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With telehealth treatment becoming mainstream, therapists now treat many of the same issues over calls or the internet that they do in-person. There are lots of ways to locate therapists who do telehealth with kids. You might want to start by asking your child’s pediatrician. Your insurance company also has a database of therapists. There are lots of websites aimed at specific disorders and simply doing an internet search that includes the words “telehealth session” and your child’s issue will turn up lots of options. Teaching hospitals and non-profit organizations like the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and others can be great places to find telehealth providers.
Once you’ve got a list of a few providers, the next step is to figure out whether they’re a good fit for your child and your family. Don’t be afraid to ask a lot of questions. You’ll probably want to know about their training and what kinds of treatment they offer. Since there’s technology involved, you might want to ask how remote sessions are different from in-person ones and how they protect your child’s privacy.
And then, just as with in-person sessions, there’s the question of money. You’ll want to know if the therapist takes your insurance, how much they charge and whether they are willing to adjust their fees if needed.
Those questions should leave you with a short list of therapists. Some may offer a free phone consultation. Others may charge for a first session. It’s important to keep looking until you find someone your child feels good talking to. You don’t have to feel bad about telling a therapist that you’re talking to a few different people.
Maybe you’ve been considering therapy for your child for a while now. Or maybe your child is experiencing new behavioral or emotional challenges as a result of the coronavirus crisis. Whatever your situation, you might be thinking that now would be a good time for your child to start working with a mental health provider. But with in-person treatment out of the question, where do you begin?
Right now, many mental health providers across the country have begun seeing patients online through what’s called telehealth. Telehealth is essentially therapy that happens over the internet instead of in person. Video calls are the most common medium, but telehealth sessions can also happen over the phone or via text chat. Just like in-person mental health treatment, telehealth can provide sessions for individuals, families or groups. Though the details of treatment may vary, telehealth sessions are generally available for most mental health conditions.
#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
Once you’ve decided that you’re ready to explore remote care options, how do you find a provider? Here are some places to look:
Evaluators. If your child has already had a formal psychological evaluation, you can ask the evaluator for recommendations.
Current providers: If you or your child already see a provider, you can ask if they offer remote options or know of any colleagues in their field or related ones who might.
Pediatrician: Your child’s pediatrician is always a good first stop. They may keep a list of local providers you can check with.
Your insurance provider: Often your insurance provider will have a searchable database of in-network providers. Some even have the ability to filter by providers who offer remote services.
Universities and teaching hospitals: Many telehealth programs are run through universities and teaching hospitals, so it’s worth taking a look at some of the big ones in your state.
Internet: It may sound basic, but a simple internet search is often a good place resource. Try searching for the kind of provider you want plus the word “remote” and your state to see what pops up.
Parent groups: Online parent groups can offer a wealth of support and information. There are groups based on location as well as groups for parents of children with everydiagnosis under the sun. Connecting with other parents who have gone through this process already can provide solid recommendations — and help you feel supported, too.
Professional organizations and nonprofits: Search for professional organizations and nonprofits associated with the type of care you’re looking for; they can often provide resources and suggestions. Here are some organizations that offer directories to providers and, in some cases, free hotlines to answer questions and provide support:
What are your fees? Do you offer sliding scale or payment plans?
Then, once you’ve picked someone who seems like a good fit or narrowed it down to a couple of options, you can also consider the first session or two as something of a trial run. You can be open with providers about this, too. For instance, you might say: “We’re considering a few options right now, but we’d love to have a first session with you and see how it goes.” Providers are professionals; they understand how important a good fit is and they won’t take it personally if you decide to go another direction. Many providers also offer a free phone consultations, which can be a helpful way for you and your child to get a better sense of what it would be like to work with them.
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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
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