Finding Your Perfect Match: Learn How to Choose a Behavioral Health Partner 

As a parent or caregiver, identifying a behavioral health partner who fits your family’s needs can be challenging. But, with help from trusted resources, you can find qualified professionals with the experience, skills and knowledge needed to set your child and family up for long-term success. 

Ask for Provider Recommendations 

Before your child begins any type of therapy, it’s a good idea to talk with their pediatrician about the different treatment options available. They can also provide you with referrals to providers who specialize in treating individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other conditions. 

Another helpful source of information is your health insurance company. If you haven’t done so already, ask them to send you a list of behavioral health providers and the services they cover. You may even be able to find a list of providers by searching the directory on your insurer’s website. 

If you have family or friends who have been through this process, consider talking to them about their experiences with behavioral health providers. Just keep in mind that no two children are the same, so their journey with one provider could be different from yours. 

Since public schools are required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to provide accommodations to children with disabilities, you may want to reach out to your local school district for a list of recommended therapists, as well. And if your child is under the age of three, they may qualify for early intervention (EI) services. 

Make Sure Providers Have the Right Qualifications 

Children with ASD and other developmental disabilities often receive treatment from a multi-disciplinary team of behavioral health professionals. In addition to ensuring they have the right qualifications, confirm that the provider you choose actively participates in ongoing training and has real-world experience related to your child. Make sure that they also treat you as an equal partner in making decisions about your child’s care. Last, confirm that they have a license to practice, which is now required in most states. 

Ask Key Questions 

Another way to determine if a provider is a good match for your child and family is by asking them the following questions: 

1. What is your approach to treatment? 

• Can you provide me with evidence-based research or information about this approach? 

• How will you tailor this approach to my child? 

• How many hours a week of treatment do you recommend? 

• How will you track and measure my child’s progress? 

Plus, find out how you can participate in your child’s treatment. By getting trained on intervention strategies, you can help your child improve their learning and development outside of their scheduled sessions.