1. What is a mental health evaluation?
A “mental health evaluation” means an assessment provided by a mental health professional to determine whether or not your child has an issue or problem that would benefit from mental health treatment.
2. Who are the mental health professionals who provide this evaluation?
There are several kinds of mental health professionals:
- Psychiatrists (M.D) are medical doctors. While they have the expertise to provide therapy, many psychiatrists limit their practice to evaluation and prescription of medication. If your child needs medication, a psychiatrist is your best choice.
- Psychologists (PH.D, Psy. D) are not medical doctors. Their training focuses on providing therapy or counseling; they are also trained to administer the psychological testing that assists in diagnosis.
- Social Workers (LCSW) and Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) do not prescribe medication or perform psychological testing. Their training focuses on providing therapy and counseling, often with specializations in particular problem areas like eating disorders, anger management, etc.
3. How do I decide which mental health professional is best for my child?
Your first step is to check with your insurance provider to find out the extent of your mental health coverage, if you need something called “preauthorization,” and whether or not you have provisions for “out-of-network” coverage.
4. If I don’t have coverage or choose to go out of network, how do I get the names of mental health professionals who would be appropriate for my child?
At your child’s school, good referral sources can include the guidance staff or school nurse. Other good referral sources can include your pediatrician or primary care physician, clergy members, or other parents whose children are in counseling.
5. Even if a professional comes highly recommended, I’m still not sure I’d be comfortable sending my child for counseling without talking to the person myself. Is that allowed with medical privacy policies?
Absolutely! Remember, you are technically a consumer who will be purchasing an important service for your child.
6. What kind of treatment do mental health professionals provide?
Mental health treatment for children can include talk therapy, play therapy, or activity therapy. Some children also benefit from group treatment where they interact with peers who have similar problems or concerns. There may also be a recommendation for family treatment which involves not only the child but the parents or caregivers and siblings as well.
Eligibility Criteria:
Clients of all ages
Insurance(s) Accepted:
Self-pay and most private insurances including: UBH/UH, Aetna, Humana, Cigna, Blue Cross, Blue Shield and TRICARE.
Hours
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Evenings and Weekends upon request.
