Good morning everyone!!! I am needing to start taking my daughter to a Pediatric Psychologist! We would prefer a female, one that is very stern, but also on the nurturing side! She has been through an awful lot her short little 7 years and both myself and her doctor believe that she would benefit from a psychologist. Can any of you recommend a doctor in the Plano/Richardson area?!? Thanks again and have a FABULOUS day!!!
We go to a family doctor not a pediatrician, so he did not have any recomendations for her. I have contacted the school already and waiting to hear back... she does go to "lunch bunch" once a week at school with her school counselor, but that is as far as they go with kids regarding counseling... I have checked online through my insurance company, but thought I would like a referral better than just picking one! Thanks again!
Hi C.,
Did you ask your pediatrician for a referral? I would start there. If you don't find someone there, you might try asking through your school system. Depending upon the counseling you are looking for, it might be that it is available through your public school system for free.
Good luck,
C.
I don't but I'd ask the pediatrician and/or the school for referrals. They may know of someone. Or perhaps check with the local hospital? Best wishes for your little one!
Does your school have one?
My BF is a child psychologist who works in her local school system.
No help for you here with a referral, but maybe look at school resources?
"We would prefer a female, one that is very stern, but also on the nurturing side!"
That sounds like criteria for a nanny, not a doctor. A good psychologist is adaptable to the needs of his/her patient. They should not have one particular manner about them for everyone. If your daughter needs firmness, she will get it. If the doctor doesn't think that is the right thing, she won't. This is not something you get to dictate. Not if you want your daughter to get actual effective help.
The best referrals tend come from other parents in the area. Ask around. If that doesn't get you anywhere, then just pick one. If it isn't a good fit, you can switch.
This may be time consuming but also the best way to find the right counselor for your child. Call around to different clinics or psychiatrist offices and ask questions. Tell them what kind of psychiatrist you are looking for and if they do not have someone in their office who is a fit for you they may know someone who is a fit.
Didn't her pediatrician give you any referrals? That's usually the place to start. You can also look at your health care plan's website for names and numbers in your area. Get started right away because it took me almost six weeks to find one who was taking new patients (sadly, they are very busy.)
Also, I'm not sure what you mean by "stern." If your daughter has been through a lot she's going to need someone she feels comfortable opening up to, not someone she's afraid of, please keep that in mind.
ETA: if she is having problems at school you can also request an appt with the school psychologist
