Do you need a therapeutic consultant?

The mental health crisis is growing for teenagers and young adults. Substance use has risen as well, leaving more parents searching for support themselves and for their children. We can find any information we want on Google, so when do we know if we need a therapeutic consultant?

The National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics reports that 1 in 8 teenagers used an illicit substance within the past year. Drug use went up by 61% in 8th graders between 2016 and 2020. Additionally, The World Health Organization states that one in seven 10 -19 year olds experience a mental health disorder globally.

When your child is struggling with substance use, behavioral issues, learning differences or mental health challenges, finding the right treatment program can feel overwhelming. With so many options promising life-changing results, how do you know which one is best for your child’s unique needs? This is where a therapeutic consultant can make all the difference.

What is a therapeutic consultant?

A therapeutic consultant is a professional who specializes in helping families navigate the confusing world of mental health treatment. They provide expert guidance to connect your child with the most appropriate treatment programs or alternative education options.

Unlike general therapists or school counselors, a therapeutic consultant focuses solely on evaluating treatment options, understanding program qualifications, and tailoring recommendations to your child’s specific needs. Their role is to simplify the process; saving you time, money, and the emotional stress caused by choosing ineffective (or even dangerous) programs. Consultants usually travel, visit and intimately know programs and schools from the inside; creating a specialized and curated group of referrals.

This 2022 article published in Plos One Journal highlights how important finding the proper treatment facility, along with experienced and competent staff is to the recovery process. Whether its recovery, mental health treatment or a different school environment or a gap year experience, the right-fit for your child is crucial.

Therapeutic consultants differ from therapists.

While therapists focus on providing direct mental health treatment through counseling sessions, therapeutic consultants know specifics about programs, good from bad, along with best fit for the client. Understanding mental health is necessary, although being a clinician is not. They evaluate treatment environments, ensuring that the services you or your loved one receive align with the emotional, psychological and educational needs necessary. This partnership complements rather than replaces, your therapist or psychiatrist.

What types of treatment do therapeutic consultants recommend?

Inpatient Treatment Centers: For mental health, substance use or behavioral issues that require 24/7 care.

Nature-based Therapy Programs: Experiential therapies that use nature to promote emotional regulation and personal growth.

Therapeutic Boarding Schools: Boarding schools with mental health support.

Outpatient Therapy and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs): Structured, daily treatment while the client continues to live at home.

Gap year Experiences: Taking a break from college for a life-changing growth experience can be the exact recipe needed for a new trajectory.

How can a therapeutic consultant help your family?

Therapeutic consultants work closely with families to ensure that every step of the treatment process is personalized and effective.

1. Comprehensive assessment and guidance.
After learning about the specific challenges, a therapeutic consultant evaluates which type of treatment program would offer the most benefit. They consider factors like age, diagnosis, interests, and education before making recommendations.

2. Access to trusted programs.
With years of industry experience, consultants maintain strong professional relationships with a wide network of programs, schools and treatment centers. This allows them to recommend reputable, proven programs in order to match the unique needs for you or your loved one.

3. Personalized treatment planning.
Finding the right fit goes beyond reading program brochures or searching on Google. A therapeutic consultant considers learning style, emotional needs, social development, the clinical expertise necessary, and more.

4. Saving time and money.
The wrong program can be costly, not just financially but emotionally. Therapeutic consultants help you avoid expensive trial-and-error experiences by recommending only the most suitable programs. In addition to saving time and money on the wrong choice of a wrong program, it is very costly on mental health to spend time in the wrong program.

5. Ongoing family support.
A good consultant doesn’t just place your child and disappear. They offer ongoing support and communication with the treatment team, helping families stay informed, supported, and prepared for life after treatment.

6. Crisis intervention and emergency placement.
When urgent intervention is needed, a therapeutic consultant can act quickly to find emergency placements in secure, structured environments. This is especially critical when a child is at risk of harm or experiencing a severe mental health crisis.

When should you consider hiring a therapeutic consultant?

If your child’s mental health, behavior or substance use issues have become too challenging to manage with outpatient therapy or school support alone. Common signs may include:

Lack of progress in other treatment attempts.
Increasing risky behaviors, such as running away, self-harm, or making friends in the “wrong” crowd.
Severe anxiety, depression or suicidal ideation.
Complex learning or developmental disorders that require specialized care.
Family burnout and feeling overwhelmed by the search for effective treatment.
Frequent disciplinary issues at school.
Legal trouble.

What to expect during the consultation process.

The consultation process typically begins with a simple conversation to know more about the struggles and to determine if a consultant is necessary. You will discuss yours or your loves one’s history and current challenges. The consultant will then provide detailed recommendations and introductions to others of whom will be a part of the healing.

A therapeutic consultant is your partner in this process; offering expert knowledge and peace of mind. With the right guidance, you can be confident that you or your loved one is receiving the care you need truly needs to heal, grow, and thrive.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure about the next steps, reaching out to Rae Guyer, your Therapeutic Consultant could be the turning point your family needs. Schedule a free consultation here.

Photo credit, JLco