How to Interview a Clinician: Finding the right fit for evaluation or therapy

Finding the right clinician to work with your child or family is an important decision, especially when it comes to evaluations or therapy for neurodevelopmental concerns. Whether you’re seeking an evaluation, therapy, or other specialized services, it’s essential to choose a clinician who not only has the right expertise but also feels like a good fit for your family’s needs and values.

At TRAIN, we offer a free 30-minute consultation to help you determine if we’re the right match for your family’s needs. We believe that building a strong, trusting relationship with your clinician is key to success in both evaluations and therapeutic work. Here are some tips and questions to ask during free consultations to help you make an informed choice.

Why It’s Important to Choose the Right Clinician

A good clinician can make all the difference in your child’s journey. You want someone who:

• Takes the time to listen to your concerns and goals

• Uses evidence-based practices to guide their approach

• Prioritizes your child’s unique needs and strengths

• Creates a warm, supportive, and engaging environment for your child

• Communicates openly and clearly with you throughout the process

Choosing the right clinician for your child’s evaluation or therapy can set the foundation for lasting success. Here’s how to make sure you’re selecting the right professional for your family.

Key Questions to Ask During Your Free Consultation

1. What is your approach to working with children and families?

This question helps you understand the clinician’s philosophy and approach to therapy or evaluation. Are they child-centered? Do they focus on a collaborative approach where the family is involved in setting goals? Are they neurodivergent-affirming? At TRAIN, we prioritize a nurturing, individualized approach to evaluations and therapy, ensuring that every child’s needs are met with care and attention.

2. What experience do you have with children who have [specific concern, e.g., autism, ADHD, anxiety]?

It’s important to know the clinician’s experience with your specific concern. For example, if your child is being evaluated for autism, ask about their experience with autism assessments and any relevant tools or assessments they use. At TRAIN, we specialize in neurodevelopmental assessments, including autism evaluations, and have extensive experience with children with selective mutism, obsessive compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety, sensory processing disorder, and other co-occurring diagnoses.

3. What types of interventions or therapies do you use?

Knowing what types of interventions or therapies a clinician uses can help you gauge whether they are a good fit for your child. Do they use evidence-based practices? Are their approaches flexible and tailored to your child’s needs? At TRAIN, we use research-backed therapeutic approaches like CBT, PCIT, and CPP to ensure that interventions are effective and compassionate.

4. How do you tailor your approach to each child?

No two children are the same, and a good clinician will recognize that. Ask how they customize their approach to fit your child’s unique temperament, developmental stage, and needs. Whether it's through structured play, sensory activities, or more traditional therapeutic techniques, at TRAIN, we understand the importance of flexibility and personalization.

5. How do you involve parents in the process?

Parent involvement is critical in both evaluation and therapy. Ask how the clinician works with parents to ensure consistent support at home and across settings. Do they offer parent coaching or resources? At TRAIN, we offer parent coaching as part of our services to ensure that parents have the tools they need to support their child’s growth outside of sessions.

6. What does the evaluation or therapy process look like?

Understanding the process from start to finish helps you feel prepared and informed. Ask about the steps involved, timelines, and how feedback is given. At TRAIN, we walk families through each step of the evaluation process, from initial consultations to final reports, and provide clear feedback during and after each evaluation and therapy session.

7. How do you measure progress and success?

A good clinician will have a clear method for tracking and evaluating progress. Ask how they measure success in therapy or evaluations and how they communicate progress to families. At TRAIN, we emphasize clear communication with families, providing measurable goals and ongoing feedback throughout the process.

8. What are the costs and payment options?

It’s important to understand the financial aspects upfront. Ask about costs, insurance coverage, and payment options. At TRAIN, we offer an income-based sliding scale for therapy services, provide superbills for out-of-network claims, and we will help you understand your payment options during the consultation.

Make the Most of Your Free Consultation

At TRAIN, we offer a free 30-minute consultation to help you get to know us and determine if we’re a good fit for your family’s needs. This time is designed to allow you to ask questions, share your concerns, and learn more about our approach. It’s a no-pressure opportunity to explore whether we’re the right match to support your child’s journey.

Choosing the right clinician is a big decision, and we’re here to help make it as easy as possible. If you have any questions or would like to schedule your free consultation, don’t hesitate to reach out!