the therapist not only have experience with teenagers generally but also experience with your teen's particular issue.

• 5

  Discuss issues of confidentiality with the therapist. Your teen will need full confidentiality in order to feel comfortable talking with the therapist. Idaho law requires that the therapist notify you if your teen is a danger to herself or others. Different therapists interpret this law in different ways, so ask the therapist what information can't be shared with you.