Whether your kid already has a diagnosis, or you’re just starting down this road, therapy options for teens and kids can seem endless, but at the same time, also nearly impossible to find! How is that possible? Well, put on your mom or dad superperson cape, because seeking therapy for your teen or child is one of those parenting moments when you’ll have to be your child’s best advocate. It takes research and perseverance, but you can do it!
What you need to learn first: 1. what type of therapist is best for my child, and 2. what type of therapy?
Asking your teen or child questions at the onset can help (see chart below), but don’t be discouraged if it actually takes visiting with several (or more) therapists to discover the type that works for your family. This is a trial-and-error process. My own teen went through three therapists (and I called and inquired about at least a dozen more) before he declared, “Mom, you found him!”
Types of therapists for teens and kids:
You’ve got choices! Maybe more than your head can handle at first, but bear with me. Many types of therapists practice similar styles of therapy, and their expertise can overlap. This list doesn’t represent ALL the options available to you, but does cover the most common.
Licensed clinical social worker or mental health counselor:
Licensed social workers and mental health counselors are often on the front lines of family and teen therapy. They are not M.D.s and cannot prescribe medication, but their style of therapy can range between congnitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to ‘talk’ therapy, mindfulness exercises, and everything in-between. We saw one therapist who liked to use art therapy, another who talked a lot about dreams, and another who focused on meditation. What works best for your teen or child can only be determined by trying them out!
Psychologist or behavioral analyst:
Similar to social workers and counselors in many of their practices, psychologists have further training in specific conditions (therapists are a broader category). If your child has a condition that affects his learning or neurology, such as ADHD or autism spectrum disorder, and needs support to manage emotional or behavior issues, a psychologist might best. Often, therapy with a psychologist can be paired with ABA sessions with a behavioral analyst.
Psychiatrist or pyschiatric RN:
If your child or teen is seeking medication-focused therapy or needs medication in conjunction with therapy, they’ll need to see a doctor who can prescribe medication, like a psychiatrist or psychiatric RN. What works for my teen: seeing a psychiatric RN monthly for medication management while ALSO seeing a licensed social worker weekly for mindfulness and psychodynamic therapy.
Types of therapy options for teens and kids:
Therapists might practice mindfulness cognitive therapy, art therapy, talk therapy, psychodynamic therapy (focusing on emotional processes instead of focusing on behavior), dialectical behavior therapy (a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that combines strategies like mindfulness and acceptance), and more. How to know what type you’re in for whe you walk into the therapist’s office? You have to ask.
If your teen or child is new to therapy, you’ll need to learn as you go, and that may mean trying out several therapists. When my son first started therapy, he had no idea what he needed or wanted in a therapist, and it was only after experiencing several that he narrowed down his ‘want list’. His first therapist focused too much on family dynamics (in his opinion), his second one waited too long for him to talk (focusing on situational or emotional therapy), and his third was too ‘new age’ for his taste. When he finally found the one he liked, he already knew what he wanted to avoid. It was a start!
Where to find therapists:
Good resources include: your family doctor or pediatrician, your personal network (just be sure to keep your child’s privacy in mind), your teen’s school counselor, or national resources, such as Psychology Today. If your child is already in ABA therapy, that’s a great place to start, too!
When you call a therapist or psychiatrist for the first time, be sure to:
Ask if they’re accepting new patients.
Ask about their personal therapy practices and style.
Explain any ‘hard stops’ or ‘must haves’ your teen or child already knows about. This ensures it will be a good fit. For example, when my teen found the therapist who works best for him, he explained at the start that he didn’t want to focus on emotions, but rather wanted ‘practical advice’, which ended up being cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) combined with mindfulness strategies. It works for him!
Most of all, if you’re seeking therapy options for teens or kids, please know you’re not alone. The process can feel daunting, but it’s do-able, and so worth it!
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