Choosing a Child Psychologist for Phobic Disorders

A phobia is an anxiety disorder characterized by an irrational fear that is disproportionate to the danger presented by the object or situation. The DSM-IV-TR defines a social phobia as a disorder characterized by a strong and persistent fear of social or performance situations where a patient might feel embarrassment or humiliation. In children this disorder often manifests as temper tantrums, crying, immobilization, clinging to familiar people or the refusal to talk to others.

According to the Introduction to Psychology, Sixth Edition, a psychologist is an individual with a PhD. in psychology. Psychologists are not to be confused with psychiatrists, who are medical doctors that have additional training in psycho-pharmacology, neurology, and psychopathology. Psychiatrists focus on the biological or chemical factors of mental disorders. If therapy does not have any affect on your child's phobia disorder, you may be referred to a psychiatrist.

A child psychologist, or clinical psychologist, has specialized in the area of the psychological disorders and factors of children. The counseling psychologist should have either earned his PhD, a PsyD., or an EdD. from a post-graduate program at an accredited institution. When selecting a child psychologist, make sure that he or she is licensed in your state. Also check for lawsuits against the therapist.

Before scheduling an appointment for your child, visit the therapists office. The environment should appear comfortable and welcoming to a child. If the psychologist has too broad a scope of specialty, a clinical or more adult decor may be daunting for a child with a social phobia.

Discuss with the perspective psychologist the possibility of accompanying your child to the first few sessions. This should help your child to gradually attain a certain comfort level with the therapist and the treatment.

While looks should never be a factor in the professional world, we have to face the fact that children are more drawn to certain types of people. If a therapist appears too strict or authoritarian, your child may be afraid and not able to open up. A good child psychologist should project a warm, trustworthy attitude, while at the same time not appearing overly friendly.

Always discuss the preferred methods of treatment with the therapist after the initial appointment. If you are not comfortable with his or her individual approach to therapeutic treatment, chances are that your child will not respond well either.

Parents of other children with phobia disorders can also be a valuable resource when considering a child psychologist. Through support groups or online forums, you can discuss therapies that are working, and those that are not., with other parents in your situation. At times referrals from the other parents can be the best way to narrow your search for a therapist.

It is best to visit and speak with a few child psychologists before making your decision. Remember, there may seem to be little or no progress made after the first few visits, but because of the nature of the disorder, it may take your child longer to trust his or her therapist.