As a parent of a child with mental health needs, you are a valuable asset to the treatment team. You know your child best. You can contribute to the strategy development, implementation, and evaluation processes. However, you may not be aware of how the system works. The following information is intended to help you become more informed about child mental health treatment.
Although the research did not identify a specific best-practice, it did suggest that parents who proactively take steps to support their children's needs will have a better experience in the long run. Parents are often the only people who stay consistent throughout the entire treatment process. Involving parents in the design and delivery of services is a proven strategy that improves the quality and availability of treatment.
A number of studies have found that parents who actively engage in the process of seeking, evaluating, and providing Adolescent Care for their children have significantly higher levels of improvement than their peers. This is particularly true of parents who have had prior experiences with professionals who downplayed the importance of addressing a child's mental health concerns. Fortunately, there are a number of programs and resources that can help eligible families get the help they need.
It may be tempting to assume that the most important barrier to receiving care is the stigma surrounding Children's Mental Health disorders. Fortunately, this stigma has been declining in recent years, and parents are increasingly encouraged to seek treatment for their children. Yet, a large percentage of parents still believe that it is ineffective and difficult to get the help they need.
One way to overcome this stigma is to recognize that parents are capable of helping their children succeed. Many parents have experience with strategies that work in their own homes. Moreover, you can ask your provider for support and training if you feel your child would benefit from additional assistance. For example, you could request a copy of your child's Small Steps record to give to another provider. These records provide a summary of sessions that your child has attended, interventions in those sessions, and a brief note on the topics discussed.
Getting the best possible results from your child's treatment will require that you work closely with your treatment team. When discussing your child's treatment plan with your team, make sure that you discuss what your goals are. Ask how your team will measure whether or not your plan is working. Make sure that your goals are things you and your family are interested in.
Lastly, don't forget to do your homework. Write down questions about the services you are looking for. Include the names of people you should contact, the fees and procedures associated with the service, and any other helpful information. By asking a few simple questions, you will be able to ensure that you receive the best possible care for your child.
Overall, the findings of the Child Mind Institute's partnership with Ipsos indicate that parents are the key to a successful child mental health treatment. They know their child better than anyone else, and are the best suited to provide input about what should be included in a treatment plan. https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mental_illness.