LUNA is designed to help kids/teens and caregivers learn how to better manage anxiety. For some families, this program may be all that is needed. Other families might use this program as just one part of their plan to overcome anxiety. If you are interested in further treatment, the following information may be helpful!
Therapist
The first step in getting connected to a licensed mental health professional is finding the right fit. You will want to make sure that your child feels comfortable with their new therapist, and that the therapist is using effective treatment for your child’s concerns.
There are many different types of therapies for different problem areas. Some therapies have been found to be more successful than others. The Society of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology has created a website called Effective Child Therapy that contains information on evidence-based therapies (or therapies that have been shown to work in multiple scientific studies) for specific concerns, symptoms, and clinical disorders. This website is an excellent resource for caregivers to learn about effective therapy interventions for children.
Teletherapy
Many therapists have shifted from in-person therapy sessions to online therapy and video counseling. In many instances, teletherapy has been supported by research studies to be as effective as in-person therapy sessions. Teletherapy also makes meeting with a therapist easier! If you believe that teletherapy would be a better fit for you and your child, consider asking therapists whether they can provide teletherapy.
Psychiatrists
If you are interested in learning about medication management for anxiety, we recommend you seek out a psychiatrist. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health disorders like anxiety. Look for Board Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists – they have gone through years of training to be experts in working with children and families. If you do not have a psychiatrist and you are interested in learning about medication for anxiety, we recommend you check out the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry website.
