If you think your child might have a mental health or learning disorder, getting an evaluation and diagnosis is the first step. But how do you find a professional to diagnose your child? Here are some ways to find the support your child needs.
Where to start
Talk to your child’s pediatrician. This is often the best place to start. The pediatrician knows your child and can rule out medical problems. Some pediatricians can also evaluate and diagnose your child, but others do not have the necessary expertise in mental health. In that case, they can put you in touch with other clinicians who are qualified to do the evaluation and diagnosis.
Work with the school counselor. School counselors are trained in mental health and may already be working with your child at school. They can make referrals to clinicians who can provide an evaluation and diagnosis.
Check with local universities and teaching hospitals. If you live near a big university or hospital, you can check to see if they have programs offering children’s mental health services. Nearby nonprofits may also be able to help.
Use your insurance provider’s database. Most insurance companies have online databases that you can use to search for nearby children’s mental health providers.
Ask other parents. Getting a recommendation from another parent you trust is a great way to find a reliable clinician. You can also find online parent groups based in your area or ones that focus on the specific condition that you think your child might have.
Consider telehealth. More and more providers are offering options for online evaluations, and insurance companies may also cover telehealth care. This can be especially helpful if you don’t live near many providers or if you need to work with a specialist.
For more information about the kinds of professionals who can diagnose children’s mental health problems: Guide to Mental Health Specialists.
#James Donaldson notes: Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes. Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use. Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.#http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle Find out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundation website www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson’s latest book, #CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy
Professional organizations often have directories you can search and other helpful resources. Some even have free hotlines. Here are some organizations that may be able to connect you with a clinician:
It’s important to find a mental health provider who is a good fit for your child’s needs. They should also have experience diagnosing the kinds of challenges your child is experiencing. For example, if your child’s teacher says they have trouble paying attention in class, you would want a clinician who has experience diagnosing children with attention issues.
Here are some questions you can ask to learn more about any clinician you are considering:
Can you tell me about your professional training?
Are you licensed, and, if so, in what discipline?
Are you board certified, and, if so, in what discipline?
How much experience do you have diagnosing children whose behaviors are similar to my child’s?
How do you arrive at a diagnosis? What evidence do you use?
When do you consult with other professionals?
Do you provide the treatments you recommend, or do you refer to others?
What are your fees? Do you offer sliding scale or payment plans?
For telehealth providers: How do you handle security and privacy for online sessions?
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I get my child evaluated for their behavior?
To get your child a behavioral evaluation, start with your pediatrician. The pediatrician can rule out medical problems and recommend a mental health provider. You can also consult their school counselor, check with local universities and teaching hospitals, or use your insurance provider’s database.
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James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
