Hello,

Unless the child is a mental health professional him- or herself, it is best to refer a child for mental health or substance abuse issues as soon as they are suspected. [Even then, there is an old saying in medicine that anyone who treats himself has a fool for a patient.] Any problem a child has is best tackled as early as possible after it is recognized. A school-based professional may only suggest to the parents - they cannot make referrals. If the child is being disruptive, then they will go through the disciplinary process set out by the school system.

After the child is in treatment or therapy, the parent and school liaison should cooperate with the treatment program, lending any appropriate assistance. The school team will want to make the child's school progress both academic and behavioral available to the treating professional and the parents. The parents should also be forthcoming with information about their child's behavior - both positive and negative. The idea is that everyone should work as a team to provide the best all-encompassing help for the child.