Selecting a therapist for your child is no longer as simple as it once was.  This is in part due to the presence of managed care networks, which may require that the parent use a provider in the network.  If insurnace will be used, it is necessary to contact the mental health benefits section of the insurance company, and they will be able to give referrals to providers in the network.  Some insurance plans allow for what is called an out of network benefit.  This allows the patient to go to any qualified provider, although the copayment may be higher.  It is always advisable to check to see if the insurance plan includes an out of network benefit.  In some circumstances the child's primary care doctor may be the one to direct the parent in seeking referrals, although this way of handling referrals is less common now than it was in the beginning years of managed care.  A parent always has the right to not use insurance, pay the therapist directly and,therefore, have more control over who their child will see.  However, for many people this option may not be financially viable.
        Once a parent has found several referrals, there are are a number of questions that can be asked to help them make a decision.  These may include:

    How quickly do they return the initial phone call ?

    How do they respond to the parent on the telephone?

    Do they allow the parent sufficient time to fully explain the problem and any other relevant
    information?

    Does the parent feel comfortable speaking to the therapist?

        The parent should also inquire as to the therapist's professional training, orientation, and the amount of experience they have had in treating the problem.  Depending on what the problem is.  One may see widely varying levels of experience among therapists.  If the problem is one with especially serious risk factors ( i.e. eating disorders, self mutilation, suicidal ideation, substance abuse) the parent should ask if the therapist has had special training and supervision in the area.  Other issues that should be discussed include:

Is the child to be seen alone or with other family members?

Is testing/evaluation needed to treat the problem?

How frequent will sessions be scheduled?

How are missed appointments handled?

How much of the cost is covered by insurance, and what is the copayment?

How are emeregencies and other unusual difficulties handled?

Does the therapist have coverage for emergencies/vacations?

How often will you ge given feedback about the progress of the therapy?

How will you know when the goals of therapy have been reached?

What kind of information is to be transmitted to the insurance plan in order for them to pay the claim?

How do they handle the issue of continuing treatment if the insurance plan will no longer authorize sessions?
 

The therapist should be able to answer all of these questions to your satisfaction.  In addition, it is very important that you as a parent feel comfortable with the therapist's manner and it may be advisable for the parent to have an initial session with the therapist without the child present to better assess the suitability of the therapist's approach for your particular child.