Questions to Ask a Child’s Therapist Before You Book
A short list of questions to ask a counsellor, play therapist or psychotherapist before your child starts. Print it, take it to a first call, and tick them off.
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Please read. This is general information, not medical, legal or professional advice. We’re a directory: we don’t provide therapy, and we don’t recommend, endorse or guarantee any practitioner or register. Always check a practitioner’s registration yourself on the official register before you book. We checked the facts on this page on each organisation’s own website on 21 October 2026, but registers and rules change, so the official website is always the final word.
If a child is in immediate danger, call 999. If you are worried about a child, you can call the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000. Children and young people can call Childline free on 0800 1111. For urgent mental health help that is not an emergency, call NHS 111.
Questions to Ask a Child’s Therapist
Registration and training
- Which register are you on, and what is your registration or membership number?
- What is your training in working with children and young people?
- Which ages do you work with?
Safeguarding
- Do you have a current enhanced DBS check, or the equivalent in Scotland or Northern Ireland?
- What happens if you are worried about my child’s safety?
- Who supervises your work with children?
Working with us as parents or carers
- How will you involve me, and how often will we meet?
- What will you share with me, and what will stay between you and my child?
- Will you speak to school or our GP, and only with my permission?
The practical side
- Where do sessions happen, and how long do they last?
- How many sessions do you expect, and how will we review progress?
- What are your fees and cancellation terms?
- What happens when therapy ends?
From therapistcircle.co.uk/guides/questions-to-ask-a-childs-therapist. General information, not advice. Always check registration yourself on the official register. If a child is in immediate danger, call 999.
Why These Questions?
Titles such as child counsellor and play therapist are not protected by law, so asking about registration lets you check it yourself. Professional bodies such as BAPT expect their full members working with children to have a current enhanced DBS check (or PVG in Scotland), clinical supervision and safeguarding training. A good practitioner will be happy to answer these questions.
More for Parents and Carers
Sources
Not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the NHS, the Health and Care Professions Council, the Professional Standards Authority, the General Medical Council or any professional body or register named here. Last reviewed 21 October 2026.
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