Getting Your Child Tested
This is my first and strongest recommendation. If you have ever thought there is something “not quite right” with your child, make an appointment with a licensed psychologist, discuss your concerns and ask to have your child tested. There is no harm in doing this, and it will help rule out any potential problems.
Don’t let anyone prescribe medication for your child until your child has been tested.
I say this from experience. We found a “Child Psychology Group” out of the phone book for our son. After one meeting with a social worker who diagnosed him with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, the group’s psychiatrist wrote him a prescription. Since he was not tested, they missed his ADHD and dysgraphia. Because he was not being treated correctly, his symptoms spiraled out of control until he literally would not get out of the car to go to school. He also had frequent bouts of uncontrollable crying. It was excruciating watching my child be in so much pain for no reason we could identify. This dark period could have been avoided if we had known about the testing and the difference between mental health providers.
Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Social Workers, Therapists and School Counselors: The Differences
Psychiatrists are Doctors of Medicine (MDs) licensed in psychiatry. They usually manage the medication side of therapy rather than the actual psychotherapy, but some do that too.
Psychologists hold a Ph.D. or a Psy.D. and are licensed to perform neuropsychological tests that examine a person’s psychological underpinnings, personality, and brain function, along with performing psychotherapy and research. In most states, psychologists are not licensed to write prescriptions.
Clinical Social Workers (CSWs) hold a master’s degree in social work and have been licensed to practice psychotherapy. Most states do not license CSWs to perform testing, and they are not allowed to write prescriptions.
Therapists can be psychoanalysts, marriage counselors, social workers and life coaches, among other specialties. Since not all states require therapists to be licensed, use care and review their education, licensing and professional credentials.
School Counselors are much like therapists, except they specialize in childhood development. Your district may even have a “School Psychologist,” however, most are not licensed psychologists. Most districts have gone to curriculum-based testing — which simply measures and how fast or accurately a student can answer a series of problems or questions about what is taught in school, instead of looking for learning disabilities or problem areas.
How do you find the right psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker or therapist for your child?
There are several websites available, like NetworkTherapy.com or doctor.webmd.com. And you can always look at your health insurance provider’s site. Before you see any mental health provider, I also recommend researching them online. Just like any profession, some are outstanding and others … not so much.