Questions to Ask Providers

As the mental health field moves toward an evidence-based culture, you as a client, have the right to request scientifically proven/evidence-based treatments. Youth and families must be provided the information to allow for a better-informed treatment selection process. Youth and families can ask questions like these when visiting mental health providers at different stages:

• Prior to the Start of Treatment
• Does the provider have the educational background, training, and specific expertise to work with my child's special needs?
• Will there be coverage when my child's provider is unavailable (i.e. is the provider part of a group, clinic-based, or independent practice?)
• What is the provider's back-up plan in case of a psychiatric emergency?
• Is the provider connected to local community interventions, such as crisis family services?
• What are the costs associated with the care provided? Are the costs covered by my health insurance? What costs will fall to the family?
• What languages does the provider speak? Does the provider have experience in treating people of different cultures?
• Are informational materials presented in more than one language?
• What culturally appropriate materials can the provider offer the family regarding mental health treatment?
• What kind of treatment services are offered by the provider? Are the treatments evidence-based? If so, what expert training has the provider received?
• Have these treatments been tried on other families like mine? With what results?
• What is the length of the various treatment options?
• What are the factors affecting my child's emotions or behaviors? 
• What are the primary problems you will target to decide which EBP will be most effective?
• How will treatment help my child's emotional or behavioral problems?
• How can I participate in treatment?
• How do I communicate with you and other treatment providers about my child's progress?
• What, if any, are the risks of treatment?  What are the possible benefits?


• During Treatment:
• How do we know if we are meeting our treatment goals?
• My child's behavior is getting worse, is this supposed to happen?
• My child refuses to go to treatment, what should I do?
• We have not met the goals as outlined in the treatment plan; don't we need to change treatment?
• When can we stop treatment, as my child is getting better?
• This treatment is getting difficult for our family, can we change it?


• End of Treatment:
• What supports are available to my child now that treatment is over?
• Can we come back if my child experiences difficulties?
• What support systems are available to my family and child after treatment? What will it cost?

Bring a notebook to write down your thoughts and answers to your questions. This will be useful in making decisions about treatment for your child, in developing treatment goals, and in making sure the desired outcomes are achieved.

Helpful Links:

Michigan's Association of Children's Mental Health (2004) Guide for Families regarding EBPs is a helpful resource for families and youth preparing for meetings with providers.