5 Tips for Finding a Child Psychologist
Updated June 08, 2015.
Written or reviewed by a board-certified physician. See About.com's Medical Review Board.
When it comes to your child's depression treatment, knowing how to find a psychologist is important. Child psychologists provide evaluations for diagnosis, treatments, recommendations, and referrals, and may engage in research.
Professional psychologists, also known as clinical psychologists, complete doctoral-level degrees and supervised clinical internships accredited by the American Psychological Association.
In the U.S., each state provides the requirements for the professional psychologist's licensing exam. Certain states allow for master-level professionals to become licensed as well.
Child psychologists provide depression therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and psychodynamic therapy, but do not prescribe depression medications.
When searching for a psychologist for your child, taking the following tips into account may help identify who will be a good fit for your child's treatment.
It is not uncommon for a child to be resistant to therapy at first. However, if after a few months of treatment, the psychologist does not seem to be working out, it may be time to find someone new. Talk to your child and try to understand her concerns. Also, talk with her psychologist to further try and understand the issue. Take this information into consideration if you decide to choose a new therapist.
However, if you notice that your child's depression is getting worse, or you notice new symptoms, talk to another medical or mental health provider as soon as possible. Untreated depression in children can lead to serious short- and long-term consequences.
Finding a good child psychologist can sometimes be a frustrating process -- but never give up. Your child's well-being is too important.
Sources:
Psychologist Locator. American Psychological Association. Accessed: March 14, 2011. http://locator.apa.org/
What Is the Definition of a Psychologist? American Psychological Association. Accessed: March 14, 2011. http://www.apa.org/support/about/apa/psychologist.aspx#answer
What Are the Qualifications to Become a Licensed Psychologist in the US? American Psychological Association. Accessed: March 14, 2011. http://www.apa.org/support/careers/licensure/qualifications.aspx#answer
Written or reviewed by a board-certified physician. See About.com's Medical Review Board.
When it comes to your child's depression treatment, knowing how to find a psychologist is important. Child psychologists provide evaluations for diagnosis, treatments, recommendations, and referrals, and may engage in research.
Who Are Psychologists?
Professional psychologists, also known as clinical psychologists, complete doctoral-level degrees and supervised clinical internships accredited by the American Psychological Association.
In the U.S., each state provides the requirements for the professional psychologist's licensing exam. Certain states allow for master-level professionals to become licensed as well.
Child psychologists provide depression therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and psychodynamic therapy, but do not prescribe depression medications.
Tips for Finding the Right Psychologist
When searching for a psychologist for your child, taking the following tips into account may help identify who will be a good fit for your child's treatment.
- Get recommendations. Recommendations are always a good starting place, so ask your child's pediatrician, school counselor, or other trusted resource.
- Examine their qualifications. Psychologists are licensed in each state. Check with the American Psychological Association for licensed professionals in your area. Also, look for a psychologist who specializes in working with children and mood disorders.
- Ask for an initial interview. When time permits, ask for an initial interview. Take the time to ask your questions, and any that your child might have. This is a good way to assess the potential professional relationship for yourself and for your child.
- Establish trust. A positive therapeutic alliance is an essential part of depression treatment between a therapist and your child. A trusting relationship is also important between you and the therapist. After all, you are entrusting her with your child's health, taking her recommendations, and trusting her to keep you abreast of her condition and progress.
- Consider convenience. You never want to compromise your child's well-being for convenience. However, convenience should be a consideration. Your child's depression treatment may last from a few months to several years. So you will want to find a psychologist who is available when you and your child are, and works out of an office that is relatively easy to get to. You never want lengthy travel times to be an excuse to skip treatments.
If Things Are Not Working
It is not uncommon for a child to be resistant to therapy at first. However, if after a few months of treatment, the psychologist does not seem to be working out, it may be time to find someone new. Talk to your child and try to understand her concerns. Also, talk with her psychologist to further try and understand the issue. Take this information into consideration if you decide to choose a new therapist.
However, if you notice that your child's depression is getting worse, or you notice new symptoms, talk to another medical or mental health provider as soon as possible. Untreated depression in children can lead to serious short- and long-term consequences.
Finding a good child psychologist can sometimes be a frustrating process -- but never give up. Your child's well-being is too important.
Sources:
Psychologist Locator. American Psychological Association. Accessed: March 14, 2011. http://locator.apa.org/
What Is the Definition of a Psychologist? American Psychological Association. Accessed: March 14, 2011. http://www.apa.org/support/about/apa/psychologist.aspx#answer
What Are the Qualifications to Become a Licensed Psychologist in the US? American Psychological Association. Accessed: March 14, 2011. http://www.apa.org/support/careers/licensure/qualifications.aspx#answer
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