Here are a few questions that might be helpful to ask when you contact service providers:
Do you have expertise in treating children my child’s age?
Do you have experience treating my child’s symptoms?
Do you take my child’s insurance? How much will your services cost me?
What are the steps to access your services?
Is there a wait?
What is your approach to helping kids with their mental health?
How are parents and other family members involved in treatment? What are your expectations for parent involvement?
Will you work with my child’s other health care providers/school?
Some kids’ mental health organizations work with specific communities and cultures, like Black or Latino families, or they can help with certain problems, like substance use or family violence. Look for ones that fit your family’s needs.
What if I can’t find a good fit for my child?
Behavioral health providers are only one form of support that you have at your disposal. Your child might benefit from activities in the community, being mentored by a youth who has had a similar experience, or learning more about their identity and ancestry.