How Do I Find A Therapist for Teens?
If your teen is an immediate crisis, please call 911!
Research, Research, Research!
The first thing you want to do is do your homework. Finding a therapist that is right for your teen takes time and effort! When you call a potential therapist, make sure you ask the research questions below to help increase the chances of a good fit!
Things to consider during your research:
- Location and availability of the therapist (is his/her practice open? Can he/she see your teen after and before school?)
- Short-term or long-term needs
- Training of the therapist(is the therapist certified or credentialed?)
- Payment. If you have health insurance, start by calling your insurance company and inquiring about your mental (or some call it behavioral) health benefits. Don't forget to ask how many sessions are covered and what your co-pay will be.
Your insurance company will give you a list of covered therapists in your area. Some therapists will not take insurance so you have to pay out-of-pocket. If this is the case, ask your insurance company if you can be reimbursed. Some therapists offer a "sliding scale." - Therapist orientation -- each therapist is trained and practices under a certain "orientation." For example, a therapist with a cognitive-behavioral orientation believes that thoughts and behaviors are tied to symptoms, and will conduct therapy aimed at changing behaviors.
In contrast, someone with a family systems orientation believes that symptoms are related to whole family dynamic of the teen. Often times, parents or siblings can be brought into therapy sessions as well.) - Does your therapist have experience with adolescents?
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Start Searching!
Network and ask for referrals!
The following are resources to help you find a therapist:
- Ucompare health care
- American Psychological Association
- Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies "Find a Therapist" page
- Mental Health Services Locator
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Give Your Teen Options
Let your child pick for a few therapists. Not all therapists on your list will be a good fit. With many factors to consider including money, orientation of the therapist, experience with teens, the most important thing to consider is that he/she is a good fit with your teen.
Visit our page on Depression.
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