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If you live in DC, the most fruitful lead for finding a student therapist is to contact the George Washington University (GWU) Department of Psychology. you can apply the same tactics to the university or community college nearest you if you live outside the DC Metro area. [Use a search engine to find the university’s Web site address. Then, search within the site, using keywords like psychology or speech and language, to find the department head.]

Before we tell you our step-by-step directions, let us fill you in on some of the specifics of what you need to know to find the right student therapist for your child

Composing the Ad — What to Say

You’ll want to describe your child’s disability and mention the diagnosis if you feel comfortable with divulging that information. Outline the student’s job responsibilities as clearly as possible. See the sample ad right. (Feel free to adapt the ad to fit your needs).

In your ad, offer training by a licensed professional, such as a speech and language pathologist or psychologist. Surprisingly, the psychology program at GWU does not offer a course in intervention strategies and programs. 

How Much You Should Pay

The going rate for a student therapist in the DC metro area averages $10 to $12 an hour. If you live in the suburbs, you might want to offer more, like $15 an hour. Don’t go into too much detail about hours and days in your ad. Discuss that with the students who respond to your ad. They have class schedules to work around. Be flexible. If you live near a metro, mention that. It is a big draw since many students don’t have a car.

Juniors, seniors and graduate students are the best pool to pick from because they are the most mature, committed and dedicated. They generally don’t do this type of work for the money.

An Ad That Got Results (See Other Ads)

 

Text Box: SOCIAL SKILLS THERAPIST WANTED — Washington, DC: Seeking social skills therapist for bright and verbal 3 1/2 year old with developmental delays. Will train the right person. Ideal qualifications include a person who is highly animated, energetic but most of all dedicated and committed to helping a very special child. Responsibilities include facilitating social interactions with typically developing peers during one-on-one play dates, coming up with play activities that promote social interactions, and expanding play and conversation skills. Hours: Call to discuss. $10-$12/hour, depending on experience. Convenient location — 5 blocks from Bethesda metro stop. Contact: [name] at [email address] or [phone number].

Posting Your Ad

Forget printing out an ad and posting it on a student bulletin board. That’s a perfunctory exercise that is unlikely to yield any immediate results. You want to get to the person who runs the email listserv for psych students.

These students are capable of being trained in floortime, verbal behavior and vision therapy. [If you want a certified therapist, you’ll have a tough time finding one. Unfortunately, there isn’t a pool of therapists from which to pick, and, if there were, it would likely be a very short list.]

At GW, that’s Angela Perry. Before you email Ms. Perry your ad, call her at 202-994-2578. Tell her who you are and what you’d like for her to do. Here’s a sample script:

mom: “Hello, Angela. I’m [name] and the mother of a child with special needs. I’m looking for a student therapist, and understand that if I write up a short ad and email it to you, you’ll post it on the psych listserv.”

Ms. Perry will tell you to send her the ad to perryac@gwu.edu. Ms. Perry is responsive, posting ads right away. You’re likely to get responses within the hour.

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How to Find a Student Therapist In the DC Metro Area