Expert: Joyce A. Anthony - 9/12/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hello,

My eldest son who is 11 has been diagnosed with Severe ADHD, Bipolar and LD. Like several other parents he has seen several Therapists and Psychiatrists, finally found a set in same building that are somewhat ok. I need to know what are we to expect, the last therapist made a habit of getting my son in such a state I had to carry him out kicking and screaming and finally ended the misery when he said in front of his face, "He is a very unlikable boy" which even if I wasn't his Mom I would have to totally disagree, Anyway this new therapist very nice young lady just sits there, lets us tell her our day as a family and says absolutely nothing, is she suppose to be giving advise? He is enrolled in a special needs school which is just fantastic and has several specialist there to help him and our family. Is it mandatory to see a therapist just so the psychiatrist will continue his meds. or can we just see the one?


Hope I didn't put you to sleep!

~Jesica~

ANSWER: Hi Jessica.  

I'm still awake :-)

You will have to discuss this with the prescribing physician.  There is no legal reason you need to see both, but the psychiatrist may consider seeing a therapist as an essential part of counseling.

Is it possible this new therapist is just trying to get to know you two and the family dynamics before giving advice?

         Joyce A. Anthony

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: We have been seeing her for 8 months or longer...
Seems more and more pointless to go past few months so we dropped down to going once a month. Don't see much point in driving 45min. each way just to be asked how our day has gone.

Mind you the only reason we are there is because we finally found a Psychiatrist willing to see and treat him that accepts our insurance.

Is it considered rude to tell the Therapist that these meetings are going nowhere and his School is well equipped with professionals to help him/us?


Jessica

Answer
Jessica:

You must keep one very important thing in mind--as the mother, you know what is and is not working for your son, and have every right to let the "professionals" know.

I would first discuss with the psychiatrist about the requirements for an additional therapist.  Explain what is available at your son's school and your concerns about this counselor being a waste of time.

As long as the psychiatrist agrees to allowing the school to suffice, just explain to the psychologist that you feel your son's needs are being better served at school.  Let her know that you feel continuing with her would waste her time as well as your and you believe it is best for all that you do not return.  As long as you explain it this way, use polite language and do not  verbally accuse her of doing nothing, then there is no way anyone could think it rude.

         Joyce A. Anthony