When to See A Counselor, Doctor or Psychiatrist
"Do I need to seek counseling help?" or "What counselor should I contact?" Sometimes it’s a difficult decision to make. You may be asking, “Does my child need to see a counselor or a doctor.” This article will help you make that decision. There’s a difference between all of these professional services that these individuals provide. The differences are listed below.
School Counselor
- Your child’s teacher(s) request that you speak with a school counselor.
- Your child is receiving failing grades.
- Your child continually reports that he or she is unhappy in school.
- Your child is not willing to talk to you.
- You see a big change in your child’s behavior and academic performance.
- There is a death in the family. This may include a pet.
- You are concerned that your child is using drugs or chemicals.
- You are concerned that your child is hanging around other children who are getting into trouble.
- A family change, divorce that may affect school performance.
Psychologist or Clinic Counselor (Outside of School)
- Your child talks, writes notes or you feel may try to hurt him or herself.
- Your child runs away from home.
- Your child continues to show anger or withdrawal behavior
- Your child continues to challenge your authority at home and breaks rules that place the child in unsafe situations. (Examples: steals, uses physical force (hits), and continually lies)
- A family change or death that may about an on-going emotional reaction.
- Your child continually has sibling rivalries that do not end after you implement sibling rivalry strategies for change.
Medical Doctor or Psychiatrist
- Your child attempts suicide.
- Your child overdoses or misuses chemicals or drugs.
- Your child is cutting or demonstrating self-injuring behaviors.
- Your child continually reports that he or she is ill when you feel the child is well.
- Your child has an eating disorder (bulimia or anorexia).
- Your child has any physical or emotional signs that you feel are unusual.
