Choosing the best psychology service for your child

Introduction

Deciding to seek psychological support for your child can feel overwhelming. Whether your child is struggling with their mood, unusual patterns of behaviour or adjusting to major life changes, finding the right psychology service can make a real difference. This guide will help you recognise the signs that your child might need professional help, understand the options available, and feel confident in choosing a service that aligns with your child’s individual needs.

When to seek help from a child therapist

Children and young people may come to see a Child Psychologist for lots of different reasons and there are benefits of therapy, beyond receiving support for a mental health condition. Most often, however, parents will seek help for their child when they notice some kind of suffering. While suffering is part of the human condition, and we all experience difficult thoughts and feelings from time to time, it could be helpful to consider seeking help from a psychological therapist when your child’s mental distress persists and affects the way they are able to function day to day.

Common difficulties that may Indicate a need for professional help

• Engaging in risky or self-harming behaviours

• Change in academic performance

• Physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach aches, fatigue, poor sleep or a change in appetite with no medical explanation

• Withdrawing from family and friends

• Struggles with concentration and indecisiveness

• Disinterested in daily activities

• Sudden changes in peer relationships.

• Unexplained emotional outbursts or persistent sadness

It’s important to trust your instincts as a parent. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s worth seeking advice from a professional.

How parents can support their child’s emotional well-being

Parenting has a huge influence in nurturing children’s emotional regulation, social competence and sense of self and as such parents can make a huge difference by fostering a supportive environment at home.

Simple strategies to nurture emotional health

1. Encourage Open Communication
   Create a safe space where your child feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings. Ask open-ended questions like, "How was your day?" or "What’s been on your mind lately?"

2. Validate their thoughts and feelings
   Reassure your child that their emotions are valid and let them know it’s okay to feel sad, angry, or worried.

3. Model healthy coping behaviours
   Much of what we know about our emotions comes from what we have observed from our parents/ caregivers. Show your child how you manage stress or conflict in healthy ways. Modelling positive coping mechanisms can be powerful.

4. Keep Routines Consistent
   A predictable routine can give children a sense of stability, especially during challenging times.

5. Celebrate Their Strengths
   Focus on your child’s achievements and abilities, reinforcing their self-esteem.

Although a parent’s support is essential for children’s development and wellbeing, sometimes it’s helpful to do this alongside input from a psychological therapist. Therefore, getting support from a Child Psychology Service can be beneficial not only in supporting young people but also parents by increasing understanding and offering a safe space to talk about concerns.

Understanding different types of psychological support

Navigating the various types of psychological services can feel daunting. Knowing the roles and specialities of different professionals can make the process easier.

Who’s who in child psychology?

• Clinical Psychologists: Trained to a doctoral level, these professionals address complex mental health challenges using a range of evidence-based approaches.

• Educational Psychologists: Trained to a doctoral level, specialists in learning and school-related issues, they work closely with teachers and parents to support a child’s academic and emotional needs. 

• Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists: Trained to a doctoral level, psychotherapists are experts in working with children and young people, and provide therapy tailored to developmental stages.

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapists: Train on a year-long course specifically about CBT and how to deliver it. CBT therapists could have a range of backgrounds, such as nurses, social workers, or psychology graduates.

• Play Therapists: Ideal for younger children, they use creative techniques like art or storytelling to help children express themselves.

  
  

Choosing the right specialist for your child

To identify the most appropriate treatment for your child, a psychological assessment will need to be carried out. One of the roles of a child therapist is to carry out psychological assessments – by listening to your concerns and drawing on psychological theory we can gain a better understanding of your child’s psychological difficulties and therefore suggest interventions that we believe will be most helpful.

If you’re unsure which professional to approach, start by consulting your GP or reaching out to local services like interACT Psychology for guidance.

Tips for Choosing the Best Psychology Service for Your Child

1. Research

Begin by looking for services in your area. Online directories, recommendations from schools, or referrals from your GP can be helpful starting points.

2. Assess Credentials

Make sure you know the qualifications and professional background of anyone who might work with you as a therapist. Check with the professional body that they are a member and whether or not they are accredited or registered, as required. These accreditations ensure the professional meets high standards of training and practice. Is the person affiliated with a professional body or fully accredited? Anyone can be affiliated, but only a qualified therapist will be accredited or fully registered.

3. Check Reviews and Testimonials

Parent reviews can offer valuable insights into a psychologist’s approach, accessibility, and effectiveness. Look for detailed feedback about their work with children similar to yours.

4. Ask Key Questions

During initial consultations, ask about:

• Their experience with similar cases

• The therapeutic approaches they use

• How they involve parents in the process

• Expected outcomes and timelines

5. Consider Practicalities

Think about location, availability, and cost. Does the service offer flexible scheduling? Are online sessions an option if in-person appointments are challenging?

Preparing Your Child for Therapy

1. Talk to Your Child About What to Expect

Explain therapy in a way that matches their age and understanding. You might say, "It’s a space where you can talk to someone who helps children feel better when things are tough."

2. Focus on the Positives

Let them know that therapy is a tool to help them feel happier, more confident, or less worried.

3. Answer Their Questions Honestly

Children may have concerns or misunderstandings about therapy. Address their questions with honesty and reassurance.

4. Stay Involved

Your active participation in therapy can reinforce progress and build trust between your child and the therapist.

Why choose interACT Psychology

At interACT Psychology, we recognise that every child is unique, and their therapy should be too. Our compassionate team uses a holistic approach, addressing the underlying causes of emotional and behavioural challenges. From comprehensive assessments to tailored interventions, we provide evidence-based therapies that empower children and support families.

Our therapists specialise in working with children of all ages and offer a wide range of services, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Play Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Psychoanalytic/ Psychodynamic Psychotherapy.

Conclusion

We understand that it can feel daunting to choose the right therapist and approach for your child. By understanding your child’s needs, researching available services, and staying involved in the process, you can find a trusted partner to support your child’s growth and resilience.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if my child needs therapy?

Persistent challenges in areas like school, friendships, or home life can signal the need for professional help.

What happens during an assessment?

Assessments involve gathering information about your child’s history, behaviours, and emotions to develop a tailored therapy plan.

Will I be part of my child’s therapy?

Yes, parental involvement is often encouraged to reinforce strategies at home and support your child’s progress.

How long does therapy last?

The length of therapy varies depending on the child’s needs and goals, ranging from a few sessions to ongoing support.

What if my child is reluctant to attend therapy?

Therapists are skilled at building trust and helping children feel comfortable in sessions.

Will my sessions be confidential?

Confidentiality is important to us and we would therefore only break this if we were concerned about your safety or the safety of somebody else. If we felt we needed to break confidentiality we would always try and discuss this with you first in order to try and come up with a plan together about how best to move forward to keep everyone safe. It’s important to note that we also tend to keep paper and electronic notes, these are stored securely in line with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) requirements, and we are registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO). You can read our full privacy statement here.

Take the first step today

Choosing the right support for your child is a big decision — and it shows how much you care.
If you’re ready to learn more, we’re here to help.

👉 Book a free consultation with interACT Psychology and find the right path for your child.