Start with what you are noticing
You do not need to decide on a diagnosis before contacting the practice. A general description of what has changed, where difficulties are showing up, and what support you are seeking can help begin the conversation.
Your child or teen may describe the situation differently from you. Ask how the clinician creates room for the young person’s perspective while also learning from parents or caregivers.
Match the clinician to the young person
The team’s biographies describe different ages, interests, and approaches. Some clinicians describe work in school or community settings, while others discuss play-based approaches or experience with adolescents.
Review the team page and ask which providers currently work with your child’s age group and concerns. A provider’s biography is a starting point for a fit conversation, not a guarantee of availability.
Understand caregiver participation
Before the first appointment, ask who should attend and what consent or other documentation the practice requires. Also ask how confidentiality, caregiver updates, and family involvement will be explained.
If the concern affects several family members, discuss whether family therapy is appropriate. If a young person is seeking their own space to talk, ask how individual therapy would be arranged for their age and situation.
Ask about insurance and appointment arrangements
Confirm that the clinician, service, and appointment arrangements you are considering are eligible under your plan, if you intend to use insurance. Ask about costs and any information needed before an appointment.
Our insurance and payment guide offers questions to bring to the practice and insurer. Do not send insurance-card images, school records, or detailed clinical history through the general inquiry form unless the practice has directed you to an appropriate process.
Request a starting conversation
Include the young person’s age group, your general reason for seeking care, and scheduling preferences in a brief inquiry. Ask how the practice would like to discuss more sensitive information.
Ask about care for a child or teen
