When parents contact me for the first time, I suggest a one and a half hour initial visit. I meet with parents of young children alone because I have found that there are frequently things parents want to discuss that are best not talked about in front of their children. For older teenagers, I often schedule this initial visit jointly with teenagers and parents, however. As teenagers approach adulthood, I believe that it is important to enlist them in this process from the beginning. During this initial visit, I learn about the concerns you have about your child. I prefer to have both parents present for this visit, because each may have a different perspective and both are important. I want to learn about the child's personal history as well as the family history. At the end of this visit we will develop questions that you have about your child.
At a subsequent visit, I will meet with you and your child together to talk. At that time I will introduce myself to the child and we will talk about what has brought them to my office. I will interview your child and will answer any questions he or she may have. My goal at this point is to help the child to feel as comfortable as possible.
I ask that you bring copies of all of the child's records including prior test reports and report cards as well as the results of any standardized testing that has been done. I will send home with you a set of rating scales and forms to be completed at home.
Following this inital visit, many parents decide to proceed immediately with the evaluation. Others may delay to gather more information and to consult with other professionals before proceeding.
