What do I look for in a therapist?
Trying on therapists can be like trying on shoes. You need to find the one that fits you best. In the state of Nevada, licensed mental health professionals come in four basic types: Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in brain chemistry. Ph.D. level Psychologists specialize in testing and diagnosis. Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) are master's level professionals who specialize in public health and well being. Marriage and Family Therapists (M.F.T.) who are also at least master's level professionals, specialize in relationship counseling for individuals, couples, families and groups.

What does it mean when a professional is licensed?
Finding a fully licensed professional is very important. Licenses are issued by a state to ensure the clinician meets the established minimum professional standards that usually include internship(s), written and oral examination, a minimum level of education, formal recommendations, continuing education requirements and yearly renewal of the license. Licensing exists for the protection of the consumer and also provides recourse in the event the consumer believes a violation of the approved standard of care has occurred. Licensed professionals will have their degrees, professional licenses and business license on open display.

How do I find the right therapist?
Once you have decided which type of professional is appropriate for your specific needs, it's time to find the right person for you. The best way to find a therapist is by referral from a friend who has had a good experience or your family physician. If your insurance provides mental health coverage, they should give you a list of approved providers and the number of sessions they are willing to fund--but be aware of the impact on your confidentiality if a third party is involved. You can also go to the Yellow Pages or the Internet for directory listings. Once you have chosen some names, call those individuals on the phone and interview them to choose the person you feel most comfortable seeing. Discuss fees, payment policies, sub-specialities, office hours and location. A good relationship with the therapist has been proven repeatedly to have the most powerful impact on the outcome of the counseling experience.

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Questions to ask when choosing a therapist for your child.

Choosing a therapist for a child's behavior, emotional, school or friendship problems can be confusing. There are many different mental health professionals who offer services to children, including counselors, social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists and pediatric physicians.

There are no right answers to the questions below. However, the process of asking useful questions and hearing them answered can give you a good sense about the professional you are planning to employ.

How were you trained to work with children?

Work with children is specialized.In choosing a therapist for a child you want someone with solid, specialized training.

How many years have you worked with children?

Invite the therapist to tell you about the settings in which he/she has worked and the kinds of situations and problems with which he/she is familiar.

Please tell me about the usual methods you use in your practice.

Working with children often involves play activities that allow the child space and time to feel safe and open up. A professional who works with play techniques can describe how and what play activities he or she finds useful.

Will you meet with the child alone, or will you interview the parent(s) first?

The process of beginning therapy with a child is dependent upon the child’s age, the presenting problem and the family situation.

What is your attitude about medications for children?

Medicating children for emotional and behavioral problems is a controversial topic, asking this question will allow you to understand something about the therapist’s point of view.

In what ways will the family be involved in this treatment, what will I/we be allowed to know about what happens during the child's sessions?

Again, the answers to this question will vary widely depending on your child's age and the circumstances for which therapy is sought, but the answers should help you be comfortable with the therapist.

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