What To Expect–Consultation and Therapy

In collaboration with a family, we help determine what supports will allow a child to thrive. Sometimes a psychology consultation appointment is enough to provide direction and support to families, and other times, more extensive follow up treatment is recommended.

Whether or not you or your child have engaged in therapy, we understand that knowing what to expect sets the stage for successful treatment. The initial visit is a "getting to know you" session and will help the psychologist understand your goals in seeking behavioral health support, and with creating a treatment plan. You and your child are part of this planning process, and will be invited to share your goals in attending. Privacy and communication between the psychologist, your child, and you, will also be discussed.

If therapy is recommended after the first appointment, more appointments with that same psychologist may be recommended, or you may be given a referral outside of Olentangy Pediatrics. This will be determined based on how you and your child wish to proceed, the availability and “fit” of the provider, and specific needs.

People with mental health conditions often find psychotherapy-or "talk therapy"-very helpful, and research shows that it is usually highly effective. 

Talking with a therapist or counselor can be tough at first, but it can help to resolve symptoms that get in the way of your child learning, doing things they care about, and maintaining healthy relationships.

Therapy can help your child:

• feel braver in the face of challenges
• change behaviors that interfere with reaching goals
• deal with unhelpful thoughts
• build relationship skills
• become more assertive
• strengthen self-confidence and reduce avoidance
• cope with upsetting symptoms
• manage strong emotions like fear, grief or anger
• enhance problem solving skills

For information on therapy visit the National Institute of Mental Health website click here or the Mental Health America website click here. 

What To Expect–Psychological Assessment

 Your physician or psychologist may suggest a psychological assessment to provide additional information about your child’s symptoms and what treatment will be most helpful. In collaboration with our team, you may consider what option for psychological assessment is best for your child.

• Our physicians collaborate with our psychologists to support diagnosis and treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD). Our psychologists provide brief evaluations for children 6 to 12 years of age.
• When children are outside of this age range, or when it is important to assess additional emotional/behavioral or learning concerns, we refer to outside psychologists to provide longer, comprehensive evaluations, that often include tests of intelligence, academic skills, executive functioning, memory, in addition to social-emotional and behavior tests. 

What to expect if your child is scheduled for a brief psychological evaluation with one of our psychologists:

1. An initial visit will be scheduled with either parents only, or children and parents together, with the psychologist. The visit will be primarily an information gathering session to help our psychologist understand your child’s history and current presenting concerns. A plan for evaluation will be developed between you and the psychologist at this visit. 
2. Either your child’s physician or the psychologist will request for forms to be completed by parents and teachers. 
3. A separate visit with your child and the psychologist will often be scheduled. 
4. After the psychologist has gathered all necessary information, a feedback session with either parents only, or parents and children together, will be scheduled to discuss the results of the evaluation, recommendations for treatment, and any questions you may have.

For more information about psychological assessment:

Understanding psychological testing and assessment. 

**Insurance carriers often require pre-authorization for psychological testing, and our billing department can support you in determining if this is necessary for your child.