Tips for finding a child therapist
You did not imagine part of your parenting journey would include finding mental health support for your young child. You have been feeling overwhelmed by your child’s behaviors, needs, and challenges. You have taken the bold first step of starting to find a child therapist that can help, and have even called a few to see if they have openings. Right now I can tell you that mental health providers are MAXED OUT! The demand for support far outweighs the supply. As a person who is dedicated to helping children and families, it is really hard to come to terms with the realities and limitations of the larger mental health system being overwhelmed as well as the realities and limitations on my own availability and capacity. I do have a few tips you can use to hopefully decrease some of the frustration that comes with finding a provider and getting the support you need.
1- Payment for services. If you need to only consider a provider who is in network with your insurance then I encourage you to start by getting a list from your insurance provider of in network mental health providers (typically can be found on the insurance websites). IF you are able to consider an out of network provider then I encourage you to start by contacting your provider directly to determine your out of network benefits. I put together a quick list for questions to ask your insurance provider about out of network benefits.
2-Therapist Directory and Internet Search. Google searches can be overwhelming and you can not always narrow down your search to give you specific enough results to include if the therapist you are considering is taking new clients, is in network or out of network, specializes in the type of intervention you are looking for. Therapist directories can be helpful in narrowing down the search. Here are a few that I find most helpful:
3- Be as flexible with your availability as possible. As a Mom of 2 active kids (one tween and a teen who is not yet driving) I know how hard it is to balance your work schedule, family schedule, school, after school activities and other appointments. As a therapist I know the reality of there are only so many open spots in my schedule (especially after school), and only so much I can do to be flexible with my appointments and still provide the best experience and outcomes possible for every family that I support. SO go into that consultation call with so willingness to be flexible with day and time if you can. Often times you can start at one spot and as soon as they are able the therapist can move you to a better time. This might mean considering pulling your child out of school to get the support they need.
4- Patience and persistence goes a long way! It may take (many) more phone calls, emails, and consultation calls than you anticipated but I know if you stick with it you will find a provider that can help.
I have several blogs that might also be of help as you navigate finding a child therapist.
In the meantime, stay connected by signing up for my newsletter where I share tips, resources, updates on new services (I am working on some new ways to support more people in 2022) and notification of any new openings.
Some of my fellow play therapists may have openings!
Here are a few providers or groups that I work with closely.
Play Therapy Connection (This is the location of my practice, just a group of providers under a different owner)
Children’s Wellness Center of Colorado