Therapeutic (Not Educational) Consultant
As a Therapeutic Consultant I provide expert advice and guidance on various aspects of therapy, mental health programs, family needs, institutions and organizations to ensure proper placement, as well as help improve treatment experiences and outcomes. Leveraging my knowledge and experience in the mental health field, I help clients and their families with the confusion and stress of finding the right treatment for their loved ones.
This is a role that has traditionally been filled by Educational Consultants. Educational Consultants certainly have expertise in academic placements, curriculum development, college admissions, special education needs, and teacher training, among other aspects, but when families are seeking mental health treatment for their children or other loved ones, expertise in mental health is called for. Especially when we consider that often these programs can be expensive, long term and require the patient to travel to a new and different part of the country to attend, making an informed decision is of paramount importance.
That is where I come in.
Trying to get your child or loved one the mental health treatment and support they need is an act of deep love and courage. Having helped families navigate this in the past, I also understand that the journey towards finding the right mental health program for your child or loved one can be a confusing, frustrating and overwhelming experience, often occurring during a family’s most trying time. If your child or loved one is in crisis, you may also be feeling added pressure to get them to the right place as quickly as possible, which can compound these feelings.
My role as a Therapeutic Consultant is to help ease these confusions, frustrations and fears and to coach your family through the process of identifying the best fit for your loved one in need. So how is this done?
By first spending time getting to know your family and loved one, from listening to your stories and perspectives, your backgrounds and hopes for the future, and from reviewing your loved one’s current issues and past treatment history, I will construct a coherent narrative assessment that I will share and discuss with you.
My role then is to offer your family options and to help guide your choices through offering dispassionate advice and clear information. While I may advocate for certain things during the process, the final decision is in your hands. If a choice is made, I will then continue to assist during the admissions process and, if needed, while your child or loved one is in treatment and post-discharge. As an experienced family coach, I can also, if needed, offer support for your family during and after your loved one’s attendance at whatever mental health institution is chosen.
Having worked for years as a clinician at a distinguished outpatient program in Boston, MA, I have had direct exposure to the world of high-end private mental health institutions. I worked with clients from, and referred clients to, many of the most prestigious programs in the country. I also worked with admissions professionals to discuss with parents and clients whether or not the program that employed me was an appropriate fit for their loved one and, if it proved not to be, assisted them with identifying and gaining admission to a more suitable institution. Through these experiences I developed a keen capacity to work with families, as well as a deep knowledge of many programs throughout the country, what these programs can offer and which clients may benefit from them.
Thank you for taking the time to research and find the best care for your child or loved one. It truly is an act of deep love and courage to seek out such treatment. I also thank you for considering allowing me to assist your family in this time of need.
For more information please visit my website, DaveDionisio.com, and don’t hesitate to contact me to set up a free 15 minute Consultation Call where we can discuss your current situation and how I may be able to help your family. I look forward to helping you.