Attributes of a Good Child Psychiatrist

Victorian Counselling and Psychological Services

How do you find a good child psychiatrist? Finding an answer to the question is not easy, as there are many various types of therapists who do different types of things -- non-therapy, therapy, and certain kinds of therapy such as CBT or psychoanalysis. And there is the vital question about insurance, and the location.

1) A good child psychiatrist develops a good relationship to the child. It's believed that 85% of a change {could be attributed to the relationship established. If your child isn't establishing a significant connection with his therapist or he doesn't trust his therapist, consider looking for another one. Usually, a good psychiatrist is able to engage a reluctant child. He must have a real interest in the child, and show willingness to understand the world as the child interprets it.

2. A good child psychiatrist never pathologize a child. The therapist see the the child's strengths and he should be open to hearing his (and his parent's) probable solutions to the problem the child is going through. When there is a true mental and/or behavioural condition such as depression, ADHD, anorexia, or truancy, a good psychiatrist looks the problem as the problem. He must not say, "He's a depressed child," but "This child is struggling with depression," instead. There is a very big difference. A child is absolutely more than several symptoms. The child is underneath the problems he is faced with, a blessed person with a lot of potential. A good child therapist separates the child from the real problem. Look for someone else if you feel that your child's strengths are not appreciated.

3) A good child psychiatrist is also a good partner of the caregiver, parent, or guardian. He absolutely understands that his role as the therapist of the child is temporary. The ones who really should be there to support the child are the special individuals that are already a part of the child's life. He is humble enough to recognize that his contributions are in fact small compared to the support coming from the child's family and friends. But this does not automatically that he is not expected to do what he can to help the child. But still, child therapy is considered as one step in the healing process. If the therapist of your child makes his contributions seem like the only way to cure the child, look for another one who's humble and appreciative of your child's natural support.

4) A good child psychiatrist never points a finger to other people for the problem the child is faced with, and definitely he never puts the blame on the child. He realizes the problem is complex and knows that the solution is usually complex too. Pointing finger at parents, friends, and/or schools will not do anything good for the child. Helping family members, parents, the child, and the school to make things easier for the child to defeat the problem is helpful. If you feel like the therapist of your child is blaming other people for the child's problem, find a better one from the VCPS team who is more action-oriented.