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?
Click to see why this works
How do you tailor assessments to a child’s age, neurotype, and culture?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Ensures equitable, developmentally informed evaluation.
2What are the likely differential diagnoses you’re considering and why?
Click to see why this works
What are the likely differential diagnoses you’re considering and why?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Clarifies clinical reasoning and rules in/out related conditions.
3How will you gather input from school, caregivers, and the child?
Click to see why this works
How will you gather input from school, caregivers, and the child?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Strong assessments triangulate multiple contexts and observers.
4What interventions have the best evidence for this concern?
Click to see why this works
What interventions have the best evidence for this concern?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Connects recommendations to research, not opinion.
5What does a realistic treatment timeline look like?
Click to see why this works
What does a realistic treatment timeline look like?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Sets expectations on pace of change and review points.
6How can we track progress at home and school?
Click to see why this works
How can we track progress at home and school?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Creates measurable markers beyond session notes.
7What is the parent’s role between sessions?
Click to see why this works
What is the parent’s role between sessions?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Translates therapy into daily routines and supports generalization.
8How do you adapt sessions for motivation or sensory needs?
Click to see why this works
How do you adapt sessions for motivation or sensory needs?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Assures flexibility for engagement and comfort.
9When is referral to psychiatry or other specialists appropriate?
Click to see why this works
When is referral to psychiatry or other specialists appropriate?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Defines thresholds for medication or additional services.
10How do you handle crises or safety concerns?
Click to see why this works
How do you handle crises or safety concerns?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Outlines protocols for urgent situations and after-hours support.
11What is your approach to culturally responsive care?
Click to see why this works
What is your approach to culturally responsive care?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Seeks respect for family values and identities in treatment.
12How do you involve siblings or extended family when helpful?
Click to see why this works
How do you involve siblings or extended family when helpful?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Leverages family systems while protecting boundaries.
13What accommodations should we request at school (504/IEP)?
Click to see why this works
What accommodations should we request at school (504/IEP)?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Connects clinical findings to practical supports in class.
14How will we decide when to adjust or end treatment?
Click to see why this works
How will we decide when to adjust or end treatment?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Prevents endless therapy by defining success criteria.
15What are common setbacks and how do families navigate them?
Click to see why this works
What are common setbacks and how do families navigate them?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Normalizes relapses and prepares coping strategies.
16What is your experience with our child’s specific concern?
Click to see why this works
What is your experience with our child’s specific concern?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Checks fit and relevant expertise for the case.
17How do you ensure confidentiality while keeping parents informed?
Click to see why this works
How do you ensure confidentiality while keeping parents informed?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Balances trust with safety and legal requirements.
18What should we read or practice between visits?
Click to see why this works
What should we read or practice between visits?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Creates a home program for faster progress.
19How do you coordinate care with pediatricians and teachers?
Click to see why this works
How do you coordinate care with pediatricians and teachers?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Ensures integrated support across settings.
20What would a successful first month look like?
Click to see why this works
What would a successful first month look like?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Sets early, observable wins to build momentum.
Making the Most of Consults
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
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.