Psychotherapy with Children and Adolescents A Parent’s Guide "My son has been unhappy in the past, but always snapped out of it in a couple of days. This has been going on for months." Talk to Someone Who Can Help... "I want to do everything possible to help my daughter."   When to Contact A Psychologist... Your Child Needs to see a psychologist when he/she is... Depressed Anxious Having problems controlling his/her anger Getting into trouble at school or at home Having difficulties with friends Dealing with a major life change, such as a separation, divorce, death or relocation It is normal for children to go through short periods of unhappiness or difficulties with family, friends or school. However, when problems persist, it’s time to get help. If your child has a problem it does not mean you are a "bad parent." It means that your child is hurting and needs to get help. Getting help early can prevent long lasting problems   How to Find a Licensed Psychologist Call your local or state psychological association Contact your pediatrician Ask your school counselor Check with family and friends Check with your clergyperson. Preparing for the First Visit Check your mental health benefits with your insurance company. Most psychologists meet with the parents prior to the child’s first visit. Make a list of your concerns and questions. Several days before the appointment, tell your child that he/she will be going to a psychologist. Be honest about the reasons for the visit. Resistance is normal. Initially, your child may not want to go to a psychologist. You can call your psychologist and ask for suggestions on how to talk with your child about the first visit. After your child’s visit Some children will talk about their visit. Others, especially teens, may say very little. Don’t push, criticize or cross examine. Psychologists usually meet with parents after the initial evaluation to discuss their impressions and recommendations. Recommendations may include... new strategies at home or in school individual or group psychotherapy family therapy psychological testing a medication evaluation
	How a Psychologist Can Help Psychologists are specially trained to diagnose behavioral, emotional and learning difficulties. Psychologists help children and adolescents change behaviors that are causing them problems and help them learn to cope with difficult situations. Psychologists are experts in helping children and adolescents to understand and express their feelings. Psychologists work with children and adolescents in a number of different ways. Depending on the problem, they may see your child alone, in a group, or with other members of the family. Psychologists will, when indicated and with your permission, work with schools, physicians or other outside agencies.
	Your Psychologist’s Relationship With You and Your Child "It feels really good to have someone who listens to me. It makes me feel better. I can tell my doctor private things that are on my mind." Your psychologist has a special relationship with your child and will not tell you everything that happens during their sessions. Children need to feel safe and trust that what they say does not go any further. Be sure to talk to your child’s psychologist about opportunities to review your child’s progress in treatment and at home. As children get older, their need for privacy and confidentiality increases. Talk to your psychologist about your involvement with the treatment of your child or adolescent. If your child is not comfortable with his/her psychologist, this may be temporary. Discuss this with the psychologist. In most states there are laws which require your psychologist to report any serious concerns that a child is in danger of being hurt, hurting him/herself, or hurting someone else. Be assured that with only a few exceptions your psychologist will not talk to anyone about your child without your permission.
				It can be tough being a parent It can be tough growing up Asking for help is nothing to be ashamed of. It does not mean that you are a failure as a parent. Psychologists have helped many children and adolescents change their behavior and feel better about themselves. Help can be as close as a phone call away. Talk to Someone Who Can Help... Talk to a Psychologist
	Prepared By: Lawrence Beer, Ed.D. and Tammi Vacha-Haase, Ph.D. The Brochure Project A Joint Venture of the Divisions of Psychotherapy and Independent Practice American Psychological Association Co-Directors: Alice Rubenstein, Ed.D. and Sandra Haber, Ph.D. Publication Coordinators: Abraham Wolf, Ph.D. and Peter Sheras, Ph.D. © The Brochure Project, 1998 (602) 854-8950
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