S2E23: How to Choose the Right Therapist for Your Family: Key Questions and Insights

Hello, and welcome back to The Parent Doctor Podcast. I'm your host, Dr. Marissa Caudill. Please rate and follow this podcast to help spread this resource, and be sure to visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠theparentdoctor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to sign up for my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or join the monthly ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠book club⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.If you’d like to work more closely with me in a small group coaching setting, please consider joining the Empowered Parent Inner Circle. The next cohort will be starting December, 2024, you can get on the waitlist here. 

In this episode, we dive into the essential questions parents should consider when selecting a therapist or psychiatrist for their child. Jamie Given LMFT, owner of Given Guidance Family Counseling in La Crescenta, CA, and I discuss how parents can best screen a therapy provider to find one who will connect with their child, especially those who may be initially resistant to therapy. We also explore questions like: How does the therapist build rapport with children? and What can parents expect in those first sessions?

Additionally, we tackle the often-overlooked topic of how parents should be involved in their child's therapeutic journey. Jamie shares her practice's approach of starting with a parent session and keeping lines of communication open throughout, while also respecting confidentiality. We discuss when and how family involvement enhances therapy, as well as the complexities of confidentiality, especially when issues like substance use or trauma arise.

Jamie LMFT, also offers insights on how to manage insurance and reimbursement for therapy, as well as the importance of being proactive when seeking mental health support for your child. We talk about therapy intensity—whether once a week or more frequent sessions yield better results—and how to support a child in truly benefiting from their sessions.

Whether you're already navigating therapy for your child or considering it for the first time, this episode is full of practical advice to help you find the best fit for your family.

Tune in for a rich, informative conversation about making therapy a positive, empowering experience for your child and family. And for new parents, check out Jamie's program for navigating new parenthood at PreparingRelationships.com

If you’d like to reach out to Jamie, you can contact her via email at jamie@givenguidance.com, or connect with her on social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and her Website

Thanks for tuning in!