Making the decision to seek support from a mental health provider can be a daunting task. Waitlists, costs, and how to fit it all in can make your head spin. Then, once you have secured an appointment and are preparing your child for the initial visit, you may find yourself wondering how to initiate the conversation with your child or explain what to expect. I hope you find the following suggestions beneficial in preparing your child for working with a mental health provider:
Normalize the experience: Review the different ways your child cares for their body; the dentist keeps their teeth healthy, the pediatrician makes sure their body is growing in a healthy way. Identify that thoughts, feelings, and emotions are also important to keep healthy, and there are doctors and counselors to help with that. If your child tends to be anxious about doctor visits, let them know that there are no shots when you see a “feelings doctor.”
Prepare your child for what to expect: If you are unsure what the first appointment will entail, reach out to the provider. Ask if your child will be meeting alone with the provider, or if you will be a part of the initial consultation. Share this information with your child. Explain that the provider will ask questions and their job is to be honest and open. There are no right or wrong answers.
Visiting a mental health provider is not a punishment, but rather a gift: It’s an opportunity for your child to talk about their feelings and behaviors with someone who is not going to judge them. The provider will listen and help your child learn strategies to help them feel their best and be their best.
Preparing yourself is also just as important. Here are some tips that may be beneficial for parents and caregivers to remember:
Working with a mental health provider is a relationship: Both you and your child need to feel comfortable with the provider. If this is not the case after a few appointments, know that it is ok to change course. Sometimes it takes a bit to find the right fit.
Ask questions: Some examples of questions may include the expected length of treatment, the goal of treatment, how treatment is provided (method of therapy), and how you as a parent will be informed and included in the progress.
Plan how you will relay your concerns: You will likely be asked to complete intake forms to give the provider a basic understanding of your child’s needs and historical experiences. If something is not addressed in the forms or you have additional thoughts that present themselves after you share the completed forms, it is absolutely ok to follow-up with the provider.
As a final thought, your child spends a large portion of time in school on a daily basis. Mental health providers and schools can work together with you as the child’s parent/caregiver to provide consistent messaging and support, and observational data regarding how your child is functioning in the school setting. Your child’s school counselor has experience consulting with mental health providers and is able to provide this service with your consent.
If you have any questions regarding community mental health resources, please feel free to reach out to your child's school counselor Katie Mayer or David Hoppe.
Mental Health Resource Guide
Katie Mayer
802-857-6321
kmayer@ewsd.org
David Hoppe
802-857-6305
dhoppe@ewsd.org
