How to Advocate for Effective Mental Health Services

Only 1 in 5 children diagnosed with an emotional or mental health exceptionality receive appropriate treatment. According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, emotional problems and mental health exceptionalities in children and adolescents are highly treatable. By learning how to advocate for early identification, comprehensive evaluation and appropriate interventions, parents and other caregivers can make sure children get the help they need and reduce the risk of long-term emotional difficulties.

Instructions

• 1

  If you are a parent and you suspect that your child may have an emotional disorder, contact a mental-health professional specializing in the treatment of children and adolescents in your community. Request a comprehensive evaluation.

• 2

  If you are a teacher and you suspect that a child may have an emotional problem, you should contact the parent or primary caregiver and ask to meet privately with you to discuss your concerns and to ask any questions you might have. This way everyone can work together to advocate for effective mental-health services for the child.

• 3

  As a parent, you should also be directly involved in any evaluation process and not be afraid to ask questions. It's critical that you understand the results of the evaluation, your child's diagnosis and the full range of treatment options that are available.

• 4

  If you do not agree with the results of a mental-health evaluation given to your child, are not comfortable with the clinician or treatment option, or do not fully understand a specific recommendation, do not hesitate to get a second opinion or to change therapists.

• 5

  Do not let anyone convince you that you cannot be directly involved in your child's diagnosis and Individual Education Plan (IEP) treatment options. This is your child and if you do not agree with an IEP, you can refuse to sign the documentation. The IEP cannot be implemented without your signature and approval.

• 6

  There are usually multiple support services in your community, county or region. If your mental-health provider does not know or will not provide you with the names and phone numbers of those community services, you could contact the local school district's special education director/administrator for a list of resources.

• 7

  Contact your state's Mental Health Director or the State Board of Education for a list of resources and a copy of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) if you feel your child is not being treated fairly or if he or she is not being given the proper treatment at the school. IDEA will give you all your available options so that you can advocate for comprehensive mental services and considerations within the public school system.

• 8

  If you feel any medication your child has been prescribed is making them ill, sleep too much or causing erratic behavior, notify the therapist and ask for a change in the type or dosage to correct any problems. You know your child best.