Review this list of Frequently Asked Questions about child & adolescent counseling and therapy designed specifically for parents who are contemplating this treatment option. IPC MN has various qualified team members that can work with your child to address various challenges.
Parents are often confused about when it is appropriate to take a child for therapy. While each situation is unique there are some general indicators that reveal therapy may be beneficial. This may include when there are consistent emotional, behavioral, or social changes that interfere with daily life, academic success or relationships. While mood changes are certainly normal and not a cause for concern, when it becomes a persistent issue, intensifies or becomes disruptive it may be time to explore therapy.
The most common signs include drastic changes in sleep or appetite, loss of interest in activities, issues with concentration, frequent angry outbursts, or physical issues (headache/stomachache) without a medical cause. Finally, expressions of hopelessness, excessive worry, discussion about death, or talk of self-harm. These are all additional signs the child may benefit from seeing a psychologist.
This is a common concern shared by many parents. While the specific answer will depend on the specific circumstances of the case, many benefit from therapy alone. This is especially true when the issue(s) are mild, and treatment is supported by active family involvement. Psychologists rely on various treatment approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help develop coping skills, emotional awareness or new problem-solving skills.
Medications are generally considered when the symptoms are significant and affect daily life or when therapy alone is not providing improvement. For some, the combination of therapy and medication is the most effective treatment option. A psychologist does not prescribe medication and the decision to add medication to treatment is made in consultation with a pediatrician or child psychiatrist.
It is important to understand that not every child will need medication when in therapy. In many cases, children are able to resolve issues with therapy alone. However, if needed, medication is a valuable asset in treatment process which is only considered when appropriate.
The first appointment with a psychologist is designed to provide the parents and child with a comforting atmosphere. The primary focus will be on getting to know the child, creating initial connections, and relationship building. Time is also given to information gathering such as emotional issues, behavioral challenges, or academic challenges. Additional questions about the child’s development history, school performance, friendships, recent changes, prior assessments/treatments may be asked. The purpose is to get as much information as possible to develop a comprehensive understanding of the situation.
There is also individual time with children which allows them to speak openly and to further build trust in a supportive environment. Depending on the patient’s age, play, drawings, or conversations to observe emotional expression and coping skills may be used. For teens, this information is generally observed through more focused dialogue about feelings, stressors, and goals.
At the conclusion of the session, the psychologist will discuss initial impression and outline possible next steps. This may include additional assessments, therapy options, and even the need for collaboration with teachers and doctors. Guidance may be given on how to support the child during the treatment period.
In essence, the first appointment is really a time for the provider to meet and develop an understanding of the current challenges, identify triggers and stressors and identify an initial plan of treatment. Concurrently, it is also a time for parents and children to become familiar with the provider and develop a level of comfort with the process.
The parents play an important role in the therapy process. While the therapist works with the child to develop emotional awareness or coping strategies, the parents reinforce the lessons at home. Creating an environment of growth and stability will help the child apply the information learned during the sessions and accelerate progress. Without parental involvement this is very difficult to achieve.
During the early sessions, parents are often involved in providing background information—sharing observations about their child’s behavior, emotional patterns, school performance, and family routines. This helps the psychologist form a complete understanding of the child’s world and tailor treatment to fit the family’s needs.
As therapy progresses, parents may participate directly in certain sessions to work on communication, relationship patterns, and behavior management strategies. The psychologist might coach parents on how to respond to challenging behaviors, support emotional regulation, or encourage positive reinforcement at home. For younger children, parent participation is especially important, since much of the therapeutic work happens through guidance and follow-up between sessions.
It is difficult to answer this question without meeting the child and parents and understanding the specific circumstance. Since each situation is different the amount of therapy needed varies. Some children make noticeable progress in only a few months while others benefit from longer term treatment which can span a year or more.
Generally speaking, short term issues like adjusting to a new school, mild anxiety or improving specific behaviors generally require a shorter treatment time. More complex issues, such as ADHD, depression, or recovery from trauma require more time with ongoing evaluations to assess progress and adjust.