The Role of a Therapeutic Consultant

If supporting a child’s mental health is a team effort, the therapeutic consultant can be considered the coach. Also known as a behavioral health consultant or educational consultant, a therapeutic consultant can play an important role for anyone considering treatment for an addiction or mental health issue. The field of mental health is vast, complex, and difficult to navigate for non-professionals. A skilled therapeutic consultant can help identify the best program to address a specific problem and help clients avoid common mistakes.

A therapeutic consultant works one-on-one with clients to help them identify the appropriate treatment provider. Through regular visits to treatment programs, as well as through communication and collaboration with treatment professionals, consultants gain a broad understanding of the programs, services, and facilities available locally and nationwide.

Additionally, they conduct a thorough review of each client’s situation, including relevant psychological testing and evaluations, to acquire a clear picture of the client’s unique needs. When necessary, consultants conduct their own evaluations for additional information. Relying on their own research and the input from treatment professionals, a skilled consultant can advise families as they engage in the high-stakes process of choosing a facility and completing the placement process.

To ensure their objectivity, therapeutic consultants must receive no compensation from programs or schools, nor should they maintain affiliation with any particular program. Their credibility lies in the fact that they are third parties with no motive or incentive to recommend specific facilities or services. Rather, they are acting in the best interest of their client to help identify services best aligned with the individual and family’s needs.

For families researching treatment for a child, a therapeutic consultant can support the added challenge of preventing lengthy interruptions to the child’s education. Before placement, a consultant will investigate the wrap-around services a program may offer, including the availability of in-home placement or day treatment. Through interviews of school personnel as well as explorations of family dynamics, the consultant can help families choose the optimal treatment facility. During treatment, the consultant can also act as a liaison between the child’s school and facility and facilitate a smooth transition when treatment is complete.

Many treatment facilities require that families work with a therapeutic consultant to ensure the family makes an informed, objective choice. Even when not required by the program, a consultant is a wise choice for families who are in the middle of a crisis, as stress can have a negative impact on critical thinking and decision-making processes.

Beyond technical guidance and advocacy, consultants can provide valuable emotional support for families. Because they often have backgrounds in counseling, special education, or behavioral health, consultants possess the tools to communicate effectively with families during stressful and emotional situations.

Many also have specific training and experience with substance use disorder and the latest developments in treatment interventions. Often, they maintain membership in professional organizations such as the Therapeutic Consulting Association (TCA) or the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), which uphold standards of professionalism and integrity for consultants and referring professionals.

Through advocacy on behalf of families and adolescents, a therapeutic consultant can maximize a young person’s odds of success in a treatment program. Additionally, they can save parents money by helping them avoid costly mistakes such as failed treatment.