How do I know if my child needs evaluation?

If you notice delays in speech, social skills, behaviour, learning, motor skills, or if your child is not meeting age-appropriate milestones, an evaluation is recommended. Early assessment helps identify developmental needs and ensures timely intervention.

Do you provide therapy services to very young children?

Yes. Pranaah Child Development Centre provides early intervention and therapy services for infants and toddlers. Early support can significantly improve developmental outcomes.

What should I do if I do not know which therapy is most appropriate for my child?

A comprehensive assessment is the best way to determine which therapy your child needs. At Pranaah, specialists evaluate your child's strengths and developmental challenges and recommend the right intervention plan.

Assessment is a structured evaluation conducted by qualified professionals to understand a child's developmental, cognitive, behavioural, speech, and motor abilities. It helps identify concerns and guides the therapy plan.

How long does an assessment take?

Most assessments take 45–90 minutes depending on the child's age, cooperation, and the type of testing required. In some cases, multiple sessions may be needed.

What do I need to bring for the evaluation of my child?

Parents are advised to bring the child's medical history, previous reports, school feedback, birth details, and any relevant documents. This helps specialists make an accurate developmental profile.

Can I bring other children to the assessment session?

For best results, it is recommended to attend the session with only the child being assessed. A quiet, distraction-free environment helps the therapist conduct accurate evaluations.

Should both parents attend the assessment session?

Yes, if possible. Both parents attending helps provide complete background information and ensures that everyone clearly understands the findings and recommendations.

Do I get a report after assessment, and can I submit it to my child’s school?

Yes. After the assessment, a detailed report is provided. This report can be submitted to your child’s school, paediatrician, or other professionals for support and academic planning.

How long is the assessment report valid?

Reports are generally valid for 6–12 months depending on how quickly your child progresses. However, if there are major concerns or rapid developmental changes, an updated evaluation may be needed sooner.

Will the therapist discuss findings with parents after the assessment?

Yes. After the assessment, the therapist will explain the findings, discuss your child's strengths and needs, and recommend the best intervention or therapy plan.

How to Find a Good Child Psychologist in Kollam — 8 Questions to Ask

Team Pranaah

60 minutes ago

3 min read

How to Find a Good Child Psychologist in Kollam — 8 Questions to Ask

Watching your child struggle emotionally or behaviorally is a deeply painful experience. When you decide it's time to seek professional help, the very next thought is often an overwhelming one: “But how do I find the right person here in Kollam?” You want a psychologist who isn't just qualified on paper, but who can truly connect with and help your child. At Pranaah, we understand this profound responsibility. To guide you, here are 8 essential questions to ask any potential child psychologist, setting a clear benchmark for what to look for.

1. "What is Your Specific Experience with Children of This Age and Concern?"

Child psychology is a vast field. The expert helping a pre-schooler with separation anxiety should ideally have deep experience different from one handling an adolescent with academic stress. Don't hesitate to ask for specifics. A good psychologist will welcome this and clearly outline their experience with cases similar to your child’s. You are looking for a professional, not just a generalist.

2. "What Therapeutic Approaches Do You Use, and Why?"

You don't need to become a clinical expert, but you should understand their roadmap. Will they use Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), art-based techniques, or a combination? Ask them to explain their approach in simple terms and why they believe it would work for a child like yours. The right fit will have a clear, thoughtful rationale and will make you feel comfortable with the process.

3. "How Do You Involve Us as Parents in the Process?"

Therapy for a child is most effective when it's a partnership. A trustworthy psychologist will have a clear plan for parent collaboration, separate from the child’s confidential space. You want to hear about regular parent feedback sessions, and a willingness to offer guidance on how you can be a positive support pillar at home. Someone who excludes parents entirely may not be looking at the full picture of your child’s world.

4. "Do You Have Experience Working with Schools in Kollam?"

A child’s struggles often surface in the classroom. It’s invaluable to have a psychologist who can ethically and effectively liaise with your child’s school, if needed. They can collaborate with teachers to create a supportive environment, turning the school from a point of stress into a partner in your child’s well-being. This local familiarity is a significant advantage.

5. "How Do You Build Trust and Rapport with a Hesitant Child?"

The first few sessions are everything. A skilled child psychologist has a clear, gentle methodology for making a child feel safe, not analyzed. They might describe using games, drawing, or simply talking about the child’s interests. Their answer should communicate warmth, patience, and an absolute respect for the child’s pace. If a psychologist cannot articulate how they do this, they may not be the right fit.

6. "What Are the Logistics and Ethical Foundations of Your Practice?"

This builds confidence and filters out unqualified practitioners. Key logistical and ethical points to clarify include:

Qualifications & Credentials: Their specific degree (e.g., M.Phil in Clinical Psychology) and RCI registration.
Confidentiality: How they explain privacy to both you and your child in an age-appropriate way.
Session Structure & Fees: A clear, upfront breakdown of session length, frequency, and cost.

7. "What Does Progress Look Like, and How Do We Track It?"

Therapy is a journey, not a magic wand. A good psychologist will collaboratively set small, realistic goals with you and your child. They will explain how you'll track improvement—not just through a reduction in "problem behaviors," but by nurturing your child's inner strengths, vocabulary for feelings, and healthier coping skills. This sets realistic expectations for everyone.

8. "Can We Have an Initial Conversation to See If It's a Good Fit?"

This is the most powerful question of all. The therapeutic relationship is the strongest agent of change. Most good professionals, including us at Pranaah, offer a preliminary conversation. This isn't therapy, but it allows you and your child to get a feel for the psychologist's presence, ask these very questions, and make an informed decision.

Finding the Right Fit at Pranaah

At Pranaah, we welcome these questions. We believe informed parents make the best partners in a child’s healing journey. Our child psychology services in Kollam are built on a foundation of deep clinical expertise, genuine warmth, creative therapeutic techniques, and an unwavering commitment to partnering with both you and your child.

👉 Ask Us These Questions — Book Your First Consultation | 👉 Meet Our Child Psychologist