Child psychologist clinical social worker etc

Hi. Hope I'm in the right spot. I'm wondering where to start. Having problems with my son. It may be sensory issues or more and in trying to search out for a referral for a psychologist, clinical social worker or psychiatrist. Also not sure what's the difference between these are. If anyone can shed some light I'd appreciate it. Thanks

Re: Child psychologist clinical social worker etc

I'm a social worker and I started with a child psychologist. They have specialized testing they can do. I see social workers as doing more talk therapy and referrals.....Psychiatrists I woud recommend if there is a major issue going on that could require medication, and both a social worker or child psychologist will refer you that route if it's that severe. (Note: I don't think they really give meds to super young children; maybe not until school age but I could be wrong). I also have heard of young children being referred to a pediatric neurologist but I have no experience with that.

Anyways, I first went to my pediatrician for recs, and he just gave me some names of child psychs on a piece of paper.

I ended up calling my insurance company to see if they could give me a list of people within a 10 mile radius who accepted my plan.

Only one guy was prompt and actually returned my calls so I went with him.

He was actually the one who suggested doing the evaluation through the school district, after he finished meeting with DS for several sessions. (He also is on the board for a very reputable agency so this is the one I ended up going with for services for my son).

I was originally encouraged to do the school district route for testing, but wanted someone professional to tell me that what I was sensing was not all in my head.

Lastly, DS appears to have some sensory issues too, however, he started services with a SEIT 1:1 in September and it was not until I wrote a letter to the school, requesting a meeting and she offered her input that he was offered an OT eval and sensory eval.

Just completed this and we are about to meet again to see if he qualifies for anything else.

Also keep in mind that if you go the route I did, you may have a co-pay. I think we met with the child psych 5 times and it was $50 a pop even with my insurance.

Everything through the district is free (well covered by our taxes but you KWIM).

P.S. I didn't find the process of dealing with the school district to be all that difficult. You will hear a mixed bag on this. As soon as I submitted the application (it's lengthy but not that big of a deal or that time consuming to fill out.......although I may just be used to filling out long apps because of my profession), the school called right away, needed to drop off face to face once complete, I went in and got a date for a meeting within that month (which I believe is the requirement).

The pediatrician does need to fill some things out, and I believe a copy of the most recent physical also needs to be submitted.


Let me know if I can be of any further assistance!!!

Message edited 1/4/2013 7:37:12 AM.

Re: Child psychologist clinical social worker etc

Always start with a psychologist! Only psychologists do testing and psychoeducational assessment.