How a Teen Therapist Can Work With Your Child's School
Teens who are struggling in school may be depressed, anxious, frustrated, dealing with a learning disability, or exhibiting angry outbursts. A child who once thrived may be falling behind, or previous difficult subjects may now seem impossible to conquer.
You and your family don’t have to go it alone. Teen therapy can help your child with diagnostic tests to find out if a learning disability is at the root of the problem, navigate complex emotions, manage stressful events happening in life right now, and, yes, work with your child’s school.
Teen therapists in Ellicott City at The Family Center do not help you alone. We believe that teen therapy is most effective when everyone is in on the treatment plan and you have a community of support. This includes talking to teachers or school counselors, involving all adults who see the child on a regular basis, and touching base with family members on what to expect.
Learn how our teen therapists work with your child’s school to improve performance, confidence, and overall well-being.
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1. Diagnostic Exams for State-Supported School Assistance
If your child is struggling with a learning disability or any other diagnosis, your teen therapist can help get the proper paperwork in order to qualify for school assistance programs.
Diagnostic exams help identify where a child is struggling and determine what tools can help them. The state and local counties have funds, resources, and school programs available for students who qualify. Your teen therapist can help with school by connecting you with the right sources to improve school performance. This can be a huge boost for students who are thinking of dropping out and need a little extra encouragement to reach their goals.
2. School Counselors for Aid
School counselors are on-site and ready to assist students however they can. Connecting a teen therapist with their school counselor can give additional support in the setting where your child spends the majority of their time.
With consent, teen therapists can work with your child’s school to bring the school counselor up to date on whatever information is most helpful for your family. This provides a resource that is available 8 to 9 hours a day for your child, giving them access to the tools they need to manage whatever they are up against.
3. Teachers for Consistent Expectations
Using the right language with all adults in your child's life can be critical for a student. Teachers will be thankful to know what is going on, how to handle outbursts, and what is expected of them to guide your child through this time in their life.
Consult with your child’s teen therapist on which teachers may be worth talking to about your teen’s therapy. This can be an option for young teens in middle school and even graduating seniors who are under pressure, dealing with a difficult time, and more. Do not feel embarrassed, ask how a child therapist can work with your school and local teachers for continued support when your child needs it most.
4. Coaches for Encouragement
Children and teens who are in after-school activities perform better and with more confidence when their coaches are involved in their therapy. Activities and hobbies can foster community, confidence, social skills, and a sense of pride; ask your teen therapist if working with the school and their coaches will aid your child.
Sometimes, a coach simply knowing the home life situation, current struggles, and more can allow them to show up a little extra during difficult times. They may also implement any techniques or coping skills you and your family have found beneficial to give consistent assistance to your teen in need.
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Benefits of Connecting Your Teen’s Therapist with Their School
From any age, high school freshmen to college freshmen, a teenager’s therapist can be a pillar of support and stability. Do not feel your child’s therapist has to be separate from their education. Linking a teen therapist with their school can provide unparalleled assistance to thriving, going above and beyond, and reaching their potential.
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Consistent treatment and expectations
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Controlled environments for predictability
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Support during stressful situations
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Trustworthy adults your child can turn to
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Improved behavior beyond the therapy office
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Full picture of what your child is experiencing
You may be wondering if it’s the right move to link everyone together. Maybe you’re worried about breaking your teen’s trust, handling the paperwork or coordination, or you just don’t know if it’s ethical or worth it. Only you, your child, and your teen therapist can decide when to work with your school, but here are some recommendations on when to open up the conversation.
Why Should I Connect My Teen Therapist with the School
1. Learning Disabilities
If your child is struggling with a learning disability, you want to talk about school assistance programs your teen may be eligible for. Connecting the school with your counselors can help get access to more resources, different learning approaches, and additional support to see an improvement in performance without the stress.
2. Major Life Changes: Death, Moving, Family Dynamics
Are you visiting a teen therapist because there has been a major shift in your teen’s life? A death in the family or someone close by, moving, or even merging two families can cause a change in behavior and mood disorders. Letting the school know can help provide support during an unstable and emotional time.
3. Behavioral Issues
Teens who are showing aggression, dealing with depression, or managing anxiety need a consistent plan in place. Your teen therapist working with your child’s school can help all adults know the protocol, what to do in case of an outburst, and become a safe source for your teen to turn to when needed.
4. New Diagnosis
Learning about a learning disability, mood disorder, mental health diagnosis, or other medical condition can be a lot for a child to take on. Consider connecting your teen therapist with your child’s school so everyone can be aware of the situation and help during the adjustment period.
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How To Get Started
So, how do you connect your teen therapist with their school? At The Family Center, we can help. We are staffed with teen therapists, registered nurses, social workers, and more. Our combined experience of the local county, Maryland state laws, and ethical therapy practices allows us to guide you one step at a time. We make sure everyone is comfortable and consents to make a successful merger of all adults in your child’s life.
Call today for guidance, consultations, or to make an appointment. Howard County teen therapists who work with your child’s school are one phone call away. We make it simple.