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1. Talk with more than one professional on the phone

Ask questions about your needs, i.e. have they worked with trauma cases before, do they meet with the entire family or just the identified child, how long and often do they conduct most of their sessions, etc.. You want to feel as though the person has a background helping others with similar presenting problems and know what to expect before you make an appointment!
Ask about financial arrangements, insurance, and payment options. Will they allow bi-weekly sessions if you can’t afford weekly?
Do they work with a psychiatrist in case medication is warranted?

2. Don’t be sold on your first contact!

Strong therapeutic relationships are not formed in one session; however, make sure you feel some rapport with the person who will be helping you delve into your families issues.
If you feel unsure, tell the therapist and possibly meet with someone else to see if the ‘fit’ is better for you or your child

3. Ask for a referral from someone you trust.

Seeking therapy is not the taboo it used to be, so ask around! Maybe your pediatrician can offer some professional referrals, a school counselor can tell you someone the other parents love, or even your church can often point you to someone.

4. GIVE IT TIME

Don’t be discouraged if things aren’t better right away, remember the problem you are seeking help with was probably there for a while, so allow some time to correct it!
Therapy isn’t always going to make you feel better. Often the things we seek support with in therapy can leave us feeling drained or emotional after we discuss them. Be sure to tell your therapist how you are doing.

5. SPECIAL ADVICE ABOUT CHILD THERAPY

Children are not as verbal as adults; therefore, therapy will often look like playing to a parent. However, it is very special and directed play with a professional who is trained to help unlock your child’s issues through interpreting what kids can not put into words.
When your teenager says something like, “I played cards with my therapist”, don’t think your paying for card lessons! Often therapists find creative and distracting ways to get a young person to open up. Personally, I have had children write rap lyrics, make a scrapbook, played board games, anything to make that important connection with them.
For individual child therapy (not family therapy) to work, children need to feel safe to disclose things to their therapist without fear that every word will be repeated back to their parents. Establish ground rules with your child, their therapist, and yourself in the beginning!