Whether children experience expected emotional and/or psychological problems or are more adversely affected, the help of a trained child therapist may be important. The need for outside help may be dictated by observation of how the children’s behaviors and moods change, the level of conflict between the parents, and the capacity of parents to provide the support children may need.

When therapy is advisable, a number of issues may present themselves. One key issue is whether both parents support treatment and can they agree on the choice of the therapist?

Legal custody spells out who may authorize treatment with a therapist. Sole legal custody with one parent means that parent must be the one to approve treatment. In joint legal custody either parent can consent to treatment, unless the court order requires both to agree when it comes to psychological services. From the therapist’s viewpoint, however, it is best to have both parents support the treatment.

The therapist may, as is often the case, invite the parents to participate in the treatment in a variety of ways. It is important to know the therapist’s policy on the privacy of each of these meetings. Confidentiality is important in order for the parents and child to freely express themselves without fear their words will be used against them.

The therapist should always put the best interest of the child foremost. After all, that is why they were hired. Their role is one of therapeutic care. The avoidance of becoming a part of the conflict with parents is to prevent undermining the primary purpose of the therapy – the child.

The most difficult cases occur when one parent seeks treatment for their child and the other parent objects to the choice of therapists or to the treatment. These situations fuel conflict between the parents. The therapist must decide whether they can be helpful to the child in light of the parental hostility. The therapist’s choices are always in consideration of what will best promote a positive treatment for the child.