What Questions Should I Ask My Child’s Psychiatric Prescriber?

When your child is receiving psychiatric care, it’s important to be actively involved in their treatment. Asking the right questions can help you better understand their diagnosis, treatment plan, and how you can support their mental health journey. It is important that you find a prescriber that you feel you can communicate with and ask questions. Each child is unique and it is important that their treatment plan be tailored to their specific needs. 

Helpful Questions to Ask

This is by no means an exhaustive list. This list is meant to get your wheels turning and help you to make your own list. It can be helpful to start with these questions and then ask additional ones depending on your child’s needs. 

1. What is their diagnosis?
   Understanding your child’s diagnosis is essential. Ask how their provider arrived at their diagnosis and whether any tests or assessments were conducted. This can be helpful in the sense that it will allow you to learn more about their diagnosis and what specific symptoms they present with. A clear understanding of your child’s condition will help you better support their needs and know what to expect from treatment. This will also give you the opportunity to provide additional information if you feel that the diagnosis does not fit or does not address all of their symptoms and/or challenges. 
2. What treatment options are available?
   Psychiatric professionals often offer various treatment options such as therapy, medication, or a combination of both. Ask about all available options and how they align with your child’s needs. Understanding the benefits, potential side effects, and expected outcomes of each option will help you make informed decisions.
3. How can I support my child’s treatment at home?
   As a parent, your involvement is crucial in reinforcing treatment. Ask your child’s provider for specific strategies or tools you can use at home, whether it’s promoting healthy habits, managing triggers, or communicating effectively with your child about their feelings and experience.
4. What are the potential side effects of their medications?
   If medication is part of your child’s treatment plan, be sure to ask about potential side effects, how long they might last, and what you should watch for. This helps you keep an eye on any changes in your child’s behavior or well-being which can allow you to intervene sooner rather than later if there are any concerns. 
5. How can I monitor my child’s progress?
   Ask how to track your child’s progress throughout the treatment process. Whether it’s through symptom check-ins, mood assessments, or regular follow-up appointments, understanding how to monitor progress will give you peace of mind and help identify when adjustments to their treatment plan may be necessary.
6. When should we seek additional help or adjustments to their treatment plan?
   It’s important to know what signs indicate that the current treatment plan might not be effective, or if your child’s mental health is worsening. Your child’s provider can give you guidance on when to reach out for further support or make changes to the approach.
7. How can we ensure the treatment plan is sustainable long term?
   Mental health treatment is often an ongoing process. Ask about the steps you can take to ensure your child continues to receive the support they need as they grow, and how their treatment plan might evolve over time.
8. Can they stop taking medications over school breaks or in the summer?   Taking medications consistently is often essential. Many types of medications only work when taken on a regular basis, however, there are some medications that your child can take a break from. Don’t assume, be sure to ask your child’s prescriber and follow their treatment recommendations to get the most out of medication management. 
9. What happens if my child misses a dose? Much like in the above question, consistency can be key. While this is true, we are all human and missed doses are likely to happen. Ask ahead of time so you have a plan when this inevitably happens. 
10. Will my child’s behavior change? This is a common question that many parents have but not all will ask. If you are concerned about this, be sure to ask your child’s prescriber so you know what to expect. This can also be helpful in monitoring side effects. If behavior changes are not to be expected, and they happen, this may be an indicator that their treatment plan needs to be adjusted. 

Finding The Right Prescriber for Your Child

Being an active participant in your child’s care is essential to their success. By asking questions, you can gain a deeper understanding of their treatment plan and become a more effective advocate for their mental well-being. It is important that you find a prescriber you feel comfortable enough with that you can ask questions. 

Carolina Counseling Services in Southern Pines contracts with caring, skilled psychiatric professionals that have your child’s best interests at heart. Find the right Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner or Psychiatric Physician Assistant today. Call CCS to schedule your child’s first appointment. Online appointments are available making getting the care your child needs and deserves easier than ever before.