How Quickly Should a Child Receive a Diagnosis in Child Therapy?

This post is part of a series where our team of child mental health professionals answer real questions submitted by readers like you. This post deals with issues related to therapy and mental health care. Please take care when reading.

One parent recently asked us for guidance about what to expect when navigating child therapy. Here’s a response from Little Otter’s team of experts.

“After 4 or 5 child therapy sessions, shouldn’t the therapist be able to provide a diagnosis or guidance about my child?  

My child saw a therapist, and after about five visits, there was no diagnosis.  I was also asked to talk with my child’s pediatrician about medication, but with no diagnosis to share with the pediatrician. Is this how the therapy process should work for a child?”

- K., North Carolina

Thank you for contacting Little Otter.

If you took your child to see a therapist for approximately one month, you are correct in your expectation of an explanation from the therapist regarding your child’s symptoms, behaviors, and/or a diagnosis.

Even if your child did not meet criteria for any clinical diagnosis(es), that should have been explained to you.

It is unusual that the therapist is referring you back to your pediatrician without providing context as to why you need to have a conversation regarding medication.

Before meeting with your pediatrician, I would recommend that you contact the therapist and ask if they diagnosed your child, and if so, why. And if they did not diagnose your child, they should also provide clarification as to why not. You can also receive additional information by requesting a summary of treatment. I am glad you are being proactive to acquire the information that you need to best support your child.

Also do not hesitate to follow your instinct here. If after speaking with the therapist, you do not feel that your questions and concerns are appropriately received, it is important to consider looking for a therapist who will work with you more collaboratively.

Wishing you all the best. Please know that Little Otter is available to provide help and support to families in select states. Learn more and join today.

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