There are so many therapists to choose from. How do I know which therapist is best for my child and family?

Choose a therapist who specializes in children.

Most therapists work with children in some capacity.  This does not mean that they specialize in children.  When a choosing a therapist, ask the following questions:

  • What therapeutic approaches do you use? 
  • Are the approaches evidenced-based and where can I confirm this? 
  • Do you use play therapy, and if so, which play therapy approaches do you use?
  • If you use talk therapy, how is it applied to children and where can I confirm that it is evidence-based?
  • Are you certified in the approaches that you use?

Many therapists claim to use play therapy, yet are not formally trained or using evidenced-based approaches. Having toys available to children while talking is NOT the same as play therapy and is not based on an evidenced-based theoretical orientation for children.

Make sure the therapist graduated from an accredited Masters degree program.  Ask if they completed the program in person or online.
Confirm that the therapist is licensed by a professional board to practice independently in the state of North Carolina.  Most therapists in NC will have one of the following credentials:  LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker), LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor), LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist), LPA (Licensed Psychological Associate), or LP (Licensed Psychologist). Therapists who hold an associate license, usually identified with an “A” (LCSW-A, LPC-A, LMFT-A) are still under supervision and working toward independent licensure.
Interview the therapist prior to the first appointment.  A good therapist should be comfortable answering the above questions and be able to provide clear information on the type of approaches they utilize.