Finding help is not easy. Parents must choose from and communicate with numerous professionals including counselors, clinical social workers, psychologists, family nurse practitioners, psychiatric nurse practitioners, neurologists, family physicians, psychiatrists and adolescent psychiatrists to find help for their child’s problems. Parents can become lost without information and guidance to find help for their child.

There are a number of ways to find referrals. State licensing boards do not make referrals. However, in many states professional associations run a referral services for members. The next best place is to ask friends. You should do this only if you feel comfortable revealing the problems you are facing. Keep in mind that some people do not keep private matters private. Another option is to check the Yellow Pages in a phone book. Look under counseling and psychotherapy. In general you should be looking for someone who works with adolescents and families.

Positive outcomes result from informed decision making and the selection of a counselor or therapist that best meets your needs.  The deliberate selection of  your counselor or therapist based on an informed decision is an important factor.  The following is a list of questions that will help you select the best counselor or psychotherapist.  How well your counselor or therapist answers these questions and how you feel in the process will help you make the best decision.

• Are you licensed or supervised?

• What is your license or who is your supervisor?

• Have you ever had an ethical complaint sustained by your State Licensing Board?

• How long should counseling or psychotherapy for this particular issue take?

• How will I know if my child is benefiting from counseling or psychotherapy?

• How will we know and what will we do if counseling and psychotherapy isn't working?

• How will I know when it is time to stop?

• What are your qualifications to work with this particular problem?

• When was the last time you successfully resolved a similar case?

• Can you provide me with a reference from a former client or patient?
  [ Some patients will offer to act as a reference following the successful completion of treatment. An ethical therapist will not give your name as a reference without your permission. ]

• Do you consult with other professionals and who are they?

• How can I know you are the right person to work with?

• Do you have a written policy and information handout?

• What are the limits of confidentiality if I allow my child to work with you?

• How much will this cost per session (or weekly) and what is the estimated overall cost?

• Should I use my insurance or pay out of pocket?

• Is there a significant risk that my HMO, insurance or managed care company will restrict my treatment or terminate payment before my therapy is completed?

• What is your availability if I need to reschedule?

• Does someone cover for you when you are unavailable?

These sorts of questions are all reasonable and fair questions to ask. You need not ask all these questions. You can just ask the questions that make the most sense to you. Asking these questions in person will help in your selection of a counselor or psychotherapist. Phone interviews are not the best way to decide if you can and should work with someone who is potentially qualified to work with you. Professionals should be comfortable and willing to discuss any questions you might have and go over any other issues that are important to you. Professionals should  have a written handout or pamphlet that will answer most of these questions and describe their practice in some detail. 

Dated: December 30, 2007