How to Find a Child Therapist Near Me
Photo by Sebastian Pandelache on Unsplash
Choosing a therapist for our kids could feel as daunting as any other unknown journey we experience as parents. We know that the ‘right fit’ is so important, yet how do we get started? If you’ve searched “ how to find the best child therapist near me” or “best play therapist near me,” we have some tips on how to find the right therapist for your child.
How to Find the Right Therapist For Your Child
When looking for the right therapist for your child or the best child therapist near you, it’s crucial to consider, what’s important to know, ask, and notice.
Here’s a short list that may help you on your quest to finding the best therapist for your child.
Instead of only relying on Google to answer who is the best play therapist near me, ask the people around you. Ask the people in your community who they trust for a play therapist in the area. While it’s still great to make sure their suggestions are a fit for your child, this is a great place to start.
Check with your insurance and the cost for services. Does the best child therapist near in the area take your insurance? Does your insurance cover out-of-network providers? You may find that best child therapist in the area isn’t in network with your insurance, but your insurance will still supplement the cost.
Call prospective therapists and take notes.
Pay attention to your gut instincts, they matter! This is the person you will be employing, working with, to help you help your child. It is important that you feel comfortable about this choice. Remember this—the therapist is the expert in their field yet you are the expert on your child. Trust your instincts in forming a connection with a potential therapist. You will be working together in some capacity with, on behalf of your child
How is the office staff? If the office is difficult to reach or they do not respond in a timely manner, or if they respond with what feels like dismissive statements or otherwise you sense they are not interested in helping - this matters!
Questions to Ask Child Therapists
In addition to following the list above, here are a few questions to ask when you’re interviewing potential play therapists or child therapists.
Are you taking new clients?
Do you see/specialize in pediatrics (you could specify your child’s age ‘teen’ or ‘toddler’ to really narrow this down) If they claim that they see ‘any’ or ‘many’ ages, ask what percentage of their clients are kids (your kid’s age!).
If there is something specific with your child (social anxiety, depression, LGBTQ+, bullying, substance use, etc) then ask if they have a focus on kids with these issues. If medical illness impacts your child, reference this so the potential therapist knows.
Do they offer a ‘meet and greet’ 20 min visit to assess if they’re a good match for your child?
Do they meet with the kids alone only, bring in parents at some point, or offer feedback in between sessions?
What can you expect from working with them?
Remember to take notes and record the answers to these questions to help you find the right therapist for your child.
Other Helpful Tips When Searching for the Right Therapist for Your Child
The treatment modality (cognitive behavioral therapy etc) may be less important than finding a great fit between the therapist and your child. Gender/culture may play a role for your child. Ask if they have a preference; involve your child and do not assume. Just because a friend knows/recommends someone does not mean that person is the ‘right’ choice for you and your family.
Enjoy the journey, you are an active participant in this with your child.
Wasatch Family Therapy has some of the best child therapists and play therapists. If you’re looking for a therapist for your child, we’d be honored to schedule an initial visit or consultation call for your family. Call or text us at 801.944.4555 or email us here.
*This post was updated in 2024 from an original version written by a therapist at Wasatch Family Therapy in Utah.
