Prepare your child for their first mental health assessment by openly communicating why they are coming, normalizing the experience, and talking positively about seeing a therapist. Encourage self-expression, be present and supportive, and celebrate your child’s courage in taking this positive step toward their emotional well-being.
If there are any topics that you feel should not be discussed in front of your child, feel free to write them down and provide this to the therapist on the first day, or request that you meet with the therapist alone at some point (note that if you are seeing a therapist in-person and want to meet with them alone, you will need to bring another adult to sit with your child while you are alone in the office with the therapist).
