How to Find the Right Child Therapist in New York: What You Should Know
If you are a parent looking for the right therapist for your child, my guess is that it’s already feeling overwhelming. You want someone who understands your child and truly “gets” it. But with so many options on Long Island and in the New York area, how do you narrow it down to someone who will actually be a great fit? Credentials are great, but what really matters is connection, trust, and positive change.
Here’s a simple guide with some tips on how to help you find the right therapist for your child!
Look for a Therapist who Specializes in Working with Children and/or Teens:
This may feel like something not everyone knows, but most therapists can work with adults; however, it takes specific training and specialization to truly be effective with children and teens. Kids need someone who can speak their language, which is often play or more creative approaches. A therapist who regularly works with children and teens will know how to make therapy fun and effective.
Make sure to ask any therapist you’re considering in New York about their experience working with kids and teens before you schedule a first appointment. I have been working with children in therapy for over seven years now, and I can honestly say that it is as rewarding as it is challenging.
Connection and Comfort Matter Most:
Therapy is only beneficial if your child feels safe and understood. While it may take time, I pride myself on joining my client’s world. I think it’s important to take interest in what they like and to actually care about what is important to them. Therapy is suppose to be individualized, not a one-size-fits-all approach. Rapport-building is vital to connections and comfort in therapy.
As a parent, it is also important that you believe that the therapist you are considering will care about your child and what is going on with them. You want to match with someone that is authentic and knowledgeable. In my years as a therapist, I can confidentiality say that developing a strong relationship with my clients and my clients’ parents is one of the most important skill in my toolbox. It also creates the most lasting change and positive impact.
Think Through Logistics:
Oftentimes when you’re looking for a therapist for your child, you have a hundred other commitments to consider as well. Therapy has to fit into your world. It needs to work for your child, and work for your family. I understand that. That’s why I offer virtual therapy from the comfort of your child’s safe space (their home). While some children do benefit from in-person services, it has been my experience that most children and teens enjoy virtual therapy and the ease it brings. It’s also important to consider the hours potential therapists work. Do they offer after-school appointments? Maybe you need Saturdays.
I also always encourage families to consider the cost of therapy. While I do not believe that cost should ever be a barrier to therapy, which is why I offer a couple of sliding-scale spots in my caseload, the truth is, it can sometimes feel like a barrier. It’s good practice to consider how much you can spend on weekly therapy, as well as, checking out what in-network and out-of-network costs you may incur. I also recommend thinking of therapy as an investment for your child’s future. Just like sports, theatre or other activities your child loves, therapy can be an important tool to help them grow and prosper.
Look for a Therapist Who Believes in Collaboration:
Child therapy doesn’t work without parent involvement. You are your child’s most important role model and safe place, and I believe therapy should honor that. Great child therapists will provide you (as the caregiver), tools and tips to help your child succeed at home. I also recommend meeting with your child’s therapist every month or so to make sure you are involved and in the know about what is and isn’t working for your child, while still keeping your child’s confidentiality. It’s a team effort! This might even mean joining your child in session to connect, brainstorm, and heal together.
In the spirit of collaboration, child and teen therapists will often interact with school personnel such as a school social worker or school psychologist to help keep continuity of care across all settings. This includes navigating IEPs and 504 plans.
Final Note for Parents:
Finding the right child therapist in New York doesn’t have to be another overwhelming task. This guide is meant to help you understand what to look for and to come up with the best questions you can ask potential therapists for your child.
If you are starting this process and wondering if I might be a good fit for your child or teen, I’d love to talk with you. Reach out here to schedule a consultation and learn more about how I support kids, teens, and families through anxiety, life transitions, and more.
