Questions to Ask a Child Psychologist
Questions to Ask a Child Psychologist
Evidence-based prompts for consultations with child psychologists—covering assessment approach, family involvement, and practical care plans.
1How do you tailor assessments to a child’s age, neurotype, and culture?
How do you tailor assessments to a child’s age, neurotype, and culture?
Ensures equitable, developmentally informed evaluation.
2What are the likely differential diagnoses you’re considering and why?
What are the likely differential diagnoses you’re considering and why?
Clarifies clinical reasoning and rules in/out related conditions.
3How will you gather input from school, caregivers, and the child?
How will you gather input from school, caregivers, and the child?
Strong assessments triangulate multiple contexts and observers.
4What interventions have the best evidence for this concern?
What interventions have the best evidence for this concern?
Connects recommendations to research, not opinion.
5What does a realistic treatment timeline look like?
What does a realistic treatment timeline look like?
Sets expectations on pace of change and review points.
6How can we track progress at home and school?
How can we track progress at home and school?
Creates measurable markers beyond session notes.
7What is the parent’s role between sessions?
What is the parent’s role between sessions?
Translates therapy into daily routines and supports generalization.
8How do you adapt sessions for motivation or sensory needs?
How do you adapt sessions for motivation or sensory needs?
Assures flexibility for engagement and comfort.
9When is referral to psychiatry or other specialists appropriate?
When is referral to psychiatry or other specialists appropriate?
Defines thresholds for medication or additional services.
10How do you handle crises or safety concerns?
How do you handle crises or safety concerns?
Outlines protocols for urgent situations and after-hours support.
11What is your approach to culturally responsive care?
What is your approach to culturally responsive care?
Seeks respect for family values and identities in treatment.
12How do you involve siblings or extended family when helpful?
How do you involve siblings or extended family when helpful?
Leverages family systems while protecting boundaries.
13What accommodations should we request at school (504/IEP)?
What accommodations should we request at school (504/IEP)?
Connects clinical findings to practical supports in class.
14How will we decide when to adjust or end treatment?
How will we decide when to adjust or end treatment?
Prevents endless therapy by defining success criteria.
15What are common setbacks and how do families navigate them?
What are common setbacks and how do families navigate them?
Normalizes relapses and prepares coping strategies.
16What is your experience with our child’s specific concern?
What is your experience with our child’s specific concern?
Checks fit and relevant expertise for the case.
17How do you ensure confidentiality while keeping parents informed?
How do you ensure confidentiality while keeping parents informed?
Balances trust with safety and legal requirements.
18What should we read or practice between visits?
What should we read or practice between visits?
Creates a home program for faster progress.
19How do you coordinate care with pediatricians and teachers?
How do you coordinate care with pediatricians and teachers?
Ensures integrated support across settings.
20What would a successful first month look like?
What would a successful first month look like?
Sets early, observable wins to build momentum.
Want to learn more?
Making the Most of Consults
Want to learn more?
Making the Most of Consults
Plan, Observe, Follow Through
Bring Examples
Concrete notes and videos (if allowed) make patterns clear.
Ask for Measures
Rating scales and goals enable shared progress tracking.
Agree on Roles
Clarify who does what at home, school, and sessions.
Parent–Provider Check-In
Five-Minute Agenda
Common Pitfalls
Vague Goals
Define observable behaviors to avoid misalignment.
Overloading the Child
Right-size changes; too many tasks reduce adherence.