When to see a Clinical Psychologist versus a Family Therapist

As a parent, it can be difficult to know what type of mental health support your child

needs — especially when you're navigating unfamiliar terms like “clinical psychologist” and “family therapist.” Both professionals play vital roles in supporting children and families, but they offer different kinds of help.

At TAE Psychology, Dr Eneberi is often asked which type of support will be most helpful. As such, here's a guide to help you understand when support from a clinical psychologist versus a family therapist may be helpful.

Understanding the Roles

Clinical Psychologists are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of mental health conditions. They work with children experiencing issues such as:

• Anxiety and depression

• Trauma or PTSD

• Autism spectrum Disorder (ASD)

• Attention Deficit Hhyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

• Self-harm or suicidal thoughts

• Developmental difficulties

• Complex emotional or behavioural problems

  
  

Clinical psychologists often use evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), play-based interventions, or other interventions to treat a child's difficulties.

Family therapists (also known as Systemic Psychotherapists) focus on relationships and communication within the family. Rather than treating one person in isolation, they consider how family dynamics might be influencing a child’s wellbeing. Common issues they support include:

• Family conflict or breakdown

• Behavioural difficulties linked to family stress

• Blended family challenges

• Coping with bereavement or major transitions

• Parent-child relationship difficulties

• Sibling rivalry or disconnection

  
  

They work with the whole family or with key members and aim to strengthen relationships and improve communication patterns.

When to See a Clinical Psychologist

Consider a clinical psychologist if your child is showing signs of:

• Persistent low mood, withdrawal, or anxiety

• Difficulty coping in school or social situations

• Self-harming behaviour or suicidal ideation

• Obsessive thoughts or compulsive behaviours

• Developmental delays that affect emotional or cognitive function

• Trauma, abuse, or neglect

• Difficulty regulating emotions or sudden behavioural changes

When to See a Family Therapist

Turn to a family therapist if:

• Your child’s behaviour seems closely tied to tension within the family

• You’re struggling with co-parenting or stepfamily challenges

• Your child’s distress increases after a divorce, move, or major life event

• You’re feeling disconnected or always in conflict as a family

• You’d like to understand how your parenting style affects your child

• You’re looking for support in improving family communication

Can They Work Together?

Yes. In fact, many families benefit from seeing both, either simultaneously or sequentially. For example, a clinical psychologist might focus on a child’s trauma symptoms, while a family therapist works with the parents and siblings to rebuild a supportive home environment.