No parent wants to send a child to a psychologist. Next to the sometimes frustrating experience of dealing with the insurance company is the implication that somehow you are a bad parent or couldn't handle your child. But, unless you are a psychologist yourself, you may not have the skills to deal with the issues some children face. The truth is, being a good parent may, in fact, require you to send your child to a psychologist. After acknowledging that, the logistics of arranging a visit are fairly easy.
Step 1
Determine the need for a psychologist. If your child is mad, sad, moody or acting out beyond what you would consider normal for his age and circumstances, a psychologist may be able to help. Perhaps a teacher has noticed attention or learning problems that can only be diagnosed by a professional. Similarly, if you feel overwhelmed by your child's behavior and are unsure what to do about it, counseling is a viable next step.
Step 2
Ask for recommendations. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, or AACAP, cautions against relying only on the phone book when looking for a mental health provider. Ask your child's school counselor or your pediatrician for recommendations. You can also check with a local hospital, the Employee Assistance Program at work or a professional organization such as the AACAP.
Step 3
Call the psychologist's office. Find out if the psychologist takes your insurance and whether she is a "preferred provider" or "out of network." Ask if she is accepting new patients. If so, make an appointment; you can always cancel it later if you need to. You will likely need to provide your insurance information.
Step 4
Call your insurance provider. Find out if you need a referral, whether there is a network of "preferred providers," and what the deductible or co-pay is. Sometimes, insurance plans limit mental health coverage, either with a monetary amount or a maximum number of visits allowed, so, ask about this too.
Step 5
Help your child understand that going to a psychologist does not mean he is "crazy." Explain that just as a pediatrician treats his body, a psychologist treats emotions and behavior. Tell him that he will not be made to do or say anything during the visit that makes him uncomfortable.
Step 6
Explain to your child that visits to the psychologist will take place over several weeks or months, unlike with a pediatrician who can treat her in just one visit. The first visit will consist of trying to understand the problem, according to KidsHealth from Nemours, with subsequent visits focused on problem-solving techniques.
Tips and Warnings
- Your child may feel better about seeing a psychologist if he knows that the information is private and he doesn't have to tell anyone about it if he doesn't want to.
Things You'll Need
- Insurance information
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