Reply to Help! How to evaluate a child psychologist?

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[quote=Anonymous]After a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation, DD (age 8.5) was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder and the diagnostician gave us a list of referrals for psychologists.  We went with the one who had the best availability and seemed to have the most practical approach, but now that DD has had 5 sessions with her, I'm starting to doubt whether we made the right choice.

DD enjoys her time there, because all they do essentially is play Uno, do some puzzles together and DD fills out a worksheet or two each session.  According to DD, the psychologist doesn't ask her any follow-up questions related to her answers on the worksheets (e.g., the worksheet asks, "What was the hardest part of your day?" and DD writes "Worried that I was getting on the wrong bus after school" and psychologist doesn't probe any deeper with any follow-up questions).  DD said that they don't really talk while playing Uno or doing puzzles, except occasionally DD will say something like "Yes!" when she gets an Uno card she needed.

I totally understand that the psychologist might play games/puzzles and not converse much with DD during the first session or two, to get DD comfortable.  But DD has seemed completely happy and at ease there since half-way through Session 1 (according to DD) so it doesn't seem like they should be spending Sessions 2, 3, 4 and 5 continuing to do this.  Money is tight for us and this psychologist isn't covered by our insurance, so I'm feeling stressed that we'll be spending thousands of dollars to have someone play Uno with DD!  DD's never been in therapy before so I don't know if this is somehow typical.

DH and I have an appointment to meet with the psychologist next week and I want to ask some pointed questions about specific therapy goals and how they are going to work toward those goals, but I also sense that this psychologist is somewhat sensitive and I don't want to put her on the defensive.

Can anyone share if they think this is typical for the first couple months of therapy with a child?  Also, how long do you think I should keep DD with this psychologist before moving on, if this sort of thing continues?  And does anyone have any thoughts about specific questions that DH and I might ask next week without insulting the psychologist?

Thanks for your help.
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