Finding a theropist

This is one of the most important decisions that you can make if your child needs therapy.  I highly recommend getting therapy not only for your child but for the family.  This is a very personal decision and can make the difference in coping with troubled children.  The lessons learned in therapy not only help the child but can be beneficial for you to. 

I have gone through many different therapists and psychologist on the way.  When you pick the wrong one it can hurt because you have to forge that relationship again.  Remember the children that I am talking about don't form attachments very well so when you switch to another doctor or therapist it can be a longer process to get the help you need.

I recommend not going with a state run facility, not to discredit what they do, but many offer services that do not specialize in what you need.  Try to get a specialist for your child for example if you have a preteen make sure that the practitioner specializes in preteens.  Make sure they are board certified, and don't go to one simply because they are the cheapest option.  This is not an easy decision because many families have budgets but if you consider the time, money, and resources wasted by going to the wrong doctor or practitioner it will cost you down the road.

I also recommend having a full licenced psychologist to manage your child's medications and treatment options.  Do not go with a RN or general practitioner.  This way you can get the best treatment options for you child.  I would also suggest an in home therapist or counselor.  Many can help with the home family and is very convenient.  Whether you choose an in home counselor or another therapist do not make this decision lightly and going to a specialist in you child's disorder is very important.  It helps to ask around.  If you are on a social network ask your friends what therapists they know.  Again ask all the important questions like are they fully certified or are they interns?  How long have they been in a particular field?  One thing to make clear is the relationship needs to be with you making the decisions and not them.  If they suggest a particular treatment option make sure they just suggest and not pressure you with "you have to" or "you have no choice" or even "let us make the decision here".  The practitioners job is to advise you of the options and not pressure you into making a decision that you are not comfortable with. 

Here are some on line resources that I find helpful on this topic.

http://psychology.suite101.com/article.cfm/finding-a-good-therapist

http://mental-health.families.com/blog/finding-a-good-therapist