When it comes to taking care of your child’s mental health, finding the right practitioner is essential. Whether your child would benefit from therapy or psychiatric care, the right mental health professional can make a tremendous difference to their progress. Nevertheless, with so many options available in a metropolitan area such as New York City, the process of finding the perfect practitioner can be daunting. This article will focus on how to choose a clinician who resonates with your child’s unique needs and fosters a positive therapeutic relationship.
1. Identify your child’s needs.
The first step in choosing the right clinician is to identify your child’s needs. This will take some reflection. Consider the challenges they face. Are they feeling chronically anxious or depressed? Does your child or their teacher report social difficulties? Perhaps they have recently lost a loved one or experienced trauma. Understanding your child’s difficulties will help guide you in selecting a professional with the expertise to address their concerns.
2. Research Different Modalities and Approaches.
Mental health practitioners use different therapeutic modalities and approaches. Take some time to familiarize yourself with various techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), psychodynamic psychotherapy, supportive psychotherapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). By familiarizing yourself with different modalities, you will better determine which approach aligns with your perspective and your child’s preferences and goals. Keep in mind that the strength of the therapeutic alliance is the single most important predictor of the effectiveness of the therapy, so don’t necessarily be wedded to a specific therapy modality. Look for someone who seems like a good match for you and your child’s personality. Depending on the age of your child, you will also need to meet regularly with your child’s clinician, so it is equally important you are comfortable and feel heard.
3. Consider Credentials and Training
Mental health practitioners have various types of education and specializations. If you are interested in exploring medication for your child’s condition, you will need someone who is able to prescribe psychotropic medications (medications that have an effect on mood and/or behavior). For example, a psychiatrist is a mental health professional who completed a four-year medical degree and had specialized training to learn the field of psychiatry. A Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) is an individual who completed a master's in nursing and has advanced training in mental health care. Both of these types of professionals can diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe, and manage medications. Some Psychiatrists and PMHNPs provide psychotherapy (talk therapy). Others practice only psychopharmacology (the use of medication to address psychiatric symptoms and conditions).
Therapists or psychotherapists use talk therapy to help their patients navigate whatever challenges they are facing. A therapist will use a combination of listening and conversation to identify emotional triggers and stressors and how these affect your mental state. As described above, talk therapists might have training in a specific discipline such as CBT, ACT, or DBT. Many focus on different conditions, such as trauma, grief, anxiety, or phobias. Still, others might specialize in group therapy or family therapy. If you take into account your child’s needs, it will help you select a professional with the right background to help you navigate whatever obstacles they are facing.
4. Consider Education
As mentioned above, if you are looking for someone to prescribe medication for your child, you will want to find someone with the proper credentials, such as a PMHNP or an MD. If you are considering therapy in addition to medication for your child, ask if they practice psychotherapy (so-called “combination treatment”) or if they regularly collaborate with other clinicians who provide therapy.
There are many different types of practitioners who focus solely on providing psychotherapy. For example, a psychologist with a PhD or a PsyD has doctoral degrees in psychology. Other clinicians, such as Social Workers (LMSWs or LCSWs) and Mental Health Counselors (LMHC.) Some choose to work with a clinician in training. Trainees often offer reduced fees but are still completing their training and coursework, so will not offer the same level of expertise and experience. Regardless of the letters behind a mental health professional's name, it is important to ask about their approach and specialization and, if relevant to you, whether they have completed their training and are licensed to practice.
5. Assess Compatibility
Establishing a strong therapeutic relationship is essential for effective treatment. Chemistry is important! Look for a practitioner with whom you feel comfortable and you believe your child will connect on a personal level. Trust your instincts during an initial consultation, and ensure you and your child feel heard and respected. A good rapport is the foundation for trust, which is a critical aspect of mental health care.
6. Accessibility and Logistics
Consider practical factors such as the practitioner's location, availability, and cost. Determine whether you prefer a virtual option or in-person sessions. Assess the financial aspects and whether or not you wish to find a clinician who accepts your insurance. Inquire about how frequently you will meet and the general length of care if appropriate.
7. Trust the Process
Once you have considered the above, remember that finding the right mental health professional is a matter of trial and error. This includes being proactive and clarifying if you or your child feels misunderstood or if you think the treatment is not working as you envisioned. It is okay to switch practitioners if you decide the current one is not meeting the needs of your family. At the same time, it is important to realize that caring for your mental health is a process, and making changes takes patience. Your child’s mental health and well-being are worth the effort.
In conclusion, choosing the right mental health clinician is a crucial step toward achieving personal growth, healing, and well-being. Remember, there is no one size fits all approach. By identifying your child’s needs, researching the options, and assessing compatibility, you can make an informed decision that will help guide your child toward a brighter, healthier future. At The Midtown Practice, we offer a free 20-minute consultation in order to understand further what your child is experiencing and, through our careful matching process, work to find them an ideal therapist. Once we identify one or two choices, you will have another opportunity to speak to the clinician to ensure you and your child are comfortable. We take great strides to put you in touch with a clinician who has the right background and expertise and is a good match for you in terms of personality and style.
Julia’s board certification in Neurology and Psychiatry provides a unique perspective of both brain and mind. Her expertise combines a deep knowledge of neuroscience with more than a decade of clinical work. Julia’s unique dual board certification gives her perspective on both the medical and emotional aspects of the brain and mind. Her clinical expertise combines a deep scientific knowledge of neuroscience with more than a decade of clinical work. She has experience in diagnosing and treating a variety of psychiatric conditions with a range of psychopharmacological and psychotherapeutic approaches.
The Midtown Practice is a professional psychotherapy and psychiatry practice offering care across the lifespan. We treat those struggling with difficult emotions, psychiatric diagnoses, and/or other challenges associated with modern life. Our practice offers individual and group psychotherapy, couples and family therapy, as well as parent coaching. We provide psychopharmacology to children as young as six, and psychotherapy to individuals 12 and up. Together, our group of psychopharmacologists and psychotherapists are committed to helping our clients live with greater fulfillment, vitality and peace of mind.
