An increasing number of children and teens need help navigating their feelings, emotions, or thoughts. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that one in five children experiences mental, behavioral, or emotional challenges. 

Common challenges among young people include:

• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

• Anxiety or depression

• Social anxiety

• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

• Tourette syndrome 

• Panic attacks and panic disorder

While children with such challenges experience positive effects from early diagnosis and treatment, only about 20 percent receive proper treatment.

Many parents and guardians in Brooklyn have a child who could benefit from therapy, whether it’s due to trauma, the loss of a family member, or daily anxieties.

To help you find the best child therapist in Brooklyn for your child, this blog unpacks some foundational qualities and attributes to look for during your search.

Essential qualities of a child therapist in Brooklyn

As you begin looking, you'll want to keep these in mind to determine if the therapist is a good fit. 

1. Sees your child's strength and potential

A good child psychologist in Brooklyn looks beyond your child's symptoms, focusing on strengths and potential. For instance, they would view their patient as "a child struggling with depression" rather than "a depressed child." While this is simply a case of semantics for some, it's something a good therapist would regard highly.

2. Prioritizes your child's emotion

If your child is struggling, they most likely have trouble managing their emotions. So your child's therapist must prioritize these emotions—otherwise, it might be difficult for them to develop an engaging and supportive relationship with your child.

3. Practices ally mentality

The alliance is not only between the therapist and your child. A good child psychologist in Brooklyn will proactively include you and make the most of the influence and importance of your role in your child's life. They consider the future and set you and your child up for success as their work with your child is only interim.

4. Considers culture for context

In some cases, your child and the therapist may not share the same culture—this would not hinder you from finding the right child psychologist in Brooklyn. But, make sure the therapist capitalizes on the abundant resources they have to be mindful of your child's culture, values, and norms to support them, providing further context for your child's challenges.

5. Possesses the proper credentials

While these may vary depending on what your therapy goals are, here are some credentials you should be aware of:

• Clinical social workers. Typically practice counseling, play therapy, or group work to help your child with problem-solving.

• Psychiatrists. Medical doctors who can prescribe medications such as antidepressants should your child need them.

• Psychologists. A doctor of psychology who provides psychological and educational testing, talk therapy, and treatment recommendations for identified disorders.

As you find the right child therapist in Brooklyn, talk to them about their credentials and how they could address the specific struggles your child may be facing.

6. Offers differing types of therapy

There are several therapies recommended for children with varying needs. Choosing the right approach will depend on your child's age and the challenges they’re facing. Here are some of the more common types:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is practiced with children who struggle with mood disorders, attention, compulsions, and phobias.

• Play therapy works well for pre-K or elementary school-level children who require guidance to cope with stressful events or emotions.

• Talk Therapy is where your child will be encouraged to express their feelings and needs with the intent to develop their conflict resolution skills and build healthier relationships.

• Group Therapy is practiced to help children overcome social challenges—and learn social rules and skills to build their confidence, especially if they're timid or have been bullied. 

• Family Therapy may be needed if your family is going through a difficult time like divorce or losing a loved one. In sessions, each family member will have the opportunity to express themselves to reestablish the family relationship.

Support your child with Park Slope Therapy

Park Slope Therapy offers counseling and therapy for children, adults, and couples. Whether you want therapy appointments via phone, video conferencing, or in-person concierge counseling where a therapist visits your home to work with your child, we can accommodate your needs.

For any questions, please send a message to Park Slope Therapy or call us at (929) 297-9753.