A common question is, “Why do therapists refer troubled teens to an educational consultant?” Individual- and family-serving professionals refer because they recognize an educational consultant enhances the treatment process by providing much-needed expertise and support for family needs that go beyond the therapeutic session. An educational consultant supports providers and assists families in fleshing out academic and therapeutic recommendations. Morgan Guidance will:
assist in calming family fears and promote clarity through information and parent support
plan with families so they have a clear path forward during difficult days
Look at the big picture, create short and long term goals, track progress, advocate for the student
serve as an expert resource on specialized schools and programs
when indicated, will custom match clients to the “right fit” therapeutic placement
go the distance and stay on the family team for as long as the parent requests
Consultant Elaine Morgan brings a fresh perspective and asks what is in the best interest of the child and family. As an independent educational consultant working directly for the family with a troubled teen, Elaine never receives payment from a school or fee for program referral.
Let’s consider three common reasons therapists refer troubled teens to an educational consultant.
Reason 1:
Referring professionals acknowledge independent educational consultants are full-time planners and experts on resources, specialized schools, and therapeutic programs. Our specialization is complementary to the work of therapists and other individual- and family-serving professionals. Therapists, psychiatrists, and psychologists refer to us when they want to ensure their client has a comprehensive plan including being matched to the best academic or treatment setting. Learn specifics about how we serve families as a niche provider and complement the larger circle of professional supports.
Reason 2:
Therapists refer troubled teens to an educational consultant when situations become more complex. What do I mean by “complex”? It can be any number of issues.
For a family this might look like but is not limited to:
navigating several systems of care while juggling family, work, and everyday life
trying to coordinate school services or multiple specialists without a comprehensive plan
a family system that is facing significant stressors of challenge or change
a family system that is changing or buckling under the pressure of a special needs child
parent seeks their own therapy yet they want to talk about their child’s or teen’s issues
For the young person, complexity might look like but is not limited to:
insufficient therapeutic progress and time is getting away
worsening behaviors that are unresponsive to strategies or consequences
unclear diagnosis or inconclusive assessments
ASD or other neurological issues that require long-term developmental multidisciplinary supports
negative impact on life function especially school, intrapersonal, family, peers
at risk for not reaching potential
a 16 or 17year old approaching majority age
any age aggressive at home or impulsive in community
substance use since drugs and alcohol increase risk for just about every problem
Reason 3:
Professionals refer because they embrace research that confirms a team-based approach. If you are familiar with the concept of wraparound care or concierge case management, then you might already feel comfortable with a team approach to family or individual mental health. If you are new to a coordinated team approach, let me assure you that our work is highly collaborative. Read what one wilderness therapy program has to say about the value of an educational consultant for their clients. SAMSHA is a champion for coordinated care. Organizations like Association for Community Integration Programs promote a multi-disciplinary community team.
Learn more about collaborating with our educational consultants for troubled teens. Morgan Guidance works locally in the community and state and via technology to serve professionals and clients at a distance. We will answer your questions and respond to your inquiry about when to refer and how we might work together for your client.
