Considering Whether Your Child Might Need Therapy: A Parent’s Guide

It can be upsetting and overwhelming to watch your child struggle or be told there is an issue that you cannot manage on your own. Maybe there has been a life change, such as a move, loss of loved one, separation or divorce, and you now you are noticing difference in your child. You may feel like you don’t know what to do or where to turn. It’s important not to blame yourself or dwell on where you went wrong. Instead, by focusing on the next steps you can help your child on the journey to feeling better.

Recognizing When Your Child Needs Emotional Support

How do you really know if and when your child needs emotional support? Do you wait to see if your child naturally outgrows the difficulties they are facing, or do you get help now? There may not be a right answer to if and when you seek therapy, but research shows that generally, when emotional or behavioral issues arise in children, early intervention is best. When parents are aware of support options, they are empowered to make decisions that are best for their child. Whether this is a new issue for your child or teen, or they have been struggling for a while, researching avenues for support and taking appropriate actions can give parents peace of mind that they are doing everything they can to help their child heal and grow into the best version of themselves.

Stages in the Process of Searching For a Child Therapist

Below are the stages parents commonly work through in the process of searching for a child therapist. Once you gain clarity on where you are in this journey, you can determine where to look for services and how soon to enroll your child in therapy.

1. Early Warning Signs Your Child May Be Struggling

You may notice concerning patterns in your child’s behavior or receive calls from school about difficulties with emotional regulation. It’s natural to wonder whether these behaviors are just a normal phase in your child’s development. You might consider waiting a year or two to see if things improve, but it’s also common to worry about the problem worsening.

It can be helpful to discuss your concerns with trusted adults, such as family members, your child’s teacher, or their pediatrician. These individuals may encourage you to monitor your child’s progress, provide helpful tips on how to support your child at home or school, or help determine whether the behavior is significant enough to address.

2. Researching Additional Support Services

When you are more certain your child needs assistance with emotional regulation or behavior management, it is helpful to do your homework. Parents should consider the extent of their child’s issues and how they impact them at home, school, and in the community to determine who might best help.

Common Types of Support Services

Child Therapy: This licensed professional helps children process emotions, develop coping skills, and improve behavior through play, conversation, and creative activities.

Speech Therapy: Supports children in improving their ability to speak clearly, understand language, and communicate effectively.

Physical Therapy: Helps children strengthen their muscles, improve coordination, balance, and flexibility, and reach important movement milestones.

Occupational Therapy: Focuses on helping children develop the skills they need for daily life, such as dressing, feeding, handwriting, playing, and self-care.

Applied Behavioral Analysis: ABA therapy teaches new skills and positive behaviors by breaking them into small steps and using reinforcement.

Considering a Diagnosis

In addition, consider whether to seek a diagnosis for your child, especially if you believe there will be a significant impact, such as focusing or attentional issues, which may hinder their academic development or their ability to perform daily life skills.

Common Diagnostic Professionals

Neuropsychologist: They look at how your child’s brain and thinking skills work together to explain why your child might struggle in school, have trouble focusing, or behave in certain ways.

Developmental Pediatrician: This is a medical doctor who specializes in children’s growth, learning, and behavior. They assess developmental milestones, diagnose conditions like ADHD, autism, and learning disorders, and help coordinate care with therapists, teachers, and other professionals.

Neurologist: They diagnose and treat conditions like seizures, headaches, movement disorders, and certain developmental delays. They often work closely with other specialists to make sure your child’s medical and developmental needs are met.

Other Medical and Health Specialists: These specialists may determine whether there are other medical or emotional factors that may be hindering your child’s development and need to be addressed simultaneously.

3. Deciding on Therapy for Your Child

After considering the difficulties that may be affecting your child, there are many providers who can help. Some helpful considerations when seeking child therapy or other types of related services may include:

Obtaining recommendations: These may come from family, friends, online resources, and other professionals.

Reading reviews: It may be helpful to learn from the experiences of other families.

Considering scheduling needs: Location, timing, communication styles, and the therapist’s ability to understand and support your child’s needs are important factors to consider.

Credentials and Experience: The provider may have specialized experience and licenses that may be necessary to support best.

Feeling Comfortable with Your Choice: Above all, you should feel confident and at ease, knowing your child is in the caring hands of a therapist who can help them grow, build resilience, and develop strong coping skills.

4. Scheduling An Appointement With a Professional

Depending on how soon parents seek support for their child, they may inquire about the availability of services. They should also consider if there is a waiting list or immediate openings, and most importantly, whether the provider can meet their child’s needs.

Get Support When Your Child Needs It Most

Determining if your child needs therapy is not easy, but it’s one of the most powerful ways to ensure your child’s emotional security, fortitude, and happiness. If you’re feeling stuck, Courageous Kids Counseling can help you make an informed decision, understand the difficulties your child is facing, and provide a more supportive path forward. Contact Courageous Kids Counseling for a free consultation or book an appointment for support in navigating your child’s emotional difficulties and fostering emotional strength and resilience in your child.