If you have determined that your child's behavior issues must be called to the attention of a professional, i.e., you think that your child needs "help", you should act quickly to make that first appointment.
At your child's first visit with the psychiatrist or other mental health professional, you and your child will probably be feeling anxious. That's normal. You may have also already heard from your child that he or she doesn't need to go, doesn't need help, and that this is stupid (or something similar in stronger words). Again, this is to be expected, even if your child really thinks or hopes on the inside that therapy might help.
While there are many types of mental health professionals, in order to avoid excessive wordiness, I will, from here forward, refer to the mental health professional as the "therapist" unless referring to something that only one professional, i.e., a psychiatrist, can do or provide. I'm also going to use the pronoun "he" instead of having to use "he or she" or the awkward "they". Please bear with me here.
The therapist will probably ask questions about your family's background, habits, your child's general health, and why you think your child needs treatment. He will want to know when your child last had a complete physical examination and may ask your permission to consult with your child's personal physician. He will also ask about any history of mental illness on either side of your child's family.
Be honest about your child's problems as you see them and cite any specific instances of emotional or behavioral difficulties that you are able to recall. The therapist will probably see you and your child separately at the first visit in order to obtain the most information, as well as to learn about the problem as seen from both perspectives.
These days, you cannot make any assumptions about anything. Ask if the practitioner is licensed by your state, and ask their level of education. (Remember all those letters?) You should also feel free to ask questions about fees, appointment flexibility, cancellation policy, and insurance form processing. Ask whom you should call if you are unable to contact the doctor, especially on weekends, holidays, after hours, or in an emergency and also ask how long you might have to wait for a return call if you call in with a concern between appointments.
Good practitioners select from among many forms of psychotherapy and other treatments, depending upon your child's needs. There are psychotherapies that help patients to change behaviors or thought patterns, psychotherapies that help patients explore the effect of past relationships and experiences on present behaviors, psychotherapies that treat family members together, and other psychotherapies tailored to help solve other problems in specific ways. Ask what type of therapy the therapist will practice with your child and feel free to ask about the benefits and risks of any treatment program the psychiatrist puts before you.
When you return home after your child's initial session, ask your son or daughter what they thought about the therapist. You're not asking whether or not your child thinks he or she needs counseling, but whether they think they could work with this particular professional. Think about how you both felt about the doctor. What was it like to talk to someone you've never met before about personal and intimate problems? Did the therapist listen and seem to have a sense for your feelings? Is this a person you could trust? Did you like the office location and setting? Remember, your comfort and your child's comfort, both with the therapist and with the surroundings, are important considerations.
If you don't feel comfortable with the therapist and feel this is not a good "fit", you should pay for the visit and move on to the next therapist on your list. When the chemistry does feel right, you will have taken the first step toward helping your child overcome his problems.
Many parents are unaware of, and surprised by, the fact that information about their child's mental health and substance use is protected under confidentially laws. Parental access to records is limited, especially in the case of older adolescents. This means that you may not have access to privileged information unless your child gives permission for that access. Ask the therapist about your and your child's status with regard to confidentiality.
At your child's first appointment, you should do the following.
- If you have not already asked about the therapist's credentials, do so now. Is he a psychiatrist (i.e., a medical doctor or a doctor of osteopathy), a psychologist, a social worker, or a master's level professional counselor? Is he licensed in the state where you live?
- If he is a psychiatrist, ask if he is an adolescent psychiatrist and whether or not he is board-certified in adolescent psychiatry?
- What is my child's diagnosis, and how did you come to make that diagnosis? (If you're not exactly sure what the doctor's words mean, ask for an explanation.)
- How often will you see my child?
- What is your hourly fee? Is this for a fifty-minute hour?
- Do you take (whatever type of insurance you have) insurance?
- What is your cancellation policy?
- What should do if my child refuses to come to see you?
- Who should I call if I cannot you (the therapist), especially on weekends, holidays, after hours, or in an emergency?
- Do you have, or could you suggest, any reading material to help me understand my child's illness?
Now that you have taken the first step toward ensuring your child's improved mental health, be sure to follow through. Don't be talked into missing your child's next visit. Do what you need to do. Remember: you're the parent and it's your responsibility.
The above material was taken from Deborah Clark Ebel's book, The Forgotten Future: Adolescents in Crisis.
http://www.debebel.com
http://www.forgottenfuture.wordpress.com
http://www.authorsden.com/deborahclarkebel
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