Guide to Treatment for Children With Mental Health Needs - Treatment for Children With Mental Health Needs

Written by SAMHSA

What to ask

• What do I need to know and to do to help my child?
• What agencies in the community have programs or services that can help my child and other members of my family? How do I get services from them?
• How will my child's health, growth and development, social interaction, and ability to learn be affected by the problems we face?
• What has helped other children like mine?

What you can expect

• You will hear and learn many new words and technical terms. Ask for definitions and explanations.
• Because systems of care are youth-guided and family-driven, your entire family may be asked to participate in the services you are offered.

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• There may be waiting lists for some services. Find out how to get some help while you are waiting for a particular service.

What you can do

Gather all the information you have about your child. Keep track of everything and start a notebook or file to organize:

• Reports of tests and evaluations;
• Service plans and information about the providers, programs, and services you are using;
• Instructions from doctors, teachers, social workers, and others working with your child and family;
• Changes in your child's behavior;
• Medications—note dates that medications are prescribed and changed, and any differences in your child's physical and/or mental health;
• Appointments, conversations, and meetings, including notes of what was discussed;
• Requests you have made for supports such as child care, transportation, and flexibility in scheduling appointments; and
• Letters about meetings and services—note the date they were received.

Ask for information and written materials in the language you speak and ask for explanations of anything you don't understand.

Find other parents or family-run organizations where you can get information and support by sharing ideas and experiences.

Preparing for the First Visit

The first step to getting involved with the system of care usually is called an initial referral or intake. This is when you and the staff of the program or service find out about each other. This first visit may be at your home, at your child's school, or at an agency office. This meeting could last a while—maybe as long as 2 hours.

What you need to know

• Most programs and services have eligibility criteria.
• You may be asked to bring your child to the first visit.
• Someone may want to talk with your child alone. Do not agree to this before both you and your child feel comfortable and have agreed to participate in the program.
• Most programs have a handbook that explains how they do their work. The intake worker should give you one.
• People who work in systems of care really do want to help your child and family. They will encourage you to speak up and ask questions on behalf of your child and family.

What to ask

• What services and supports are available, and when and where can my child and family get them?
• How is eligibility for services determined?
• How much do services cost and where can I get help to pay for them?
• Who will watch my children while I complete the paperwork and go to meetings?
• How often will my child and family get services and how long can we continue?
• How do I get help if there is a crisis, especially at night or on the weekend, when the office is closed?
• How do I find respite care and other support to help me care for my child at home?