Talking with a therapist can be a very effective way for your child to maintain good emotional health. You might want to go to one or more appointments with your child, or you might let him or her go alone.
- If you're concerned about your teenager, get
help early rather than late. If your teen is struggling with a problem, it
won't go away by itself. Waiting can just make the problem worse.
- If your teen has been feeling depressed or
anxious, talk with a medical doctor to rule out any physical problems that might
be causing these feelings. Some physical problems mimic the symptoms of
depression.
- Get the names of at least 3 therapists. Contact
your health care insurer, ask your medical doctor, teachers, family member(s),
and/or friends for suggestions.
- You or your child should call each therapist to
find out if they are available for an appointment. Also find out where they are
located, how much they charge, and whether the visits would be covered by any
health insurance you or your child might have. Some therapists will come to
your teen's school for an appointment.
- Determine whether you should go with your teen
for the first appointment. The therapist may even want to see you alone before
meeting with your child. Remember that unless a client intends to hurt
themselves or someone else, the therapist is legally bound to keep the sessions
confidential.
- Decide how you and your teenager feel about this
therapist. Can you both talk openly with them? Do you feel you can be honest?
Do you both trust them? Do you think they know how to help? If not, try a
different therapist. It's important to find someone who makes both you and your
child feel comfortable and secure.
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