Discuss how and why parents and families must be involved in the treatment of children with psychiatric disorders

What will be an ideal response?

• Parents need education, instruction, emotional support, and advocacy regarding child's issues in order for a child to benefit from treatment
• Parents are usually the first to recognize and seek treatment
• Parents are critical in understanding the need for treatment and can stop treatment
• The relationship between the therapist and the parents/family is critical
• Parents may also have their own psychiatric issues that should be addressed