Knowing where to begin if your child or teen needs a new mental health or behavioral health provider can be challenging. These questions can be a guide while you’re finding the right provider in a private therapy practice or clinic setting.   

Does Your Clinic or Agency Accept My Insurance? 

This is a critically important question to ask before your first appointment. Do not wait for a visit to find out that the provider does not accept your insurance or is not in your network. If your child is covered by Wisconsin Medicaid, it is very important that you make sure the agency accepts Wisconsin Medicaid before starting services. (Learn more about paying for mental health services – see Mental Health factsheet #4.)  

If your child has both private insurance and Medicaid, let the clinic or agency know. In most cases, private insurance will be billed first, and Medicaid will cover the cost of your co-pays or other costs not covered by your private insurance. 

What Services Does Your Clinic or Agency Provide? 

Mental health providers offer a range of services. This could include individual therapy, family therapy, group therapy, or specialized therapy. Providers may offer Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), or Family-Focused Therapy (FFT). They may also have support groups or peer support programs. See Guide to Behavioral Treatment  

When and Where Will My Child be Seen? 

Make sure the provider is in a place that is convenient for your family. Keep in mind that you may be going often. Some agencies have multiple locations so find the one that works best. Consider parking, public transportation and other factors that may make it easier or harder to get to appointments. Some providers offer evening or weekend appointments. If visits are virtual, find out where the child/youth can be (like at school or after school program) to participate in the appointment.

Scheduling Appointments. Are Telehealth Visits an Option?  

When your child becomes an established patient or client, it’s important to know how to make appointments, how often the provider wants to see your child, and how flexible the practice is if you need to cancel or reschedule a visit. Some providers schedule appointments in advance, while others schedule separately.  

Telehealth: Ask about virtual visits if that may be helpful for your family. Check with your child’s insurance to find out if they will fully cover telehealth visits. If your child is enrolled in Wisconsin Medicaid, telehealth appointments are a covered service. See WI DHS Telehealth Policy  

What are the Provider’s Credentials? 

When your child has been assigned to a provider, ask which diagnoses they treat, what their training and credentials are, and whether they are familiar with your child’s condition or unique needs. Find out if the practice is authorized to prescribe medication if needed.  

Care Team Communication  

Ask how the provider ensures care coordination for your child. Are they able to communicate with your child’s primary health care provider, their school, or other caregivers if needed? If a Release of Information (ROI) is needed, make sure you have completed the form.  

• • • Wisconsin teens ages 12-14 and older may be able to limit or deny access and communication between parents/guardians and mental health providers.   

Learn More:  

• • • Questions to Ask a Provider | Mental Health America 

• • • Finding a Mental Health Provider |Well Badger Resource Center  

• • • ForwardHealth’s Find a Mental Health Provider List 

INFORMATION AND RESOURCES

Wisconsin Wayfinder: Children’s Resource Network: (877) WiscWay (877) 947-2929. Wisconsin Wayfinder offers families one name and phone number to find services for children with special health care needs. Wayfinder connects you to a resource guide at one of the five Children’s Resource Centers in your area. 

Do you need a resource in another format or a printed copy? Contact Lynn@fvofwi.org.