A therapeutic educational consultant is a licensed individual that refers children and young adults that suffer from mental illnesses and other closely related disorders to the most appropriate treatment programs and professionals. These individuals often have backgrounds in behavioral therapy, counseling and mental health, addiction and interventions, etc. A therapeutic educational consultant has strong ties and working relationships with behavioral therapists, residential and outpatient treatment centers, aftercare treatment programs, interventionists and psychiatrists. After observing and spending time with the patient and their family, they will be able to refer the family to the ideal treatment professional as well as the most appropriate level of care.
Making the decision to hire a therapeutic educational consultant is important because they can help families avoid potential treatment failures by avoiding the pitfalls of unethical or insufficient treatment programs and professionals. They’re also an excellent source of advice and wisdom because families often know very little about psychiatric and co-occurring disorders. Most importantly, therapeutic educational consultants can also help families save time and money in the long run by minimizing the trial and error that comes so often with treating mental disorders. Each treatment route a consultant recommends will be different since family dynamics and disorders will vary.
Therapeutic educational consultants also spend sizeable amounts of time touring and interviewing treatment centers and professionals throughout the country. Parents are also often emotionally overwhelmed by the treatment process and will feel relieved with the presence of an experienced consultant. All consultants will be happy to meet with your family to discuss their methods as well as learn more about your family’s obstacles. A few questions you may want to ask them during the interview process include
- How much do you charge?
- What training and educational credentials have you obtained?
- Which disorders do you specialize in dealing with? Psychiatric disorders? Addiction? Eating disorders? Learning disabilities?
- How many families are you currently working with or what does your availability look like at the moment?
- Ask yourselves if their personality and philosophy styles will mesh well with your family member. Also consider how attentive they’ll be able to be according to their schedule and location.
- What are the payment options of the treatment professionals you’ll refer us to?
Hiring a therapeutic educational consultant is not cheap. However, as the saying goes, “you get what you pay for”. Fees will vary according to how much time they’ll be dedicating to the family and client. In some cases, their services can be provided remotely without meeting in person. Do not be afraid to ask a consultant for numerous references to verify their reputation and effectiveness. You will also want to interview several therapeutic educational consultants before making a final decision.
Pasadena Villa works with numerous therapeutic educational consultants throughout the United States and would be happy to refer your family to one. Additionally, if you would like to learn more about our residential mental health treatment programs, please fill out our contact form or call 407-215-2519 to speak with one of our admissions counselors. Our admissions staff will gladly walk you through the enrollment process as well as schedule your initial assessment.
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