A rising number of families feel overwhelmed by the search for the most suitable therapist for their children, especially when ADHD-related behaviors create urgent stress at home. This was the focus of a recent episode on Slate’s Care and Feeding podcast, where a mother described the draining cycle of trial after trial in search of support for her daughter. The episode underscores a broader trend now gaining attention in research and news: therapy shopping—the demanding, time-consuming hunt for effective mental health care.
For Thai readers, the issue resonates deeply. Thailand, like many countries, has seen increasing concerns about child and adolescent mental health. UNICEF Thailand reports notable prevalence among youth, underscoring the need for timely, appropriate care. Yet families often face a daunting journey through multiple clinics, therapists, and approaches, all while coping with daily challenges at home.
Barriers to mental health care are well documented both globally and in Thailand. The World Health Organization and researchers point to shortages of qualified therapists, financial constraints, geographic hurdles, and stigma surrounding mental health support. For families dealing with ADHD or other behavioral conditions, the difficulty is compounded by the necessity of finding specialized expertise and ensuring compatibility among child, family, and clinician—something not guaranteed on the first attempt.
Therapy shopping is increasingly recognized by mental health professionals as a real source of emotional fatigue for caregivers. A clinical psychologist at a major university emphasizes that the process of seeking care can feel like a full-time job, with each intake and session carrying emotional weight when parents are anxious to find relief for their child. The burden extends beyond the home, affecting school teams and community supports as families navigate care pathways.
Recent research adds nuance: a 2023 randomized community trial in the United States found that evidence-based behavioral therapy for adolescents with ADHD yields strong outcomes in controlled settings, but real-world results vary. Outcomes improved when therapy was delivered by licensed professionals, highlighting disparities in access to high-quality care, a challenge for families seeking tailored support. A 2024 study on digital interventions for ADHD also shows that young people want accessible, personalized, technology-enabled therapy—a need not yet fully met by traditional care models.
In Thailand, studies by local universities and UNICEF echo similar patterns. Parents report gaps in awareness, accessibility, and sustained support. Thailand’s efforts to modernize child and adolescent mental health services, including new service frameworks for guardians, aim to address these gaps, but implementation remains uneven.
Cultural factors add another layer. Thai society often prioritizes family harmony and saving face, which can discourage open discussion of emotional or behavioral struggles. Stigma and concerns about judgment may prevent families from seeking outside help, especially in rural or economically constrained areas.
The personal costs go beyond emotion. International reports have highlighted extreme scenarios where parents, under pressure to access care, consider drastic options. While such extremes are not widely reported in Thailand, the fatigue and disengagement seen in parent communities can erode trust in the system and deter ongoing help-seeking. Child health experts caution that persistent, fragmented care undermines long-term outcomes.
Yet the evidence is clear: early, coordinated intervention can yield meaningful improvements for children with behavioral and emotional challenges. The most effective models emphasize collaboration among therapists, schools, and families, moving away from passive wait-your-turn approaches toward continuous, family-centered care.
Practical steps for Thai families navigating therapy shopping:
- Start with trusted, centralized resources. National health authorities, major academic hospitals, and reputable child health hotlines can provide initial guidance and screening.
- Inquire about therapist licensure and specific experience with conditions like ADHD. Expertise matters for complex cases.
- Consider digital and blended care options. Online therapy and hybrid models can improve access for teens and those in remote areas.
- Advocate for collaborative care. Encourage open communication among schools, clinicians, and families to support consistency and better outcomes.
- Be patient and proactive. Finding the right fit may take time, but persistence improves the odds of meaningful progress.
Looking ahead, Thailand’s mental health system should continue to evolve by expanding licensed community-based practitioners, advancing digital care, and reducing stigma through nationwide awareness. Strengthening collaboration among schools, families, and therapists will help ensure that families feel supported rather than exhausted by the process.
For Thai families facing the therapy shopping maze, know you are not alone. Reach out, stay engaged, and remember that seeking appropriate help for your child is a journey worth pursuing, even when the road is winding.