How to Find the Right Child Psychologist
If you have concerns about your child's development, behavior, or well-being, you can talk to a therapist. A child psychologist can help your child and your family work through these challenges with an assessment, diagnosis, and treatment plan. They have the professional training and clinical skills to help your child lead a happier and better life.
Why Your Child Might Need a Psychologist
Mental health challenges are common among children. Data from the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that around one in five children ages 3 to 17 have been diagnosed with a mental, emotional, or behavioral health condition, and 55% of U.S. adolescents have discussed their mental and emotional health with a health care professional.
The mental health disorders that are most often diagnosed in children are anxiety, depression, and behavioral disorders, but a child psychologist can help with a much wider range of mental health issues. These include, but are not limited to:
- Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Dyslexia
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Tourette Syndrome
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Substance use, including alcohol, marijuana, misuse of prescription pain medication, and use of illicit drugs
- Thoughts of suicide or attempting suicide
- Feelings of sadness or hopelessness
- Excessive tantrums and outbursts
- Low self-esteem or negative self-image
- Missed milestones and difficulties in certain developmental areas
- Difficulty keeping up with schoolwork
- Struggling with change or a school transition
- Bullying or peer-related issues
- Eating disorders
- Insomnia and sleep disorders
It is usually helpful to seek out a child psychologist as soon as possible, particularly if you see evidence of developmental delays or disabilities. Early intervention can prevent a problem from turning into a more serious issue and improve treatment outcomes in the long term.
What Does a Child Psychologist Do?
Child psychologists have undergone specific training to work with children experiencing emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges. Many have doctorate degrees, and all must meet state and federal requirements to be cleared to work with children, including infants, toddlers, children, and adolescents. They have a deep understanding of a child's psychological needs and how kids are affected by family, their social interactions, developmental processes, and how problems that span their physical, psychological, and social worlds can affect them.
Child psychologists have a variety of specializations and often focus on one specific phase of child development or category of mental health challenges. Many child psychologists work in private practice, but they may also work in hospitals, social services, or schools. Although focused on the child as their primary client, a child psychologist can work with parents or the whole family to best support the child.
Qualities to Look for in a Child Psychologist
While all mental health professionals are trained to deliver therapy to their patients, those working with children have specialist skills that help them connect and communicate with children. These include:
- Non-verbal communication skills that allow them to understand how children convey information and emotions.
- Understanding the importance of play — the “language of children” — and knowing how to encourage it in children.
- Resilience, flexibility, and the ability to handle erratic behavior.
- Kindness and active listening skills to build trust and set the foundation for a working relationship with a child.
- Experience with specific issues, types of therapy, or age groups.
What Can I Expect in Therapy Sessions?
Child psychologists use techniques designed to be child-friendly, including play therapy, sand tray therapy, art therapy, and parent-child interaction therapy.
For children who have experienced trauma, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is an evidence-based practice tailored for children. Child psychologists may also conduct family assessments and work with parents and educational professionals to discuss changes that could be made in the home environment and at school.
When to See a Child Psychologist
In the same way that it's best to quickly seek help for a physical illness or injury, it's important to seek the help of a psychologist soon after the onset of any changes that are causing you concern. This applies to what may seem like small issues, such as trouble sleeping or mood shifts, to more pronounced outbursts of aggression or severe anxiety. Many people are tempted to look for advice through online boards and influencers, but social media isn't a replacement for a real therapist. Those giving advice on social media have not been vetted and may have no qualifications at all.
A psychologist can give a child a safe space to talk through and deal with all life throws at us and our children. A professional diagnosis means you have peace of mind that an issue or condition is receiving the best possible treatment that benefits the child and family.
Here is a broad outline that can help you decide when to see a child psychologist:
- You have been told by a doctor or school counselor that your child has missed specific developmental milestones and needs therapy.
- Behavioral problems like tantrums or aggression seem to be getting worse with time.
- In social settings, your child has difficulty interacting and making friends.
- School grades are dropping, or they're struggling to transition to a new grade or school.
- They are dealing with a major change or stressful situation, like bullying, a divorce, or moving to a new city.
- Your child or family has been exposed to a trauma like death, abuse, or an accident.
Keep in mind, that you know your child and you'll be aware, sometimes no more than a feeling, that something is amiss with them. Don't ignore your instincts — it's best to get help for them as quickly as you can.
How to Choose the Best Child Psychologist for Your Family
Finding a child psychologist can be daunting, but keep in mind there is help for your child and family. This list will guide your search:
- Look for licensed psychologists with specialized training in child psychology who have met the required educational and professional standards.
- If it's suspected your child has a condition like ADHD or autism spectrum disorder, consider a professional with experience in your child's specific needs.
- Some psychologists specialize in treating certain age groups—toddlers or teenagers, for example.
- Take into account your family's cultural or linguistic needs when choosing a child psychologist.
- You should always feel comfortable with a psychologist, and trust is the foundation of therapy, so trust your gut feeling to help you find a good match.
The child psychology sector is moving forward quickly in the online environment, making it easy to find a trustworthy child psychologist who matches your needs.
Find a Child Psychologist With Zencare
The simplest way to find a child psychologist is to use the Zencare platform. All therapists are carefully chosen and vetted, and finding a match is as easy as running a quick, custom search based on criteria like specialty, needs, and gender. You can get a sense of different therapists by watching their introductory videos and booking a free consultation to be sure they're a good fit before you commit. When it's time for your child's first therapy, you'll know your family is a safe, supportive environment.
