Selecting Your Provider

The selection of a provider of mental health services for youth is a very important task.

You should make sure the provider you select:

• Will hear your concerns;
• Incorporate your goals into the treatment planning; and
• Value your opinions versus just telling you which treatment is needed.

Advocating in the mental health system is a helpful skill to have to ensure that your child receives the appropriate care. Dr. David Fassler provides 25 Tips for Advocating for Your Child in the Mental Health System.

Depending on which "child-serving sector door" (mental health, child welfare, juvenile justice, schools) you enter, you are likely to have contact with a variety of types of mental health providers, including psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, case managers, professional counselors, school psychologists, child welfare workers, and juvenile justice counselors.

All providers are unlikely to have the expert skills necessary to provide evidence-based treatment. Families can visit their local community mental health agencies or contact their state mental health agencies to generate a list of private providers. Additionally, families with private insurance can contact their insurance company to see what services are covered within their plan. Be aware that evidence-based mental health treatment may not be provided equally in each state.

Helpful Links:

• To learn where local mental health agencies are in your state, you can link to a list of State Mental Health Agencies provided by the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors (NASMHPD).
• A helpful guide is provided by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services on Tips from and for Parents on Building Early Intervention Partnerships with your Child's Doctor. Although this document deals specifically with Early Intervention Principles, these principles can be very useful in selecting and partnering with providers in the mental health community.