Choosing a child psychologist in Israel: 7 questions
When your child is struggling, it is natural to want help quickly. I suggest starting with two things: checking professional qualifications and understanding how the psychologist proposes to work with your particular concern.
Ask about a first meeting1. Is there a current licence?
Check the psychologist’s name and licence number in the Ministry of Health registry. A professional licence and an academic degree are different records. If anything is unclear, ask the practitioner to explain it before booking.
2. What is the recognized specialty?
Ask about the recognized specialty and experience with children of your child’s age. A list of methods does not replace an explanation of relevant training and the type of work the psychologist currently offers.
3. Does the psychologist work with your concern?
Anxiety, learning difficulties and documents requested by a school can require different formats. Describe the practical question you want help with. Ask whether another professional may need to be involved.
4. Which languages will be used?
The language used with parents, the child and in a school report may differ. Clarify each one. For assessments, discuss the child’s language background and the receiving institution’s requirements before agreeing to the work.
5. How do parents participate?
Ask which meetings involve parents, how goals are discussed and what feedback you will receive. Discuss privacy and what may be shared with the school or other professionals, especially when working with a teenager.
6. What are the costs and practical terms?
Ask about session length, payment, cancellation and the separate cost of any assessment. Agree on the meeting format and what written material, if any, is included. You should understand these arrangements before starting.
7. How will progress be discussed?
Discuss the goals and when you will return to reviewing changes together. Ask what happens if the proposed approach does not fit your family. A promise of a guaranteed result cannot replace an understandable plan.
Questions for the first conversation
“Have you worked with children of this age?” “What information do you need before we meet?” “Who is the report intended for?” “When might another specialist be needed?” You can take time to consider the answers.
About me
I am Irina Soselia, a licensed psychologist and specialist in educational psychology. I work with children, teenagers and parents in Rishon LeZion. My education and licence details are available on the About page, with links to professional records.