A growing number of parents are finding themselves overwhelmed and exhausted by the search for the “right” therapist for their children—especially for conditions like ADHD, where behavioral outbursts can create urgent family stress. This was the central story in a recent episode of Slate’s “Care and Feeding” parenting podcast, where hosts responded to a mother tired by seemingly endless therapy trials and the ongoing struggle to find support for her daughter’s behavioral needs. Her dilemma reflects a wider phenomenon now drawing attention in new research and news: ‘therapy shopping’—the often stressful, confusing, and time-consuming search for effective mental health care—is exacting a heavy toll on families everywhere (Slate Podcast).
For Thai readers, the news hits close to home. Thailand, like much of the world, has seen a strong uptick in mental health concerns among children and adolescents, with an estimated one in seven adolescents and one in fourteen children living with a mental health disorder (UNICEF Thailand). Despite the urgent need, securing timely and appropriate care can be a daunting task—often leading desperate parents into a lengthy, uncertain process of trial-and-error with multiple therapists, clinics, and approaches.
Globally and in Thailand, barriers to mental health care are well documented. According to the World Health Organization and health researchers, major obstacles include a shortage of qualified therapists, financial constraints, geographic barriers, and stigmatization around seeking mental health support (Wikipedia - Barriers to mental health care). For parents of children with ADHD or other behavioral conditions, the problem is further complicated by the need for specialized expertise and the importance of compatibility between child, family, and therapist—something rarely found on the first (or even fifth) attempt.
“Therapy shopping”—though not yet a formal medical term—is increasingly recognized by mental health professionals as a real source of emotional fatigue and potential burnout for caregivers. “Trying to find the right mental health provider for your child can feel like a full-time job,” notes Dr. Emily Becker-Haimes, a clinical psychologist at the University of Pennsylvania, highlighting the emotional and logistical hurdles parents face. “Every assessment, intake, and session is emotionally draining when you’re desperate for support” (Psychology Today).
Recent research adds a nuanced view: a 2023 randomized community-based trial in the United States found that, while evidence-based behavior therapy (BT) for adolescents with ADHD has a strong track record, its real impact in community care settings is highly variable. In particular, outcomes were measurably better when therapy was delivered by licensed professionals—but less so with unlicensed clinicians, pointing to inequities in the system and real obstacles for families seeking high-quality, tailored care (PubMed - Community-Based Trial of BT for ADHD). Another 2024 study on digital interventions for ADHD revealed that young people themselves crave therapy that’s accessible, individualized, and blended with technology—issues that remain only partially addressed in most traditional care settings.
These challenges are mirrored in the Thai context. Studies from Thai academic journals and UNICEF highlight that parents in Thailand cite lack of awareness, accessibility, and sustained support as central to the difficulty in finding effective help (ThaiJO - Parent Perceptions of Mental Health Care; UNICEF Thailand Blog). Thailand’s push to modernize child and adolescent mental health services, such as the development of specialized mental health service systems (MHSS) for guardians, aims to address some of these pain points—but implementation lags behind need (ThaiJO - Development of MHSS).
Meanwhile, cultural factors add further complexity. In Thai society, the importance of “saving face,” family harmony, and traditional expectations can discourage open discussion of behavioral or emotional struggles. Reluctance to seek outside help, compounded by stigma, can delay or derail the search for therapy—forcing families into isolation or reliance on informal networks. This difficulty, called ‘khwam pen maak’ (ความเป็นมาก), is especially pronounced in rural areas and among economically disadvantaged groups.
The personal costs are not just emotional but also practical. International reports reveal some parents resort to drastic measures—such as giving up custody to the state—to access the care their children desperately need (USA Today - Parents give up custody). Thailand has not reported such extremes widely, but the pattern of resignation, fatigue, and even disengagement is visible in feedback from parent support groups and non-profit organizations. “Many parents simply give up after a string of failed attempts, either losing trust in the system or running out of resources,” observes Dr. Natsuda Janjaroen, a Thai child psychiatrist.
Importantly, the research is clear: effective intervention can dramatically improve outcomes for children with behavioral and emotional disorders, but only when barriers to access and continuity are addressed. Collaborative, family-centered practices that emphasize ongoing dialogue between therapists, schools, and families—rather than a passive ‘wait-your-turn’ approach—offer the best chance for positive, sustained results (PubMed - School-Based Practice Review).
For Thai families currently struggling with ‘therapy shopping,’ several practical steps can make the process less daunting:
- Start with credible, centralized resources. The Thai Ministry of Public Health, academic hospitals, and reputable NGO hotlines such as Samaritans of Thailand or the Childline Foundation provide directories and initial screening (UNICEF Thailand Recommendations).
- Ask about therapist licensure and experience with specific conditions. Not all therapists have equal experience with complex behavioral disorders like ADHD, and research shows this matters.
- Embrace digital and blended options. Particularly for teens, technology-enabled care (such as online cognitive-behavioral therapy or hybrid telemedicine approaches) can reduce barriers of distance and scheduling, as shown in emerging international studies.
- Advocate for collaborative care. Press for open communication between your child’s school, your chosen therapist, and your family. This holistic approach is associated with better long-term results.
- Practice patience—both with your child and the system. The process may take several tries, but persistence and a proactive approach can make a real difference.
Looking ahead, Thailand’s mental health system must continue its evolution, learning from global best practices while remaining attuned to the uniquely Thai social fabric. Expanding training for community-based, licensed therapists, investing in digital care, and reducing stigma through nationwide awareness campaigns are vital steps—as is ensuring that parents, like the mom in Slate’s podcast, feel less isolated and exhausted by a system intended to help.
For Thai readers facing the therapy shopping maze, remember: you are not alone in this (คุณไม่ได้อยู่คนเดียว). Reach out, persist, and—most importantly—trust that finding help for your family is a journey worth taking, even if the path is sometimes winding.
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